First Article Inspection Report (FAIR)

Purpose of an EMPB

With the initial sample inspection report, the supplier (subcontractor) can prove to the customer (manufacturer) that the delivered products meet the customer's specifications and quality requirements. In the EMPB, the customer informs the supplier of the target and the determined actual values of the product or production part. In addition, the initial sample inspection report summarises and documents all important information about the product, such as product requirements, quality and necessary tests.

Function of EMPBs

Thus, the initial sample inspection report serves to document the results of the initial samples according to the client's specifications before the series run. The informative value and complexity of initial sample inspection reports can vary.

Occasion of EMPBs

The reason for preparing an initial sample inspection report can be the following: New design, redesign or to check the manufacturer's quality. Depending on the agreement, initial sample inspection reports are created by both the supplier and the manufacturer (recipient).

In the event of a new production of the product concerned, this shall be carried out under the same conditions and shall be based on the initial sample.

Retention periods for initial sample inspection reports

The retention of initial sample inspection reports is governed by §257 para. 1 HGB and § 147 AO. As a rule, however, an archiving period of 10 years applies to initial sample inspection reports.