Erstmusterprüfbericht (EMPB)

Purpose of an FAIR

With the first article 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 FAIR, 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 FAIRs

Thus, the first article 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 FAIRs

The reason for creating an initial sample test report can be for the following reasons: New design, redesign or to check the manufacturer's quality. Depending on the agreement, initial sample test reports are created by both the supplier and the manufacturer (recipient). If the product in question is produced again, this must be done under the same conditions and based on the initial sample. In these cases, a Initial sampling to be carried out:

• A new product or product part is manufactured in series for the first time
• A fault in an existing product or product part has been rectified and is now to be produced in series again.
• A product or product part is manufactured from a different material - as originally authorised.
• Relocation of the production site
• …

Retention periods for First Article 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.