About Us
Our Company Story and History Timeline
The QA International Story
QA International, Ltd. was founded in 1993 to provide Quality Management and independent Inspection, Auditing and Testing services for U.S. importers in key source countries in the Far East, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Our roots really stretch back to 1985, and our founder’s participation in the development of the Consumer Safety Division of SGS, when McDonald’s “Happy Meals” drove the voluntary industry standards into mandatory U.S. government safety requirements (CPSIA) and global regulations.
Our history reflects a true pioneering spirit in the quality-assurance and consumer-compliance industry (see our historical timeline below). Today, a key differentiator is our ability to look ahead. We constantly monitor cycles and trends in quality assurance and the marketplace, which gives us – and our clients – an advantage. We’ll know what to prioritize before the market takes a turn to ensure a smooth experience on every front.
A deeply-held commitment to integrity in all our dealings is in the foundation of our company story. It sets us apart as one of the most well-respected firms in our industry.
Our Company History Timeline
QA INTERNATIONAL, LTD. IS FOUNDED
We started the company to provide Quality Management and independent Inspection, Auditing and Testing services for U.S. importers in key source countries in the Far East, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. At the outset, we primarily served Taiwan, HK (China), South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand via a network of agency arrangements.
QAI INNOVATES ONLINE DATA MANAGEMENT
Quality PortTM, our exclusive, proprietary web-based management system, is introduced.
QAI CHINA LAUNCHES
We set up a company hub in China to perform and manage inspection and auditing services in Mainland China.
CHINA LAB PARTNERSHIP FORMED
QAI and Helmsman Quality & Technology Services (HQTS) form a Sino Joint Venture, QAI China, and open the venture’s first laboratory in HangZhou. Today, this lab concentrates on packaging, glassware, ceramics, natural products, candles, and other giftware-related products.
ISTA CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
Our China Package Testing Laboratory becomes ISTA Certified.
CHINA LAB SERVICES ARE EXPANDED
Our China Laboratory begins offering Toy Safety Testing, Textile & Chemical Analysis services.
ISO 17025 CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
Our China Laboratory achieves ISO 17025 Certification.
ISO 17020 CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
Our China Inspection Services achieve ISO 17020 Certification.
CPSO LAB CERTIFICATION MILESTONE
We become approved as a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO Certified Laboratory) in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
QAI CHINA BECOMES HQTS-QAI
QAI China rebrands to new name, HQTS QA International Services, or HQTS-QAI.
CHINESE METROLOGY ACCREDITATION MILESTONE
HQTS-QAI achieves Chinese Metrology Accreditation allowing for testing for products sold in China.
KEY ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED
HQTS-QAI celebrates 10 years in business. QA International celebrates 20 years in business.
PREMIUM NEW CHINA FACILITY OPENS
HQTS-QAI moves into a new 75,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art facility in Northwest HangZhou.
FOOTWEAR TESTING LAB ACQUISITION
QAI brings shoe inspection quality services in-house.
DATA MANAGEMENT PORTAL EXPANSION
Buildout begins on our proprietary web-based data management portal, Quality Port™, which will give our clients 24/7 access to their own real-time, important compliance and quality data.
QUALITY PORT™ GOES BETA
Self-management software system testing trials begin.
QUALITY PORT™ ROLLS OUT
Our first Quality Port client is onboarded.
QUALITY PORT™ COMPANY-WIDE IMPLEMENTATION BEGINS
We are migrating all of our current clients to the new interactive system where they’ll be able to manage their own real-time data, 24/7.