ISO 2859-1-1999 PDF

Full title and description

Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection. This International Standard specifies AQL-indexed sampling plans and acceptance/rejection criteria used for attribute (pass/fail) inspection of lots.

Abstract

ISO 2859-1:1999 provides a system of single, double and multiple sampling schemes indexed by AQL to determine lot acceptance or rejection for lot-by-lot inspection. It describes sample-size tables, acceptance numbers, and rules for normal, reduced and tightened inspection modes — supporting statistically based quality control while minimizing inspection effort.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (replaced by a later edition).
• Publication date: 18 November 1999.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 03.120.30 — Application of statistical methods.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (1999).
• Number of pages: 87 pages.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are recorded on the ISO catalogue entry for ISO 2859-1:1999 and national standards catalogues.

Scope

Applies to lot-by-lot acceptance sampling by attributes for a broad range of products, materials, processes and administrative records. The standard defines AQL-indexed sampling schemes, sample size selection tables, acceptance/rejection criteria and switching rules between normal, reduced and tightened inspection based on observed quality. It is intended for series of lots produced by a single process or supplier where sampling (rather than 100% inspection) is the practical quality-control approach.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) as the indexed parameter for sampling plans.
• Tables of sample sizes and acceptance/rejection numbers for single, double and multiple sampling schemes.
• Rules for switching between normal, reduced and tightened inspection based on inspection history.
• Procedures for lot classification, determination of lot size ranges and selection of inspection level (I, II, III, etc.).
• Guidance on application limits, interpretation of results and relation to other sampling systems (historical MIL-STD/ANSI practices).

These topics are central to the standard as published in the 1999 edition and as summarized in later ISO documentation.

Typical use and users

Used by quality engineers, production supervisors, incoming inspection teams, suppliers, auditors and conformity assessment bodies to design and apply attribute sampling plans for production lots. Common in manufacturing, supply-chain incoming inspection, contract acceptance testing and any context where statistically based lot acceptance decisions are required.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 2859 series (other parts and related guidance). Historically related to national/commercial equivalents and predecessors such as MIL‑STD‑105 and ANSI/ASQ Z1.4; the 1999 edition was later revised and replaced by a newer ISO 2859-1 edition (published 2026). The 1999 edition also had corrigenda and an amendment issued (Corrections 2001 and Amendment 2011).

Keywords

AQL, acceptance quality limit, sampling procedures, inspection by attributes, lot-by-lot inspection, sampling plans, acceptance sampling, inspection levels, switching rules.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 2859-1:1999 is an International Standard that specifies AQL-indexed sampling schemes for attribute (pass/fail) inspection used to decide acceptance or rejection of production lots.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of sample sizes, acceptance and rejection numbers for single/double/multiple sampling, inspection levels, and rules for normal/reduced/tightened inspection — enabling statistically based lot acceptance decisions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality and production personnel, incoming inspection and receiving departments, suppliers, auditors and conformity assessment bodies who need standardized attribute sampling plans.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 2859-1:1999 has been withdrawn and superseded by a later edition (ISO 2859-1 published in 2026). The 1999 edition remains a historical reference but users should consult the current ISO 2859-1 edition for up-to-date tables and rules.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO 2859 series on sampling procedures for inspection by attributes; other related documents, corrigenda and amendments exist and national standards like ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 and historical MIL‑STD‑105 cover similar methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: AQL, acceptance sampling, sampling plans, attributes inspection, lot acceptance, inspection levels, switching rules.