RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) is the formal process for returning defective products to a Chinese manufacturer for evaluation, repair, replacement, or credit.
Without a structured RMA process, disputes with Chinese suppliers can drag on for weeks. Most reputable factories follow a 3-stage process: 1) Defect Report → 2) Root Cause Analysis → 3) Resolution.
Typical warranty terms for Chinese manufactured parts:
Mold & Tooling: 12 months from shipping, covers steel defects and workmanship
Injection Molded Parts: 30-90 days, covers dimensional and cosmetic issues
CNC Machined Parts: 30 days, covers dimensional accuracy
Die Cast Parts: 60 days, covers porosity and cracks
Sheet Metal: 30 days, covers bending and surface defects
Most factories accept warranty claims at 50-50 shipping cost split.
Severity | Definition | Resolution
--- | --- | ---
Critical | Safety hazard / function failure | Immediate replacement at factory cost
Major | Performance degradation | Repair or 50% credit
Minor | Cosmetic but acceptable | Discount (10-30%) or ship next order
Observation | Not a defect per spec | Flagged for next order improvement
Chinese factories typically accept responsibility for Critical and Major defects. Minor defects are often negotiated.
1. Photos — well-lit, with ruler for scale
2. Measurement data — CMM report or caliper readings
3. Quantity affected — total lot vs defect count
4. Severity assessment — critical, major, or minor
5. Requested resolution — replacement, credit, or discount
Best practice: Send a complaint within 48 hours of receiving goods. Delayed complaints are often rejected.