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Quality Assurance Agreement for Primary Metal Manufacturing

Primary Metal Manufacturing · NAICS 331 · Quality Assurance Agreement

In primary metal manufacturing, quality is not just a promise—it's a contract. When you supply steel, aluminum, titanium, or other metals to automotive, aerospace, construction, or energy customers, they demand absolute consistency in chemistry, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances. A Quality Assurance Agreement (QAA) formalizes these expectations, defining the specifications, testing protocols, and documentation required before, during, and after production. This agreement protects both the supplier and the buyer by setting clear standards, avoiding costly disputes over nonconforming materials, and ensuring compliance with industry standards like ASTM, ASME, and SAE. Whether you are a mill, foundry, or fabricator, a QAA is your blueprint for delivering defect-free metal products and building trust with your customers.

When you need this document

When entering a long-term supply contract with a new customer who requires documented quality procedures.
When a customer demands compliance with specific industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME, AMS) or quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
When the metal product is used in critical applications (aerospace, automotive safety, pressure vessels) where failure is catastrophic.
When there have been past quality disputes or rejections, and you need to clarify responsibilities and remedies.
When you need to align internal quality control processes with customer expectations before production begins.
When a customer requires specific testing or certification documentation, such as mill test reports (MTRs) or certificates of conformance.

What the generated draft includes

Product specifications and applicable industry standards (ASTM, ASME, SAE, AMS)
Quality management system requirements (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.)
Inspection, testing, and sampling procedures (chemical, mechanical, nondestructive)
Traceability and documentation requirements (MTRs, heat numbers, certificates)
Nonconforming product handling and corrective action procedures
Warranty, liability, and dispute resolution clauses

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Quality Assurance Agreement and a regular supply agreement?

A supply agreement covers commercial terms like price, delivery, and quantity. A Quality Assurance Agreement focuses specifically on quality-related obligations: specifications, testing, inspections, documentation, and how to handle nonconforming products. It is often attached as an exhibit to a master supply agreement.

Why do I need a separate QA agreement if I already have an ISO 9001 system?

ISO 9001 certifies your quality management system, but it doesn't guarantee that every product meets a specific customer's requirements. A QA agreement defines the exact specifications, testing methods, and acceptance criteria for your customer's unique products, which may be stricter than general industry standards.

Can this agreement help me reduce liability for defective metal products?

Yes. By clearly defining specifications, testing requirements, and warranty limitations, you can limit your exposure to claims arising from misuse or failure to follow specified procedures. However, you cannot disclaim implied warranties under the law, and the agreement must be drafted carefully to be enforceable.

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