Manufacturing
HNB Quality Control Checklist for Importers
By KOKEN Editorial Team · Published · 3 min read
HNB quality control covers five areas: the filling (moisture and consistency), stick physicals (length, diameter, weight, draw), sensory consistency (flavour across batches), packaging (counts, artwork, seals) and documentation for the destination market.
1. Filling
- Moisture within the agreed range.
- Consistent granule size or sheet quality.
- Filling weight per stick within tolerance.
- No foreign material.
2. Stick physicals
- Length and diameter match the target device.
- Paper seams and tipping are sealed and aligned.
- Draw resistance is consistent.
- No visible defects, stains or loose filling at the ends.
3. Sensory consistency
Each flavour should taste the same from batch to batch. Keep sealed reference samples from your approved sample round and compare new shipments against them in the target device. Describe differences using the flavour profile terms of aroma, body and finish so feedback is specific.
4. Packaging
- Correct stick count per pack and pack count per carton.
- Artwork, colours and text match the approved proof.
- Health warnings and mandatory markings are correct for the market.
- Overwrap and seals are intact; batch or lot codes are legible.
5. Documentation
Documentation requirements differ by market and may include product specifications, ingredient information, certificates of origin and shipping documents. Ask your importer, customs broker or regulator what is needed, and share the list with your manufacturer before production. Our import compliance checklist covers this.
Make it part of the agreement
Put specifications, tolerances and inspection points in writing before the first order, and agree what happens if a shipment is outside spec. A clear OEM brief is the best place to start.