How Dewin Vets Every Factory
Before You Source from Them
Every factory in our Vietnam network passes a 50-point Dolphin Audit — physically conducted on-site by our Vietnam-based team. Only audited, scored, and verified factories are matched to US buyer programs.
⚡ Section 301 Tariff Alert
Vietnam-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importing equivalent parts from China currently carries 25–145%+ additional Section 301 duties depending on HTS chapter. Our export compliance pillar verifies every factory can document genuine Vietnam origin for CBP compliance.
Why Dewin Is a Curated Network, Not an Open Marketplace
Platforms like Alibaba let any factory self-list. Dewin doesn't. Every supplier in our Vietnam network passed a physical on-site audit before they can accept US buyer orders — because when you're making sourcing decisions worth $200K–$2M/year, self-reported capabilities aren't good enough.
Physical Visits Only
Our Vietnam-based auditors physically visit every factory. No remote-only verification, no self-certification, no badge-for-fee schemes.
Scored, Not Just Listed
Every factory receives a QCLDM score out of 100 across 5 pillars. Scores below 60 are not listed. You know exactly what tier you're sourcing from.
Continuously Monitored
Audit scores are updated annually, on new program starts, and whenever quality events trigger a re-evaluation. Our network stays current, not stale.
The 50-Point Dolphin Audit — 5 Pillars, 10 Criteria Each
Our audit framework was designed to surface the factory characteristics that actually predict quality, delivery, and compliance outcomes — not just paperwork.
Facility & Safety
10 Audit Criteria
- ✓ Building structure, fire exits, and safety signage
- ✓ EHS compliance — chemical storage, PPE, machine guards
- ✓ 5S workplace organization score
- ✓ Housekeeping and cleanliness walkthrough
- ✓ Production floor layout and workflow efficiency
- ✓ Electrical panel safety and grounding
- ✓ Lighting adequacy for precision work
- ✓ Compressed air and utility safety checks
- ✓ Material storage and inventory organization
- ✓ Visitor and contractor safety protocols
Why It Matters for US Buyers
An unsafe, disorganized facility typically produces inconsistent parts. Our auditors have found that factories with strong 5S scores and EHS compliance also tend to have lower rejection rates and better delivery reliability.
Equipment & Capacity
10 Audit Criteria
- ✓ Machine inventory list — make, model, year, condition
- ✓ CNC machine age and maintenance history
- ✓ Production capacity vs. current load
- ✓ Equipment calibration certificates (where applicable)
- ✓ Tooling inventory and organization
- ✓ Lead time validation vs. stated capability
- ✓ Secondary process capability (heat treatment, plating, coating)
- ✓ Sub-contractor dependency assessment
- ✓ Energy backup and machine redundancy
- ✓ Planned maintenance schedule in place
Why It Matters for US Buyers
Stated capacity and real capacity differ in many factories. We physically observe running machines, review order books, and assess machine age and maintenance culture to give buyers a realistic picture of what a factory can actually deliver.
Quality Systems
10 Audit Criteria
- ✓ Inspection equipment inventory (CMM, VMM, calipers, gauges)
- ✓ IQC (Incoming Quality Control) process
- ✓ IPQC (In-Process Quality Control) checkpoints
- ✓ FQC (Final Quality Control) and sampling procedures
- ✓ AQL sampling plan usage and records
- ✓ Non-conforming material control (NCR process)
- ✓ Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) documentation
- ✓ Calibration program for measurement tools
- ✓ First Article Inspection (FAI) capability
- ✓ ISO 9001 certification or equivalent quality system
Why It Matters for US Buyers
This pillar is where factories diverge most sharply. A factory with a CMM, documented AQL sampling, and a real NCR process is fundamentally different from one where quality control is a single inspector with a caliper. We document every piece of inspection equipment on-site.
Workforce & Management
10 Audit Criteria
- ✓ Owner/management accessibility and communication responsiveness
- ✓ Engineering team size and qualifications
- ✓ Operator training and skill certification
- ✓ Labor turnover rate (assessed via workforce interviews)
- ✓ Language capability for technical communication
- ✓ Production planning and scheduling visibility
- ✓ Customer complaint handling track record
- ✓ Management commitment to improvement
- ✓ References from existing customers (where available)
- ✓ Factory history, years in operation, ownership stability
Why It Matters for US Buyers
Equipment can be replaced. Management culture cannot be easily changed. Our auditors assess whether factory leadership is responsive, technically competent, and committed to quality — factors that predict long-term reliability far better than any certification.
Export Compliance
10 Audit Criteria
- ✓ Certificate of Origin (COO) — VCCI Form B capability
- ✓ FTA documentation experience (CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP)
- ✓ HS code classification capability
- ✓ Packing list, commercial invoice format compliance
- ✓ Labeling requirements (Made in Vietnam, country of origin marking)
- ✓ CBP substantial transformation criteria compliance assessment
- ✓ Anti-circumvention risk assessment
- ✓ Customs broker relationships
- ✓ Export experience — US, EU, CPTPP market track record
- ✓ Section 301 Vietnam origin documentation capability
Why It Matters for US Buyers
For US buyers, the export compliance pillar is critical. A factory that cannot produce proper COO documentation, or whose production process doesn't meet CBP's 'substantial transformation' test, creates Section 301 tariff and anti-circumvention risk. We verify origin documentation capability on every audit.
QCLDM Scoring Tiers
Every factory in our network has a QCLDM score. When we match a factory to your RFQ, you see their tier and summary audit results — not just a name and address.
Elite suppliers. Strong across all 5 pillars. Recommended for high-mix, low-volume precision programs and export-compliance-critical orders.
Matched for: Complex CNC, precision die casting, FAI/PPAP programs, medical/aerospace-grade
Reliable suppliers. Solid quality systems with minor improvement areas noted. Suitable for most commercial manufacturing programs.
Matched for: Standard industrial components, stamping, extrusion, most CNC and sheet metal programs
Developing suppliers. Adequate capability for standard volume work. Active corrective action plan in place and monitored.
Matched for: High-volume commodity components, standard fasteners, simple castings, packaging
Suppliers on probation. Corrective actions required before new orders are placed. Monitored at increased frequency.
Matched for: Not matched to new buyers until corrective actions verified
Factories that failed the audit are not listed on the Dewin platform. They are re-evaluated only after submitting a documented improvement plan.
Matched for: Removed from active network until re-audit passes
Our 6-Step Factory Vetting Process
From initial discovery to active order monitoring — here's what every Dewin supplier goes through.
Factory Discovery
Our Vietnam-based team identifies candidate factories via industry contacts, trade associations, and direct referrals. We do not accept cold inbound applications without independent verification of basic capabilities first.
Pre-Audit Review
Before the on-site visit, we review the factory's business registration, facility address verification, existing certifications, and stated capabilities. We check for red flags: address mismatches, unverifiable registration, or inconsistent stated capabilities.
On-Site Dolphin Audit
Our auditor spends 2–4 hours at the factory completing all 50 audit criteria. They document equipment serial numbers, photograph production areas, review QC records, interview the production manager, and verify COO documentation capability.
QCLDM Scoring
The audit data is entered into our Dolphin scoring system. The factory receives a score out of 100 across 5 pillars. Scores below 60 result in non-listing until corrective actions are completed and re-verified.
Corrective Action Tracking
For factories scoring 60–74 (Tier 3), we issue a written corrective action plan (CAP) with specific items and timelines. We track CAP completion and verify improvements on the next re-audit visit.
Active Order Monitoring
Once a factory is matched to a US buyer order, our on-ground team conducts IPQC visits during production and a PSI before shipment. We provide photo/video reports and dimensional inspection results to the buyer before goods are released.
Dewin vs Alibaba vs Xometry vs Trade Fairs
8-factor comparison — buyer-side vetting quality across sourcing channels.
| Vetting Factor | Dewin | Alibaba | Xometry | Trade Fair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical factory visit | ✅ Every factory, on-site | ❌ Self-reported listing | ⚠️ Network-level, not factory-specific | ❌ No vetting |
| Audit depth | ✅ 50-point scored audit | ❌ Basic trade assurance check | ⚠️ ISO cert check only | ❌ None |
| Equipment inventory | ✅ Documented on-site | ❌ Self-declared | ❌ Not publicly disclosed | ❌ None |
| Export compliance check | ✅ COO, FTA, CBP compliance | ❌ None | ❌ Not specific to Vietnam | ❌ None |
| Re-audit / ongoing monitoring | ✅ Annual + on-demand | ❌ One-time check | ⚠️ Periodic | ❌ None |
| Audit report shared with buyer | ✅ QCLDM score + summary | ❌ No | ❌ Not disclosed | ❌ No |
| Section 301 / anti-circumvention | ✅ Verified per factory | ❌ Unknown origin risk | ❌ Not specific to Vietnam | ❌ Unknown |
| On-ground QC during production | ✅ IPQC + PSI on active orders | ❌ Not available | ❌ Remote only | ❌ None |
Why Export Compliance Pillar Is Critical for US Buyers
With US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actively enforcing anti-circumvention rules on Section 301-tariffed goods, Vietnam origin documentation is not optional — it's your tariff savings protection.
COO Documentation Verified
We verify every factory can produce VCCI Form B Certificate of Origin and FTA-specific COO documents (CPTPP Form D, EVFTA EUR.1, RCEP Form A). Self-declared origin is not sufficient for CBP.
Substantial Transformation Test
CBP requires that goods undergo 'substantial transformation' in Vietnam — not just re-labeling or minor processing. Our audit verifies factories are actually manufacturing, not transshipping, Chinese components.
Anti-Circumvention Protection
If CBP finds that a supplier used Chinese-origin materials and falsely claimed Vietnam origin, the importer of record faces unpaid duties, fines, and potential seizure. Our Pillar 5 audit specifically targets anti-circumvention risk.
📊 Est. Tariff Exposure Comparison (CNC Machined Parts — HTS Ch.84)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dewin vet its Vietnam factory network? ▼
Every factory in Dewin's network passes our proprietary 50-point Dolphin Audit before they can fulfill US buyer orders. Our on-ground team physically visits the factory, scores it across 5 pillars — Facility & Safety, Equipment & Capacity, Quality Systems, Workforce & Management, and Export Compliance — and assigns a QCLDM score out of 100. Only Tier 1 (90+), Tier 2 (75–89), and Tier 3 (60–74) factories are listed. Factories scoring below 60 are not listed until corrective actions are implemented and verified.
What is the QCLDM score? ▼
QCLDM (Quality, Capacity, Lead time, Documentation, Management) is Dewin's internal factory rating system. Each factory is scored out of 100 across these 5 dimensions. A QCLDM score tells US buyers at a glance how well-equipped a factory is to handle production quality, volume, delivery timing, documentation requirements, and management reliability. Scores are updated with each re-audit visit.
How often does Dewin re-audit its factories? ▼
Dewin's on-ground team conducts re-audits annually for active suppliers and on-demand when a new production program is initiated, when a factory adds new capabilities, or when quality issues arise during an active order. Factories on active orders also receive periodic on-site QC visits during production.
Can I see the actual audit report for a factory before I source from them? ▼
Yes. When Dewin matches you to a factory for your RFQ, we share the factory's QCLDM score, their Dolphin Audit tier, key strengths noted during the audit, and any active corrective actions. For enterprise or high-volume programs, we can share a redacted version of the full audit report under NDA. Visit dewin.us/dolphin-audit for the full audit framework.
Why doesn't Dewin use an open marketplace model like Alibaba? ▼
Open marketplaces like Alibaba allow any factory to self-list without physical verification. Dewin operates a curated, invitation-only network. Every factory on our platform has been physically visited, audited on 50 criteria, and assigned a score by our Vietnam-based team. This means US buyers aren't guessing about factory capabilities — they're sourcing from pre-verified partners with documented quality systems and export compliance track records.
Ready to Source from Verified Vietnam Factories?
Get matched to audited, QCLDM-scored factories that fit your process, volume, and documentation requirements — with $0 Section 301 tariff on every shipment.