Off Spec – what is it?
The term “Off Spec” originates from the English language and means “outside of specification”. It is used across various industries, including the chemical, fuel, food, and trading sectors, to denote a product that does not meet set quality standards or specifications. In other words, it refers to a product that does not adhere to certain established criteria and, therefore, may be considered of lower quality or might require further processing to meet these criteria.
Most common questions
Why does a product become “Off Spec”?
A product can be classified as “Off Spec” for various reasons, such as production process errors, contamination, mistakes during storage or transportation, or due to natural changes in the product’s composition. In many cases, the cause is temporary and can be rectified through further product processing.
What happens to “Off Spec” products?
It depends on the specific industry and product. In some cases, “Off Spec” products might be reprocessed to meet the required specifications. In other situations, they might be sold as lower-quality products or at a reduced price. In certain circumstances, they can also be safely disposed of or converted into different products.
