Layperson’s Definition: All the checks and tests that a Party performs on its own inventory during its preparation to improve it and ensure that no mistakes were made.

IPCC Definition: Quality Control (QC) is a system of routine technical activities, to measure and control the quality of the inventory as it is being developed. The QC system is designed to:

• Provide routine and consistent checks to ensure data integrity, correctness, and completeness;
• Identify and address errors and omissions;
• Document and archive inventory material and record all QC activities.

QC activities include general methods such as accuracy checks on data acquisition and calculations and the use of approved standardized procedures for emission calculations, measurements, estimating uncertainties, archiving information, and reporting. Higher tier QC activities include technical reviews of categories, activity and emission factor data, and methods.