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In view of the inconsistency on the definition and key components of supply chain quality management (SCQM), this study is conducted to make up the deficiency. The research team collected the data using semi-structural interviews of four supply chains from food, toy, automobile and pharmaceutical industries in China. Based on within- and cross-case analysis, six key components of SCQM (supply chain leadership on quality, internal quality integration, strategic supply chain design for quality, upstream quality management system, downstream quality management system and product recall system) were identified. Finally, a definition and its holistic framework of SCQM were proposed. Compared with the existing research, the components identified in this study were more comprehensive, and it can facilitate the operationalisation of the construct and help to develop a high quality measurement scale. Practically, the SCQM framework proposed in this study will provide guidelines for the managers to build up an effective SCQM system.