The aim of this article is to consider the issue of quality in translation. Specifically, the question under consideration is whether quality assurance in relation to translation is feasible and, if so, what some of the implications for translation theory, translation practice and the teaching of translation would be. To provide a backdrop against which the issue may be discussed, the author presents an overview of the two areas which seem most likely to hold potential answers, viz., that of translation theory and that of quality management.