I agree with the two other replies. Left alone, it is a defect.
If it's just excess adhesive or coating, you can use IPC-7711/7721 'Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies' for guidance on removing. Section 2.3.1 explains how to test for what kind of coating it is. The removal method: solvent (2.3.2), peeling (2.3.3), thermal (2.3.4), scraping (2.3.5), micro blasting (2.3.6). Then use section 4.1.1 for land (pad) preparation.
I've had to remove f.o.d. of excess conformal coating, water soluble coating, chip bonding epoxy, board masking, coverlay... I've been able to remove most with thermal and scraping methods. A hot clean solder tip should be able to rub the offending material off. Since it's on a pad, that will make it easier for you. Just be careful not to overheat the surrounding area too much, just like normal soldering operations. Clean the pad and inspect that all f.o.d. is removed. Tin the pad again to test for wetting.
However, if it's an improperly made pad, and there's just no base metal to attach to; you will need section 4.7.1 or 4.7.2 for 'Surface Mount Pad Repair'. The pad would be cut out and replaced. In most cases this is acceptable per 1.5.2 (Compliance) "Products that have been subjected to rework need to comply with the functional requirements for the product and any other attributes that may be required by the customer. In the absence of other defined acceptability criteria of J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 to the reworked actions."
and
"Modifications and repair, by their nature, do not have industry established requirements and acceptance criteria"..."case by case basis". It's up to the customer if that would be acceptable.
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