Why Pre-Shipment Inspections Matter
Once goods are on the water, your options are limited. A quality issue discovered post-arrival means returning the shipment (expensive), re-working at destination (expensive), or accepting the loss. An inspection BEFORE shipment lets you delay payment and demand rework.
Inspection Types
In-Process Inspection (DUPRO)
- Conducted during production when 20-80% of goods are complete
- Best for custom products with high quality risk
- Allows corrections before entire run is damaged
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
- Conducted when 100% of goods are complete, before packing/loading
- Most common for first orders
- Samples a representative batch (AQL sampling)
Loading Supervision
- At the time of container loading
- Catches damage during packing and loading
- Less common for smaller orders
Lab Testing
- Materials tested independently
- Required for regulated products (electronics, toys, food)
Who Does Inspections
Third-party firms (most common)
- SGS — largest, priciest, global reach
- QIMA (formerly AsiaInspection) — mid-range, good tech platform
- Bureau Veritas — large, strong in regulated categories
- TUV — German brand, strong in electronics
- Intertek — broad category coverage
Cost: $250-$400 for a standard man-day PSI in China.
Your own agent in China
- Costs less ($100-$250 per visit)
- Requires trust in the agent
- Fewer formal reports
DIY (you fly to China)
- Expensive (travel) but best for first orders with high stakes
AQL Sampling
Most inspections use AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) sampling under ISO 2859-1:
Common AQL levels
- Major defects: AQL 2.5
- Minor defects: AQL 4.0
- Critical defects: 0 tolerance
A lot of 1,000 pieces with AQL 2.5 for major defects would sample 80 pieces and allow up to 5 major defects; 6+ majors means the lot fails.
What to Inspect
Visual / functional
- Dimensions within tolerance
- Color matches approved sample
- Packaging per spec
- Accessories and user manual included
Functional testing
- Power on / basic function for electronics
- Seam strength for apparel
- Surface finish inspection
Documentation
- Batch codes match production records
- Certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS) present where required
- Bar codes / SKUs correct
Packaging
- Shipper carton strength
- Pallet specifications if required
- Labels per destination customs
When to Inspect
First order from a new factory
Always. Budget $400 for a proper PSI.
Recurring orders from a trusted factory
Every 3-5 orders; random drive-by inspections.
Large orders ($50K+)
Inspect regardless of factory relationship.
Consumer safety products
Every batch. Non-negotiable.
Failed Inspection: What to Do
- Do NOT release balance payment
- Ask for rework with a re-inspection at the supplier's cost
- For serious failures, walk away and claim Trade Assurance refund
- Document everything in the platform for evidence
Catalayer's Role
[Sourcing Agent](/sourcing-agent) includes PSI scheduling templates and can coordinate with major inspection firms. [Source Finder](/source-finder) helps you identify multiple factories for A/B comparison on quality.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-shipment inspection is the cheapest insurance in international sourcing
- Use AQL-standard sampling with a reputable third party
- Budget $250-400 per man-day; it's 3-5% of order value for typical batches
- Never release balance payment before PSI passes
See also [/glossary/trade-assurance](/glossary/trade-assurance) and [/guides/alibaba-trade-assurance-explained](/guides/alibaba-trade-assurance-explained).