What is a Pre Shipment Inspection (PSI)?
A Pre Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a detailed quality control check carried out when production is one hundred per cent complete and at least eighty per cent packed. We run them in sixteen countries; choose yours above when you order.
During the inspection, our specialists verify:
Product quality and workmanship
We check for visible defects, poor finishing, and overall build quality to ensure your products meet the expected standards.
Quantity and packaging
We verify that the correct number of units is produced and packed, and that packaging meets your specifications and shipping requirements.
Functionality and safety
We test products on-site to confirm they function properly and do not pose safety risks to end users.
Compliance with your specifications
We compare the finished goods against your requirements, drawings, or approved samples to ensure full compliance.
Where we inspect
Pre shipment inspection in sixteen countries
Select your country of manufacture when you order. We run pre shipment inspections across sixteen countries, so you book the same service and receive the same report format whether your goods are made in Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City or Izmir. Lead times and inspector availability differ per country, which we confirm when you book.
- East Asia: China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
- South Asia: Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
- Europe and North Africa: Poland, Tunisia and Turkey.
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Most inspections are booked three to five working days ahead. In peak season, before Chinese New Year and before the summer shutdowns, allow a week.
- Not on the list? Ask us. We can often arrange an inspector through our partner network.
Buying from China
Quality inspection in China: Key On-the-Ground Realities
Sourcing from China is efficient, but without proper quality control in China, small issues can quickly major problems. Performing a quality inspection in China addresses risks that are specific to how factories operate locally.
“Golden Samples” vs Mass Production
Suppliers often provide perfect pre-production samples, while the actual bulk production may differ in materials, finishing, or assembly quality.
Factory Switching & Subcontracting
It’s common for factories to finish goods just before the shipping deadline, leaving little time to identify and fix defects without a PSI.
Product Consistency
We check whether products within the batch are consistent in quality, finishing, and specifications.
AQL Is Not Standard Practice Locally
Many Chinese factories do not follow international AQL (Accepted Quality Level) standards unless explicitly required and verified through third-party inspection.
Export Packaging Issues
Incorrect carton strength, labeling errors, or missing shipping marks frequently occur and can cause problems at customs or during transport.
“Face” Culture & Hidden Issues
Suppliers may avoid reporting problems directly to maintain relationships, meaning issues are only discovered once goods arrive, unless inspected on-site.
How does a pre shipment inspection work?
1
Book Your Inspection
Share your product details, factory location, and preferred inspection date.
2
On-Site Inspection
A local inspector visits the factory and performs a full PSI based on your requirements or AQL standards.
3
Receive Your Report
Get a detailed report with photos, findings, and a clear pass/fail conclusion.
4
Approve & Ship
Make your decision and ship with confidence, or request corrections if needed.
Pre-shipment Inspection
Why do you need a pre shipment inspection?
Manufacturing in Asia and around the Mediterranean offers major advantages, but it also comes with risk. A pre shipment inspection helps you:
Product Quality
We identify defects, inconsistencies, and workmanship issues before your products leave the factory.
Risk Reduction
We detect problems early, helping you avoid costly returns, delays, and supplier disputes.
Quantity Verification
We confirm that the correct number of units are produced and ready for shipment.
Packaging Control
We check packaging, labeling, and shipping marks to ensure compliance with your requirements.
Compliance with Specifications
We verify that your products meet your specifications and quality expectations.
Payment Security
We provide clear insights before final payment, giving you control and negotiation leverage.
Quality control at every stage of production
Choose the right inspection at each stage of production to reduce risk, ensure quality, and stay in control.
First Article Inspection
Validate your product before full production starts. Ensure samples meet your specifications.
- Before production
- Validate first sample
- Confirm specifications & materials
- Identify issues early
During Production Inspection
Monitor quality during production and detect issues before they affect the full order.
- During production
- Monitor production quality
- Check progress & consistency
- Reduce defects early
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Verify product quality before shipment and ensure your order meets all requirements.
- After production
- Final quality check
- Verify quantity & packaging
- Confirm compliance
Container Loading Supervision
Ensure your goods are loaded correctly and safely before shipment.
- During loading
- Verify quantities loaded
- Check handling & packaging
- Prevent shipping issues
100% Inspection
Inspect every unit to eliminate defects and ensure maximum quality control.
- Before shipment
- Inspect every unit
- Remove defective products
- Ensure full consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this service.
It’s strongly recommended not to. A pre-shipment inspection verifies that your goods meet quality, quantity, and packaging requirements before you release the final payment. Without it, you risk paying for products that don’t meet your specifications.
A PSI report gives you the data to approve shipment, request rework, or reject the order entirely. It provides clear insight into defect rates, compliance, and overall quality so you can make an informed decision before goods leave the factory.
Common issues include workmanship defects, incorrect dimensions, labeling mistakes, packaging problems, and functionality issues. Inspectors also check whether products match approved samples and specifications.
By identifying defects before shipment, a PSI prevents faulty products from reaching your customers. This reduces returns, complaints, and negative reviews—protecting your brand reputation and improving customer trust.
Skipping a PSI means you rely entirely on your supplier’s quality control. If issues arise, you may only discover them after delivery, when fixing them is costly or impossible. This can lead to financial losses, delays, and reputational damage.
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Phone
Office
Fellenoordstraat 52 Unit 2.38, 4811TJ Breda, Netherlands
VAT
NL865927534B01
Chamber of Commerce
NL 92195873