Pre-Shipment Inspections: Why They're Worth Every Penny

What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality check performed by an independent third party at the factory or warehouse before your goods are shipped. The inspector verifies that your products meet your specifications, checks for defects, and confirms quantities.

Why You Need One

Once your goods are on a ship, your options for dealing with quality problems become expensive and limited:

• Returning goods — international returns are costly and time-consuming
• Selling defective products — damages your brand and leads to customer returns
• Reworking at destination — labour costs in your country are almost certainly higher than at the factory
• Disposal — a total loss

A PSI typically costs between $200–$400 per visit, depending on the location and scope. That's a small price compared to receiving a container of defective products.

What Inspectors Check

Quantity Verification

• Count or sample-count to verify the order quantity matches
• Check carton count and units per carton

Visual Inspection

• Appearance, colour, finish consistency
• Correct labelling and packaging
• No visible damage or defects

Measurement and Specification Check

• Dimensions match approved specifications
• Weight verification
• Material composition (basic checks)

Function Testing

• Products work as intended
• Moving parts function correctly
• Electronic items power on and operate

Packaging and Shipping Marks

• Correct barcodes (UPC, EAN, FNSKU)
• Proper inner and outer packaging
• Shipping marks match your requirements
• Packaging protects the product adequately

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)

Inspections use statistical sampling based on AQL standards (typically ANSI/ASQ Z1.4). Rather than checking every single unit, the inspector examines a random sample:

• General Inspection Level II is the most common
• Results are classified as Critical, Major, and Minor defects
• Each level has different acceptable thresholds

A typical AQL specification:

• Critical defects (AQL 0): Safety issues — zero tolerance
• Major defects (AQL 2.5): Product doesn't function as intended
• Minor defects (AQL 4.0): Cosmetic issues that don't affect function

If the sample exceeds the acceptable number of defects, the lot fails inspection and you can refuse shipment, request rework, or negotiate.

When to Inspect

• First order with any new supplier — always
• Large orders — the financial risk justifies the inspection cost
• Orders with specific quality requirements — custom colours, branding, or dimensions
• After quality issues — if you've had problems before, inspect every shipment until confidence is restored

Major Third-Party Inspection Companies

Several international companies provide inspection services with networks of inspectors across manufacturing regions:

• Bureau Veritas
• SGS
• Intertek
• TÜV
• QIMA (Asia Focus)

You can also find independent local inspectors who may offer competitive rates, though verify their credibility.

Tips for Effective Inspections

1. Provide clear specifications — give the inspector detailed documentation including photos, drawings, and measurements
2. Define your AQL levels — specify what constitutes critical, major, and minor defects
3. Request photo evidence — a good inspection report includes photographs of any issues found
4. Schedule at 100% production — inspect when all goods are produced and packed, ready for shipping
5. Act on results — if the inspection fails, work with your supplier on corrective action before re-inspection