October 3, 2025

How to Book a Product Inspection in China

Sourcing products from China gives buyers access to a wide range of manufacturers, products, and production capabilities. However, product quality may be difficult to confirm when buyers cannot visit the factory or examine the goods before shipment.

A product inspection provides an independent assessment of the order at the factory. Depending on the production stage, it can verify materials, workmanship, dimensions, functions, quantity, labeling, and packaging.

Booking a product inspection in China involves selecting the appropriate inspection type, confirming the factory’s production status, providing clear product requirements, and arranging the inspection before shipment. This guide explains each step of the booking process.

Step 1: Choose the Inspection Type

The appropriate inspection type depends on the production stage and the risks associated with the order.

Pre-Production Inspection

A Pre-Production Inspection (PPI) is conducted before mass production begins. It may cover:

Raw materials and components
Approved samples
Packaging materials
Production equipment
Factory readiness
Initial production planning

This inspection can identify material, component, or preparation issues before full production starts.

During Production Inspection

A During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is conducted while manufacturing is in progress. It is commonly scheduled when 20% to 80% of the order has been produced.

The inspection may cover:

Finished and semi-finished products
Workmanship
Dimensions
Product functions
Production consistency
Packaging progress
Corrective actions from previous findings

DUPRO gives the factory time to correct production issues before the entire order is completed.

Pre-Shipment Inspection

A Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is conducted when production is complete and the goods are ready for shipment. ECQA generally requires 100% of the order to be produced and at least 80% to be packed.

A PSI may include:

Quantity verification
Workmanship inspection
Measurement checks
Functional testing
Label and marking verification
Retail packaging checks
Shipping carton inspection

PSI is commonly used to evaluate finished goods before shipment approval.

Container Loading Supervision

Container Loading Supervision (CLS) takes place while the goods are loaded into a container.

The inspector may verify:

Container condition
Product and carton quantities
Packaging condition
Shipping marks
Loading arrangement
Container number
Seal number

CLS documents the products loaded and the condition of the shipment during loading.

Step 2: Confirm the Factory Information

Provide complete factory details before booking the inspection.

Required information normally includes:

Factory name
Factory name in Chinese, if available
Full factory address
Factory contact person
Telephone or mobile number
Email address
WeChat contact, if available
Inspection location
Business hours

The registered company address may be different from the production or storage location. Confirm the exact address where the goods will be available for inspection.

Some factories use subcontractors or separate warehouses. Inform the inspection company if the products, components, or packaging materials are stored at different locations.

Step 3: Verify the Production Status

Confirm the actual production and packing status with the factory before selecting the inspection date.

Ask the supplier to provide:

Percentage of production completed
Percentage of goods packed
Number of finished units
Expected production completion date
Planned loading date
Planned shipment date
Location of the finished goods

Production schedules may change because of material delays, equipment problems, rework, labor availability, or packaging delays.

For a pre-shipment inspection, confirm that sufficient finished goods will be available for representative sample selection. The production status should be checked again shortly before the inspection date.

Step 4: Select an Inspection Date

Choose a date that matches the required production stage and leaves time to respond to the inspection findings.

Allow sufficient time between the inspection and shipment for:

Reviewing the inspection report
Discussing findings with the supplier
Completing corrective actions
Repacking affected goods
Arranging a re-inspection when required

Avoid scheduling a pre-shipment inspection on the same day as container loading. Quality issues found during the inspection may require additional time for correction.

Consider Chinese Public Holidays

Factory operations and inspector availability may be affected by major public holidays, including:

Chinese New Year
National Day Golden Week
Labor Day holiday
Mid-Autumn Festival
Other regional or local holidays

Production capacity may also be limited before and after Chinese New Year due to worker travel and factory closures. Book early when the inspection date falls near a major holiday or peak shipping period.

Step 5: Prepare the Order Details

Provide information that clearly connects the inspection to the correct purchase order and products.

Typical order details include:

Buyer or company name
Purchase order number
Product name and description
Model numbers or SKUs
Order quantity
Number of product types
Colors, sizes, or variations
Destination market
Production status
Preferred inspection date
Planned shipment date
Required inspection type

Identify every model, size, color, and variation included in the inspection scope. This information helps determine the required inspection time and sampling arrangement.

Step 6: Submit the Product Specifications

The inspector needs clear reference documents to evaluate the products.

Depending on the product, provide:

Product specifications
Technical drawings
Approved sample details
Size charts
Bills of materials
Color references
Packaging artwork
Label files
Barcode information
User manuals
Assembly instructions
Inspection checklists
Applicable testing requirements

The specifications should define measurable requirements, including:

Dimensions and tolerances
Materials
Color and finish
Product functions
Accessories
Packaging quantities
Label content
Carton markings

If an approved physical sample is stored at the factory, confirm that it will be available to the inspector.

Step 7: Define the Inspection Scope

The inspection scope states which checks and tests will be performed during the factory visit.

A typical scope may include:

Quantity verification
Workmanship inspection
Dimensions and weight
Color and appearance
Assembly checks
Functional testing
Barcode scanning
Label verification
Retail packaging checks
Shipping carton inspection
Carton measurements and weight
Product-specific on-site tests

Special requirements should be submitted before the inspection. Examples include drop tests, load tests, moisture checks, adhesion tests, electrical function checks, or assembly trials.

Confirm whether the factory needs to prepare:

Testing equipment
Power supplies
Assembly tools
Reference samples
Water or other testing materials
Staff assistance for moving products

Step 8: Confirm the Sampling and Defect Criteria

Many product inspections use an agreed sampling plan to select units from the available order.

Confirm the following before the inspection:

Sampling method
Inspection level
AQL levels, where applicable
Critical, major, and minor defect definitions
Product-specific defect examples
Measurement tolerances
Functional acceptance criteria

Defect criteria should reflect product safety, function, appearance, saleability, and customer requirements.

Product-specific examples help the inspector classify findings consistently. An accessible sharp point on a toy may be classified as a critical defect. A visible scratch on the main surface of a furniture product may be considered a major defect.

Step 9: Confirm the Booking and Factory Access

After the inspection scope, date, and service arrangements are confirmed, notify the factory of the scheduled visit.

The factory should provide:

Access to the production or storage area
Finished goods for sample selection
A suitable inspection space
Adequate lighting
Electricity where required
Testing equipment identified in advance
Staff support for opening and moving cartons
Assembly tools where applicable
Approved samples and specifications kept at the factory

The inspector should be permitted to select samples from the available production quantity. Inform the inspection company immediately if the factory address, production schedule, or product availability changes.

Step 10: Conduct the Inspection

On the scheduled date, the inspector visits the factory and completes the agreed inspection activities.

The process commonly includes:

Meeting the factory representative
Confirming the order and inspection scope
Checking production and packing status
Selecting samples from the available goods
Verifying quantities
Inspecting workmanship
Measuring selected products
Performing functional and on-site tests
Checking labels and packaging
Recording defects and observations
Taking supporting photographs
Reviewing the findings with the factory representative

The exact process depends on the inspection type, product category, agreed requirements, and factory conditions.

Step 11: Review the Inspection Report

After the inspection, review the report against the purchase order, product specifications, and acceptance criteria.

A product inspection report normally includes:

Factory and order information
Inspection date and location
Production and packing status
Available and inspected quantities
Sample size
Defect classifications and counts
Measurement results
Functional test results
Packaging and labeling findings
Photographic evidence
Overall inspection result
Inspector comments

Review the individual findings, test results, and photographs carefully. The overall result provides a summary, while the detailed findings show the condition of the inspected samples.

What Happens After the Inspection?

The next step depends on the inspection findings and the agreed purchase terms.

Approve the Shipment

Shipment may proceed when the findings meet the agreed requirements and no unresolved issues remain.

Request Corrective Action

The supplier may be asked to repair, replace, rework, sort, or repack affected goods. The corrective action should cover all potentially affected units.

Arrange a Re-Inspection

A re-inspection can verify whether the factory has completed the required corrective work. Provide the previous report and identify the findings that require follow-up.

Hold the Shipment

The shipment may be placed on hold when significant safety, quantity, functional, specification, labeling, or packaging issues remain unresolved.

The buyer or authorized party makes the final shipment decision based on the report, purchase agreement, and commercial requirements.

Common Mistakes When Booking an Inspection in China

Common booking problems include:

Providing the factory’s registered address instead of the inspection location
Scheduling before sufficient goods are available
Booking too close to the shipment date
Omitting models, colors, sizes, or product variations
Providing incomplete product specifications
Failing to submit approved packaging artwork
Leaving functional requirements undefined
Failing to notify the factory
Scheduling inspection and loading on the same day
Allowing the factory to prepare selected samples
Booking near a major Chinese holiday without sufficient lead time
Failing to report changes in the production schedule

Clear requirements and early coordination help prevent delays and incomplete inspections.

Product Inspection Booking Checklist

Before confirming the booking, make sure the following information is available:

Inspection type selected
Factory name and address confirmed
Chinese factory name provided, if available
Factory contact person available
Inspection location verified
Production and packing status confirmed
Preferred inspection date selected
Shipment date confirmed
Product quantities listed
Models and variations identified
Product specifications submitted
Approved sample available
Inspection scope defined
Sampling requirements confirmed
Defect criteria established
Packaging and labeling files provided
Special tests identified
Factory access confirmed

Book a Product Inspection in China

Booking a product inspection in China requires accurate factory information, confirmed production status, clear product specifications, and a suitable inspection date. Preparing these details early helps the inspector evaluate the correct goods according to the agreed requirements.

To receive a service proposal, see how to request a product inspection quote in China and provide the available factory, product, production, and scheduling details.

If you are unsure which inspection type applies to your current production stage, use our Inspection Planning Tool to identify the inspection that typically fits your production progress before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book a product inspection in China?

Book once the expected production stage and inspection date are known. Additional notice may be needed during Chinese public holidays, peak shipping periods, and trade fair seasons.

Can I book an inspection before production is complete?

Yes. PPI and DUPRO are conducted before final production is completed. PSI should be scheduled when 100% of the order will be produced and at least 80% will be packed.

Can an inspection be conducted anywhere in China?

Inspection services are available across major manufacturing regions in China. The factory location, accessibility, and travel requirements may affect scheduling and cost.

What documents should I provide?

Documents may include the purchase order, product specifications, technical drawings, approved sample details, packaging artwork, labels, manuals, inspection checklist, and testing requirements.

Can the factory select the inspection samples?

The inspector should select samples from the available production quantity according to the agreed sampling plan.

Who decides whether the products can be shipped?

The inspection report documents the findings. The buyer or authorized party reviews the results and makes the final shipment decision.

What happens when products fail inspection?

Possible actions include requesting corrective work, arranging a re-inspection, holding the shipment, or making a decision according to the purchase agreement and identified risks.