Pre-Shipment Inspection
Why Pre-Shipment Inspection is Important
- Prevent Costly Defects and Delays: Identify and resolve quality issues before shipment to avoid rework, rejections, or product recalls.
- Ensure Compliance with Specifications: Confirm that products match your order details, including dimensions, functions, and labeling.
- Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency: Reduce communication gaps and misalignment between buyers and suppliers, ensuring smoother operations.
- Facilitate Smoother Customs Clearance: A certified PSI report helps meet destination port requirements and prevents regulatory hold-ups.
- Strengthen Brand Reputation: Delivering consistent product quality builds trust and increases customer satisfaction.
When Should You Conduct a Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Pre-Shipment Inspection should be scheduled when your order meets the following conditions:- At least 80% of the goods are produced and packed into shipping cartons
- Products are ready or nearly ready for export
- You require formal verification of quality before final payment or shipment release
- The shipment must meet strict customer or regulatory requirements
- You are working with a new supplier or high-risk category product
Key Aspects of ECQA’s Pre-Shipment Inspection
- Quantity Verification: Confirms that the number of units produced and packed matches your order.
- Accurate Labeling and Marking: Ensures that all labels, barcodes, and carton markings are correct and compliant with regulations.
- Proper Packaging: Verifies that packaging materials meet your specifications and provide adequate protection.
- Flawless Visual Appearance: Examines each product for cosmetic defects, poor workmanship, or inconsistencies.
- Matching Product Specifications: Checks key attributes such as weight, dimensions, color, and finish to ensure conformity to the purchase order.
- Functionality Testing: Conducts basic functional and safety tests based on your product category and requirements.
- Client-Specific Checkpoints: Adds any customized inspection points or testing protocols required by your business or industry.
How ECQA Conducts Pre-Shipment Inspections
ECQA conducts Pre-Shipment Inspections across Asia and other global manufacturing hubs. Our quality inspectors follow standardized protocols and use internationally accepted sampling methods such as Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL), based on ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 / ISO 2859-1.
Our inspection process includes:- Inspection scheduling when 80% or more of production is complete and packed
- Random sampling of products based on AQL levels to assess quality consistency
- Photo-supported inspection reports delivered within 24 hours of the visit
- Clear defect categorization (critical, major, minor) and actionable recommendations
- Optional certification and supporting documentation for customs and compliance purposes
- Apparel and textiles
- Home goods and furniture
- Electronics and small appliances
- Toys and children’s products
- and More
With ECQA, you can confidently approve shipments, initiate payment, and protect your supply chain from last-minute surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pre-Shipment Inspection
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality control process conducted before goods are shipped to verify that they meet buyer specifications, regulatory standards, and contractual requirements. It helps prevent defects, delays, and disputes.
A PSI is typically performed when at least 80% of production is complete, and the goods are packed and ready for shipment. This timing ensures a thorough evaluation without causing delays in the supply chain.
The inspection assesses product quality, quantity verification, packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, carton markings, and functionality testing to ensure compliance with the buyer’s requirements.
AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) sampling follows international standards, such as ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1), to inspect a statistically determined number of units. This method ensures a fair and efficient evaluation while minimizing unnecessary costs.
Yes. A compliant inspection report helps meet regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of customs delays or rejections at the destination port.
At ECQA, we provide detailed inspection reports within 24 hours, allowing you to make timely and informed shipping decisions.
Even with a reliable supplier, a third-party inspection adds an extra layer of quality assurance and helps detect potential defects or inconsistencies that may otherwise go unnoticed.
You can contact ECQA directly to schedule an pre-shipment inspection based on your product type, location, and specific requirements. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure your order meets the highest standards.
Conduct pre-shipment inspection and streamline your supply chain with ECQA. Experience a stress-free, compliant, and quality-assured start to your production journey. Our team of audit experts is here to assist you every step of the way.
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