
ON-SITE PRODUCT INSPECTION
Pre-Shipment Inspection in China
Check Your Products Before They Ship.
Independent third-party inspections across China, helping overseas buyers verify product quality, quantities, specifications and packaging before shipment.
What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?
A Pre-Shipment Inspection in China, also known as a Final Random Inspection (FRI), is an independent on-site assessment of finished goods before shipment. Inspectors use random sampling to assess product quality, workmanship, quantities, specifications, packaging and applicable functional requirements.
Inspectors examine randomly selected products to evaluate workmanship, verify quantities, check product conformity and packaging, and perform applicable measurements and functional tests.
It helps overseas buyers identify potential issues before goods leave the factory and make better-informed shipment decisions.

What Does a Pre-Shipment Inspection Check?

Visual & Workmanship
Inspect product appearance, finishing and workmanship. Identify visible defects and classify them.

Quantity Conformity
Verify order quantities, shipment quantities and carton counts. Identify any shortages or discrepancies.

Product Conformity
Check the product style, materials, colour, construction, and other characteristics against the available specifications or samples.

Packing, Marking & Labelling
Examine packaging methods, carton conditions, shipping marks, product labels and packaging information.

Data Measurement & Field Testing
Perform applicable measurements and on-site checks, such as dimensions, weight, functionality and product-specific tests.
Random Sampling & AQL Evaluation
Pre-shipment inspections may use random sampling based on ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 and agreed Acceptance Quality Limits (AQL).
Observed defects are classified as Critical, Major or Minor, with findings compared against the applicable acceptance criteria.
Defect Classifications (Typical)

Critical Defects
Issues that may create serious safety risks or make the product unacceptable for its intended use.

Major Defects
Issues that significantly affect product functionality, usability or expected quality.

Minor Defects
Smaller workmanship or appearance issues that do not substantially affect tthe productโs intended use.
Evidence you can review.
Findings you can act on.
Detailed inspection results, supported by photographic evidence.
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Product, supplier and order information
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Inspection conclusions and outstanding remarks
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Sampling details and workmanship defect classifications
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Quantity and product conformity results
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Packaging, marking and labelling observations
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Measurements and applicable field-test results
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Defect photographs and supporting inspection evidence

Nationwide QC Coverage Across China
Local inspection support, wherever your suppliers are located.
From major manufacturing hubs to less central industrial regions, we help overseas buyers arrange on-site QC services according to their supplier locations and inspection requirements.

Have a supplier in China?
Share the factory location with us to confirm inspector availability, scheduling and any applicable travel costs.
When Should You Arrange a PSI?

Working with a New Supplier
Check the finished products before approving an initial shipment.

Preparing a Large Order
Identify quality issues or discrepancies before goods leave the factory.

Products with Specific Requirements
Verify product characteristics and applicable performance requirements.

Previous Quality Concerns
Review finished goods after earlier defects or inconsistencies.
How it works

Share Requirements
Tell us about your product, supplier, order details, and QC needs.
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Confirm Scope
We agree on the scope, assessment criteria and schedule.
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Conduct the Inspection
We dispatch QC personnel on-site to conduct the inspection.
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Receive Report
Get a clear, photo-supported report with findings, results, and our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a PSI inspect every product?
No. A Pre-Shipment Inspection uses random sampling based on an agreed inspection standard, typically AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit).
Inspectors examine selected products from the finished order to assess quality, workmanship, and conformity. It does not involve checking every individual unit.
If you have not yet purchased the product, or if you are still at an early stage of evaluating a supplier, you may wish to consider a Supplier Audit instead or a Preliminary Supplier Assessment.
What happens if defects are found?
Defects are documented and classified as critical, major, or minor, with supporting photographs where applicable. The findings are assessed against the agreed acceptance criteria and included in the inspection report. Buyers can then discuss corrective actions with the supplier and arrange a reinspection if necessary.
Can an inspection result be Pending?
Yes. An inspection may be marked Pending when certain checks cannot be completed or confirmed, such as when product specifications, reference samples, or testing equipment are unavailable. The report identifies the outstanding issues so the buyer can determine what needs to be resolved before shipment.
Is PSI the same as Container Loading Supervision?
No. PSI focuses on finished-product quality, quantities, specifications, and packaging before shipment. Container Loading Supervision (CLS) focuses on the actual loading process, including cargo quantities, container condition, loading arrangements, and sealing where applicable. Both services can complement each other.
How much does a PSI cost?
PSI pricing depends on the inspection location, product category, number of items, required tests, and inspector-days involved. Additional travel or specialised testing costs may apply. Contact SLORRIE with your inspection requirements for a tailored quotation.
Can the inspector perform functional or safety tests?
Yes, where applicable. Inspectors can perform agreed on-site functional checks, measurements, and selected safety-related tests, depending on the product and available equipment. Specialised laboratory testing or certification may require separate arrangements.
How soon can an inspection be arranged, and when will I receive the report?
Scheduling depends on the factory location, inspector availability and inspection requirements. Reports are normally delivered within 24โ48 hours after the inspection, excluding weekends and public holidays. We will confirm the inspection schedule and reporting timeframe when arranging the service.
What is AQL, and how is it used?
AQL stands for Acceptance Quality Limit. It is used within an agreed sampling plan to establish acceptance criteria for different defect categories. The sample size depends on the lot size and inspection level. The inspection level and AQL limits are agreed before inspection.
What information do I need to arrange a PSI?
You should provide the supplier’s name and factory address, purchase order, product specifications, order quantity, and packaging requirements. Approved samples, photographs, and any specific inspection or testing requirements are also helpful.


Need QC Support in China?
Discuss your inspection requirements with our team and get a practical, reliable Quality Control Service solution for your orders in China.
