Pre-Shipment Inspection China
Pre-Shipment Inspection in China before Final Payment
You negotiated the price, approved the sample, and paid the deposit. Now the factory says production is nearly finished and asks for the balance. Once final payment clears and the shipment is released, fixing quality problems becomes slow and expensive. A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) answers one practical question before that money leaves: do the finished goods match what you ordered?
QIS runs independent pre-shipment inspection across China for importers, ecommerce brands, and Amazon FBA sellers. Before final payment or shipment release, an inspector verifies product quality, quantity, workmanship, function, packaging, labels, and buyer specifications using an agreed AQL sampling plan. If you already have a packing date, book a pre-shipment inspection and we will confirm the factory, the checklist, and the quotation.
This page covers general PSI — what it is, when to book, what is checked, how the visit runs, what the report contains, and what to do if the order fails. Amazon FBA shipments are one important use case here; the full FBA-combined checklist procedure lives on the FBA pillar (linked below), so the two URLs stay clearly separated.
What is a PSI?
What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?
A pre-shipment inspection is an independent quality check performed when production is 100% complete and at least 80% packed. At the supplier's factory or warehouse in China, QIS randomly selects samples using the agreed AQL inspection level and lot size, then verifies quantity, workmanship, function, dimensions, packaging, labels, and buyer requirements before you approve shipment.
PSI is not a laboratory test and not a promise that every unit is perfect. It is a documented sampling inspection. The inspector examines a defined number of units and cartons, classifies defects as critical, major, or minor, and compares the results with agreed acceptance limits. Because samples are drawn from the finished lot, the report is a practical read on shipment readiness — while the supplier can still rework, replace, relabel, or repack.
Book too early and the sample does not represent the finished order. Wait until goods are already loaded and access for sampling and rework shrinks. The 100% complete / ≥80% packed window is the industry-standard timing for a reason.
PSI at a glance
Key Facts before You Book
| When is PSI performed? | When production is 100% complete and at least 80% packed. |
|---|---|
| Where is it performed? | At the supplier's factory or warehouse in China. |
| How are samples selected? | Randomly, using the agreed AQL inspection level and lot size. |
| What is checked? | Quantity, workmanship, function, dimensions, packaging, labels, and buyer requirements. |
| What does it cost? | Standard inspections start From $129, subject to scope and location. |
| When is the report issued? | QIS aims to deliver standard photo reports within 24 hours after inspection. |
| Who approves shipment? | The buyer. QIS provides evidence, results, and a practical recommendation. |
On-site checks
What QIS Checks during a Pre-Shipment Inspection
Every visit follows your specification and checklist. A typical China PSI covers the categories that most often cause payment disputes and shipment holds:
Verify finished quantity, packed quantity, carton count, SKU assortment, packing-list consistency, and shipping marks. A carton count that does not match the PO is still one of the simplest — and most expensive — failures to discover after sailing.
Check appearance, assembly, and workmanship, then classify defects as critical, major, or minor against the agreed AQL limits. Typical findings include finish flaws, incorrect assembly, damaged components, and inconsistent workmanship across the lot.
Perform applicable function tests, measurements, accessory checks, and approved-sample comparisons based on the product. The exact on-site tests depend on what you provide before the visit.
Check retail packaging, barcodes, product labels, carton labels, polybag warnings (when required), and carton condition. For Amazon FBA shipments, the same visit can include FNSKU labels, barcode readability, carton labels, polybag warnings, shipping marks, and SKU-to-carton consistency when you provide the applicable FBA requirements.
Sampling mechanics — sample size, Ac/Re, and level selection — are explained on the AQL sampling tables and calculator page. Agree the AQL plan in the booking so the inspector and the supplier are working from the same numbers.
QIS does not replace your commercial decision. The inspector records findings; you decide whether to approve shipment, request corrective action, hold the goods, or arrange re-inspection.
Why you need PSI
Why Book PSI before Final Payment
Defects, short counts, bad packaging, and wrong labels get more expensive after the goods leave the factory. PSI gives you photos and defect counts while the supplier can still rework, replace, relabel, or repack.
- Before balance payment. Review the report before you release the final payment. The unpaid balance is the last real control you have over the supplier.
- Before you approve shipment. Choose ship, rework, hold, or re-inspect from evidence — not from a factory “all good” email.
- Before Amazon inbound. Catch FNSKU, barcode, carton-label, and polybag problems in China. Full FBA checklist: Amazon FBA inspection in China. Six scan failures: FNSKU and barcode mistakes that delay FBA receiving.
- Before customers see the lot. Catch function failures, missing accessories, and obvious workmanship defects that drive returns and one-star reviews.
To be clear on scope: this page explains general pre-shipment inspection. The dedicated Amazon FBA inspection in China page owns the FBA-deep combined checklist and its own pricing (From $199 on that page).
Inspection process
How QIS Conducts a Pre-Shipment Inspection in China
| Step | What QIS Does | Buyer Decision Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Booking review | Reviews the product, supplier location, order quantity, inspection date, specifications, checklist, and shipment requirements. | Confirms scope before the factory visit. |
| 2. On-site sampling | Randomly selects samples based on the lot size and agreed AQL inspection level. | Establishes a consistent, documented sampling basis. |
| 3. Product inspection | Checks quantity, workmanship, function, dimensions, accessories, packaging, labels, and buyer specifications. | Identifies product and shipment risks before release. |
| 4. Defect classification | Records critical, major, and minor defects and compares results with agreed acceptance limits. | Provides a clear PASS, FAIL, or HOLD basis. |
| 5. Report delivery | Issues a photo-based report with findings, test results, defects, and shipment recommendations. | Supports payment, rework, and shipment decisions. |
Report content
What Is Included in the QIS PSI Report?
A standard QIS PSI report is written so you can send it to the supplier and decide without guessing:
Order information, lot size, sample size, AQL level, inspected quantity, and overall PASS, FAIL, or HOLD result.
Photos and notes covering defects, measurements, function tests, packaging problems, and label findings.
Finished quantity, carton count, shipping marks, packing condition, FBA label readiness when requested, and visible shipment risks.
QIS aims to deliver standard photo reports within 24 hours after the on-site inspection is completed. Complex testing or additional verification may require more time. The report documents what was observed against the agreed checklist; it is not a product certification and does not replace laboratory testing where your market requires it.
After inspection
What Happens If the Shipment Fails PSI?
A FAIL or HOLD result means the inspection did its job: it surfaced risk while goods are still at the factory.
Ask the supplier to repair, replace, sort, relabel, or repack affected goods before shipment.
Arrange another factory visit after corrective action to confirm the reported problems were resolved.
Delay final payment or freight pickup until the remaining risk is understood and acceptable.
QIS documents findings and provides practical shipment recommendations. The buyer retains the final decision to approve, reject, hold, or re-inspect the order.
Where PSI fits
Related Inspection Stages
PSI is the final-gate check. Depending on order risk, you may combine it with earlier or later stages:
- China inspection services — compare the full QIS service menu and choose the right mix.
- During-production inspection (DUPRO) — catch process drift while the line is still running.
- Container loading supervision — verify what is actually loaded and how cartons are handled into the container.
- Factory and supplier audit — assess capability before larger deposits with a new supplier.
For Amazon FBA procedure depth (FNSKU, polybags, carton labels as a combined checklist), use Amazon FBA inspection in China rather than treating this PSI page as the FBA landing page.
FAQ
Pre-Shipment Inspection Questions
When should I book a pre-shipment inspection?
Book when production is 100% complete and at least 80% of the goods are packed — normally before final balance payment and before the supplier releases the shipment.
How much does a pre-shipment inspection cost in China?
QIS standard pre-shipment inspection services start From $129. The final price depends on factory location, product complexity, required tests, workload, travel, and urgency. QIS confirms the quotation before the inspection is scheduled.
What does a pre-shipment inspector check?
Quantity, workmanship, function, dimensions, color, materials, accessories, packaging, labels, carton marks, and buyer specifications. The final checklist depends on the product and the requirements you provide before inspection.
How does AQL sampling work?
QIS randomly selects samples according to the agreed AQL inspection level, lot size, and acceptance limits. Defects are classified as critical, major, or minor and compared with the agreed accept and reject numbers. Use the AQL sampling tables and calculator to review the plan before booking.
Can QIS inspect every unit?
Yes. A 100% inspection can be arranged when every unit must be checked. It requires more time than standard AQL sampling, so the quotation depends on order quantity, product complexity, and scope.
Can QIS check Amazon FBA packaging and labels?
Yes. The inspection can include FNSKU labels, barcode readability, carton labels, polybag warnings, packaging condition, shipping marks, and SKU-to-carton consistency when you provide the applicable FBA requirements. Amazon FBA inspection in China covers the full on-site FBA sequence; FNSKU and barcode mistakes that delay FBA receiving walks through common scan failures.
Can I provide my own inspection checklist?
Yes. Provide product specifications, approved samples, testing instructions, defect limits, and packaging requirements. QIS reviews the documents before the visit and confirms which checks can be completed on-site.
How quickly will I receive the report?
For a standard inspection, QIS aims to issue the photo-based report within 24 hours after the on-site inspection is completed. Complex testing or additional verification may require more time.
What happens if the inspection fails?
You can request supplier rework, replacement, sorting, relabeling, or repacking. The shipment can be held until corrective action is completed, and QIS can arrange a re-inspection when required.
Does PSI guarantee that every product is defect-free?
No. A standard pre-shipment inspection is normally based on random AQL sampling and reduces shipment risk, but it does not guarantee that every unit is defect-free. Buyers who need every unit checked should request a 100% inspection.
Book a PSI before Final Payment
Send product details, supplier location, order quantity, and preferred inspection date. QIS reviews the scope and confirms the quotation.
Book online: https://qualityloyal.com/booking/
Email: info@qualityloyal.com
Phone / WeChat-ready: +86-18928019798
Prefer to ask first: contact
Use the AQL sampling tables and calculator to agree the sample plan, then include any FNSKU, carton, and packaging requirements in the booking if the shipment is Amazon-bound.
Before final payment
Set the Sampling and FBA Checks before Inspection Day.
Use the AQL calculator to agree the sample plan, then include FNSKU, carton and packaging requirements in the booking.