Review independent inspection evidence before releasing the supplier's final balance payment.
Pre-Shipment Inspection China
Pre-Shipment Inspection in China Before Final Payment
QIS provides independent pre-shipment inspection services across China for importers, Amazon FBA sellers and ecommerce brands. Before final payment or shipment release, our inspectors verify product quality, quantity, workmanship, function, packaging, labels and buyer specifications using an agreed AQL sampling plan.
What is a PSI?
What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is an independent quality check performed when production is 100% complete and at least 80% packed. At the supplier's factory or warehouse, QIS selects samples using agreed AQL standards and verifies quantity, workmanship, function, dimensions, packaging, labels and buyer requirements before shipment approval. For Amazon FBA shipments, the inspection can also cover FNSKU labels, barcode readability, carton labels, polybag warnings, shipping marks and SKU-to-carton consistency.
Finished Quantity and Packing
Verify finished quantity, packed quantity, carton count, SKU assortment, packing list consistency and shipping marks.
Workmanship and Defects
Check appearance, assembly and workmanship, then classify defects as critical, major or minor according to the agreed AQL limits.
Product-Specific Tests
Perform applicable function tests, measurements, accessory checks and approved-sample comparisons based on the product specifications.
Packaging and Label Verification
Check retail packaging, barcodes, product labels, FNSKU labels, carton labels, polybag warnings and carton condition when required.
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. |
Why you need PSI
Reduce Risk Before Final Payment and Shipment Release
Product defects, incorrect quantities, packaging mistakes and label problems become more expensive to correct after goods leave the factory. A pre-shipment inspection gives you independent evidence while the supplier can still rework, replace, relabel or repack the order.
Decide whether to approve shipment, request corrective action, hold the goods or arrange re-inspection.
Identify FNSKU, barcode, packaging and carton-label problems before goods reach Amazon warehouses.
Catch visible defects, missing accessories and function failures that could lead to returns, refunds or negative reviews.
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 the inspection 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 and 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 the results with agreed acceptance limits. | Provides a clear PASS, FAIL or HOLD basis. |
| 5. Report Delivery | Issues a photo-based report containing findings, test results, defects and shipment recommendations. | Supports payment, rework and shipment decisions. |
Report content
What Is Included in the QIS PSI Report?
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 and visible shipment risks.
After inspection
What Happens If the Shipment Fails PSI?
Ask the supplier to repair, replace, sort, relabel or repack affected goods before shipment.
Arrange another factory visit after corrective action to confirm whether the reported problems were resolved.
Delay final payment or freight pickup until the remaining risk is understood and acceptable.
QIS documents the inspection findings and provides practical shipment recommendations. The buyer retains the final decision to approve, reject, hold or re-inspect the order.
FAQ
Pre-Shipment Inspection Questions
When should I book a pre-shipment inspection?
Book the inspection when production is 100% complete and at least 80% of the goods are packed. It should normally take place 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?
The inspector can 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 provided before inspection.
How does AQL sampling work?
QIS can randomly select samples according to the agreed AQL inspection level, lot size and acceptance limits. Detected defects are classified as critical, major or minor and compared with the agreed accept and reject numbers.
Can QIS inspect every unit?
Yes, a 100% inspection can be arranged when every unit must be checked. This requires more time than standard AQL sampling, so the quotation depends on order quantity, product complexity and inspection 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 the seller provides the applicable FBA requirements.
Can I provide my own inspection checklist?
Yes. Buyers can 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?
The buyer 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 requiring every unit to be checked should request a 100% inspection.
Need an Independent Inspection Before Final Payment?
Send QIS your product details, supplier location, order quantity and preferred inspection date. We will review the scope and confirm the quotation.
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.