Final random inspection · Finished goods

Pre-shipment inspection in China

Independent checks of selected finished goods before shipment release, using your order details, product requirements and agreed criteria.

Photos and recorded observations support your decision to ship, clarify discrepancies or discuss rework. Final scope, timing and price are confirmed for each order.

How it works

From your brief to a clearer decision.

  1. Share your brief

    Send the order, packing list and approved product references.

  2. Inspect selected goods

    Check accessible finished units against the agreed criteria.

  3. Review the findings

    Use recorded observations before deciding on shipment release.

Inspection scope

What a pre-shipment inspection can check

Checks depend on the product, agreed references and accessible goods. These are common categories, not an automatic checklist for every order.

Quantity and assortment

Compare presented finished quantities, models, colours and sizes with the purchase order and packing list.

Workmanship and appearance

Review selected units for scratches, poor stitching, finish, assembly or other product-appropriate defects.

Dimensions and basic function

Record agreed measurements, tolerances and safe onsite operational checks where applicable.

Labels and accessories

Compare labels, barcodes, markings, manuals and included components with approved references.

Packing and cartons

Review retail packs, carton protection, counts, sealing and shipping marks where accessible.

Documented discrepancies

Photograph relevant observations, defect types and deviations from buyer-defined criteria.

Inspection timing

When should you arrange PSI?

Arrange the visit when finished goods can be checked and there is still time to act on the findings.

  1. Finished goods are ready

    Confirm which quantities and variants are complete and accessible. There is no fixed readiness percentage for every order.

  2. Samples can be selected

    Allow access to an agreed selection. Carton and marking checks require packed goods to be available.

  3. There is time to act

    Book before shipment release, leaving time to review findings and discuss corrective action.

Sampling and AQL

How much of the order is actually inspected?

Most PSI assignments use selected samples, not an examination of every unit. The sampling plan and inspection depth should reflect the order and buyer's requirements.

Sample inspection

The inspector checks accessible selected units and records visible defect types and agreed results. Findings describe the sample, not a guaranteed defect rate for the entire lot.

AQL and acceptance criteria

When using an AQL-based plan, agree the lot, inspection level, defect classification and acceptance limits in advance. There is no single AQL setting appropriate for every product.

Need every unit checked?

A 100% inspection is a separate scope. It may need multiple inspector-days depending on quantity, product complexity and checks required.

Photo-documented evidence

What you receive after inspection

The inspection record should show which products were selected, the checks performed, observed discrepancies and any limits caused by missing references or access.

  • Photos of inspected products, defects and measurements
  • Agreed basic function, assortment and quantity observations
  • Packaging, labels and shipping-mark findings where included
  • Clear scope boundaries for the buyer's release decision

Pre-shipment inspection locations

PSI enquiries in China's sourcing regions

Based in Yiwu, Zhejiang. Explore manufacturing-location guidance for regional context; inspection access, schedule and service availability must be confirmed for the actual factory address.

Inspection enquiry

What to send before booking

Share whatever is available; gaps can be clarified before confirming the checklist and schedule.

  • Factory address, contact person and preferred date
  • Product models, variants, quantities and production status
  • Purchase order, specifications, approved sample and tolerances
  • Artwork, packaging requirements and critical known concerns
  • Proposed sampling, defect classes and acceptance criteria, if available
Scope and decision notes

Buyer questions

Pre-shipment inspection FAQ

When is a pre-shipment inspection usually carried out?

It is generally planned when production is substantially complete and sufficient finished goods are available for selection. Packing status also matters when cartons, assortments and shipping marks form part of the scope. The buyer should retain time to review observations before shipment.

Is pre-shipment inspection the same as final random inspection?

The terms are often used for a similar late-stage inspection concept, particularly where units are selected from a finished lot. The actual scope still needs to define readiness, sample selection, check items, defect classes and acceptance criteria.

Does PSI use one standard AQL?

No. AQL settings, inspection levels and defect limits depend on the product, buyer requirements and risk. If the buyer has not defined them, they should be discussed rather than silently replaced with a universal default.

Can PSI confirm product safety or regulatory compliance?

Visible labels or basic functions may be checked when included, but that does not automatically establish safety, legal compliance or certification. Laboratory testing, technical file review or specialist assessment may be required separately.

What happens if issues are observed?

The buyer reviews the documented observations against the agreed criteria and decides how to proceed with the supplier. Possible actions depend on the purchase agreement and situation; an inspection should not make that commercial decision for the buyer.

Can I request pre-shipment inspection outside Yiwu?

Send the factory address, product, order stage and preferred date. We can review inspection requests in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and other parts of China, but scope, access, scheduling and actual availability must be confirmed before booking.

Pre-shipment inspection enquiry

Need a final check before goods ship?

Send your factory location, product, quantity, production status and critical requirements. We can clarify the inspection scope and quote before arranging a visit.

Request PSI quote

Simple, transparent pricing

One clear daily rate. No guesswork.

Independent product inspections, supplier verification and factory audits. Choose where your on-site service takes place.

Pricing explained

Yiwu

Local rate

$199 USD / person-day

On-site inspection and verification services in Yiwu.

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Rest of China

Nationwide rate

$249 USD / person-day

On-site services outside Yiwu, including other cities in Zhejiang.

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Before making a payment

Please confirm your inspection scope, date and number of person-days with YiwuQC. Payment does not automatically reserve an inspector.

How pricing works

YiwuQC charges $199 per person-day in Yiwu and $249 per person-day elsewhere in China for standard services. One person working one day is one person-day. The total depends on the agreed number of inspectors and working days. Certification and independent laboratory testing are quoted separately.