Pre-Shipment Inspection Services in China
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) checks a representative sample of finished goods against your purchase order, approved sample, packaging requirements, labels, dimensions, and agreed function checks before the cargo leaves the supplier. The purpose is practical: give you evidence while rework, segregation, or a shipment hold may still be possible.
Need an inspection before export? Request an Inspection or WhatsApp Us with the product, factory, order quantity, target date, and destination.
What we inspect
- Quantity and packaging: carton count, carton dimensions, gross and net weight, markings, inner packaging, and palletization where applicable.
- Labels and markings: product details, model or SKU, barcodes, country-of-origin marking, shipping marks, warnings, and FNSKU labels when required for an FBA shipment.
- Workmanship and appearance: surface finish, scratches, dents, burrs, gaps, alignment, loose parts, printing, logos, oxidation, and deformation against the agreed requirements.
- Dimensions and function: critical dimensions, unit weight, assembly, power-on or function checks, drop tests, or other tests included in the agreed scope.
- Documents and evidence: packing list, commercial invoice, applicable test reports or data sheets, and photographs or video evidence required by the inspection scope.
When to use pre-shipment inspection
PSI is most useful when production is substantially complete, representative goods are available, the cargo has not shipped, and the specification or defect risk matters to your business. It is especially worth considering when the supplier is new, the product is customized, labels are important, or correcting defects after export would be expensive.
Consider an earlier check, such as a production-stage inspection, when the product has high production risk or defects would be difficult to correct near completion. A final PSI cannot replace earlier controls if the problem begins before finished goods are available.
How our inspection process works
- Define the scope: share the purchase order, approved sample or specification, packing and labeling requirements, product risks, factory contact, lot quantity, and target inspection date.
- Confirm access and timing: we review factory readiness, location, product type, required checks, and available scheduling before confirming the inspection window.
- Inspect the available goods: the inspector checks the agreed sample and records quantity, packaging, workmanship, dimensions, function, documents, and evidence.
- Classify and record findings: defects are recorded as critical, major, or minor against the agreed acceptance plan. Photos, measurements, and test notes support the findings.
- Review the report: you receive the findings needed to decide whether to accept, request rework, arrange reinspection, or hold shipment. We do not release cargo or approve payment on your behalf.
Our scheduling response target is generally 24–48 hours when the request includes the required product and factory details. The actual inspection date depends on factory readiness, location, scope, and access.
AQL explained
AQL is a sampling and acceptance method. It does not mean that a fixed percentage of every unit is guaranteed to be defect-free, and it does not replace your product specification, regulatory review, laboratory testing, or supplier controls.
Googol’s current internal inspection checklist uses ISO 2859-1, AQL 2.5, and General Inspection Level II as the starting framework. The final sample plan and acceptance numbers must be agreed for the lot, product, inspection scope, and customer requirements before inspection.
| Lot size | Reference sample | Accept | Reject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51–90 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| 91–150 | 20 | 1 | 2 |
| 151–280 | 32 | 2 | 3 |
| 281–500 | 50 | 3 | 4 |
| 501–1,200 | 80 | 5 | 6 |
| 1,201–3,200 | 125 | 7 | 8 |
| 3,201–10,000 | 200 | 10 | 11 |
Operational reference only: the final sample size and acceptance plan are confirmed for the specific inspection. Small lots and product-specific requirements may need a different plan.
Critical, major, and minor defects
- Critical: a defect with a serious safety, legal, or essential-use consequence under the agreed specification. Our internal checklist does not pass a lot when a critical defect is found.
- Major: a defect that materially affects use, performance, appearance, or saleability and exceeds the agreed acceptance number.
- Minor: a smaller deviation that does not materially affect the core function but still matters against the approved requirement and acceptance plan.
These labels only make sense with a clear specification. Tell us which defects are unacceptable, which measurements are critical, and which function tests must be performed before the visit.
What the inspector checks
The inspection scope can include:
- carton count, dimensions, weights, and shipping marks;
- product labels, barcodes, warnings, and country-of-origin marking;
- visual workmanship, finish, assembly, and component completeness;
- critical dimensions and unit weight;
- function, power-on, drop, assembly, or other agreed tests;
- packing list, invoice, test reports, certificates, or data sheets supplied for review;
- factory, carton, product, label, measurement, and test photographs or video.
What the customer must provide
Send the purchase order or order quantity, approved sample or product specification, packaging and label artwork, packing requirements, factory name and contact, inspection location, target date, destination, and any required tests or documents. If the product is regulated, electrical, battery-powered, food-related, or otherwise sensitive, identify the requirement before the inspection scope is confirmed.
Inspection report and evidence
The report records the inspection date, factory, product, lot size, sample size, agreed AQL plan, defect counts, measurements, function results, document checks, recommendations, and the available photo or video evidence. The report describes the inspected sample and observed conditions. It is not a guarantee about every unit in the lot, future production, customs release, product certification, or transport performance.
Scheduling and turnaround
We first confirm that the goods are ready, the factory can provide access, and the requested checks are clear. Share the target inspection date early. We will confirm the available inspection window and the information still missing before the visit. Rework, reinspection, laboratory testing, certification, customs clearance, and shipment booking are separate decisions unless included in the agreed scope.
Industries and product types
Inspection scopes can be adapted for general manufactured goods and, where the requirements are clear, electronics, textiles and apparel, furniture, food or consumables, packaging, and FBA-bound products. Product-specific checks must be agreed before the inspector visits.
What inspection does not guarantee
- It does not inspect every unit unless the agreed scope says so.
- It does not replace supplier verification, product testing, certification, customs classification, or legal advice.
- It does not guarantee that defects will not appear after the sample is inspected.
- It does not authorize payment, release cargo, or change the shipment plan without your approval.
- It does not guarantee that a destination authority or marketplace will accept the goods.
Request an inspection
Send the product description, supplier or factory location, order quantity, target inspection date, destination, and the checks that matter most.
Request an Inspection · WhatsApp Us
Frequently asked questions
When should a pre-shipment inspection happen?
Schedule it when production is substantially complete, representative goods are ready, and the shipment has not left the supplier. If production risk is high, discuss an earlier production-stage check as well.
Does AQL 2.5 mean 2.5% of goods may be defective?
No. AQL is used with a defined sampling and acceptance plan. It is not a promise that a percentage of all units will be defect-free.
What does the inspector need before the visit?
The inspector needs the product specification or approved sample, purchase order or quantity, packaging and labeling requirements, factory contact, location, target date, and any required measurements or tests.
Will the report guarantee that the shipment is safe to sell?
No. The report describes the inspected sample and agreed checks. It does not replace certification, testing, customs review, or your own legal and marketplace requirements.
Can Googol arrange inspection and freight together?
Yes, we can review inspection and China-side freight as one workflow. Confirm the product, supplier, destination, cargo details, and target date so we can separate confirmed requirements from items that still need review.