Pre-Shipment Inspection China: Complete Guide & Checklist 2026

A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality check conducted at the factory in China after at least 80% of production is complete, before goods are shipped. It is the most critical quality gate in the supply chain — catching defects while they are still in China and fixable at the supplier's cost.

According to QIMA's 2024 data, 32% of inspections in China fail at least one quality check. Skipping inspection to save $300 risks losing tens of thousands on a failed shipment.

What Inspectors Check

• Product dimensions and weight vs. your specifications
• Workmanship and surface defects (scratches, discolouration, warping)
• Functionality testing — does the product work as specified?
• Safety compliance and certification marks
• Labeling and packaging requirements
• Quantity verification — is the correct quantity present?
• Barcode scanning and carton marking

AQL Sampling Standard

Most importers use AQL 2.5 for major defects. AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) defines the maximum percentage of defective units acceptable in a batch. Under AQL 2.5, for a shipment of 10,000 units, inspectors check a sample of ~200 units — and if more than 14 major defects are found, the shipment fails.

Cost of Pre-Shipment Inspection

A standard inspection by firms such as QIMA, Intertek, SGS, or Bureau Veritas typically costs $200–$400. This covers one inspector, one full day at the factory, and a detailed written report.

What the Inspection Report Includes

• Pass/fail verdict with overall assessment
• Photographic evidence of each check
• Defect classification (critical, major, minor)
• Measurement records vs. specifications
• Quantity count and carton marking review

Global TradeHub's Inspection Process

Global TradeHub coordinates pre-shipment inspections for all client orders as part of our 6-step sourcing process. We work with certified third-party inspection companies and review reports before authorising shipment — ensuring nothing leaves China without your quality standards being met.