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Avoid loss of business by identifying problems before shipment.

What's an AQF pre-shipment inspection?

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is an essential element of supply chain management. PSI is also referred to as a Final Random Inspection (FRI). This inspection takes place at the end of the production process when 80% to 100% of the goods are manufactured and packed for export.

AQF inspectors visit your vendor’s site to conduct a physical inspection of goods on a randomly selected sample of manufactured products using the statistical sampling procedure ISO 2859-1 (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4).

We customize each inspection to focus on what is important for you by combining our standard inspection checklists with your unique product requirements and Acceptable Quality Limits. AQF Pre-Shipment Inspection checklists provide an extensive classification of defects and on-site tests based on international standards (EU, USA, AU and more). 

AQF can arrange a Pre-Shipment Inspection in Asia within 48 hours and release your inspection report and certificate of inspection within less than 24 hours. 

WAHT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION?

 
  • Avoid business losses due to defective or noncompliant goods
  • Save time and money by minimizing rejections and returns
  • Improve quality by taking immediate corrective actions with your suppliers
  • Ensure efficient warehouse management with correct packing and labeling
  • Guarantee high customer satisfaction by shipping the right goods
  • Protect your brand and reputation
  • Monitor your supplier's performance
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WHAT IS THE PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION PROCESS?

 
The pre-shipment inspection process typically involves several key steps:
  • Booking and Scheduling: The inspection is arranged with a third-party quality control agency like AQF.
  • Sample selection: The inspector selects a random sample using a statistical sampling procedure (ISO 2859-1).  
  • Physical Inspection: The inspector examines the quantity, workmanship, functionality, color, size, packaging, and more, based on the product specifications and quality criteria.
  • Testing and Verification: The products undergo various on-site tests for performance and safety, as applicable.
  • Reporting: The inspector provides a detailed report with findings, including photographs, measurements, and test results.
  • Decision Making: Based on the report, you shall decide whether to accept the shipment, request corrections, or reject the goods.

WHAT CRITERIA ARE COVERED BY A PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION?

 
A pre-shipment inspection covers several aspects of the products to ensure they meet the agreed-upon standards. These include:
  • Visual Inspection: Checking for visual defects and ensuring the overall appearance meets the standards.
  • Quantity Verification: Ensuring the correct number of units are being shipped.
  • Conformity Check: Verifying that the products match the specifications and samples.
  • Workmanship Assessment: Evaluating the quality of the materials and construction.
  • Functionality Test: Ensuring the products work as intended.
  • Packaging and Labeling Check: Confirming that packaging is adequate and labels are correct and compliant.
  • Special Tests and Checks: Depending on the client's specification, additional safety and performance tests may be conducted.
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AQF main checks performed*

  • Quantity
  • Appearance
  • Workmanship
  • Dimensions & weight
  • Color
  • Logo & labeling
  • Barcode & shipping information
  • Parts & accessories
  • Manuals & instructions
  • Assembly
  • Packing & packaging
  • On-site tests examples:
    Carton drop test (ASTM D5276), Smell test, Function test, Color fasten test, GSM test, Adhesive test (ASTM D3359-02), Abuse test, Resistance test, Hi-pot test, Internal check

 

*Contact us to receive a copy of our comprehensive pre-shipment inspection checklists.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONDUCT A PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION?

 
A pre-shipment inspection should be scheduled when you need to verify that the manufactured goods comply with your specifications before being shipped to the destination market. In some cases, you may be required to perform a PSI to determine the value of your shipment or to prevent substandard goods from entering the country.

The ideal time for a pre-shipment inspection is when 80 to 100% of the shipment quantity is complete and packed for shipping. This timing allows for a comprehensive review of the finished products in their final packaging, providing a clear picture of what your customers will receive. Inspecting at this stage also allows time for any necessary corrections without significant delays in your supply chain.
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WHY PARTNER WITH AQF?

 

At AQF, we have a highly curated network of quality control specialists across all major manufacturing hubs that can ensure consistency across all your manufacturing locations.


  • Highly curated network of specialists
  • Dynamic data and in-depth reports 
  • Consistent service across your manufacturing locations

Same day
inspection

 

To stay in control of your time-to-market you can book this exclusive AQF service.

It allows you to order a PSI as late as 08:00* am on the day of the inspection; an inspector will be dispatched immediately, and you will receive your inspection report on that same day**, before 10 pm.

*Based on China Standard Time, for selected product categories and provinces in China.
**Check service conditions

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Download
OUR SAMPLE REPORT
 

Detailed and tailor-made. Discover how AQF assesses goods quality and safety when performing an inspection. Review an AQF sample report related to your product of interest.

 
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