Pre-Shipment Inspection China
Protect your final payment with independent pre-shipment inspection in China before shipment release.
CloudSpects gives importers a third-party checkpoint before final payment, supplier release, forwarder pickup, or container loading. Our China-based inspectors check product quality, packaging, labeling, AQL sampling, and quantity - with English photo reports in about 24 hours.
What the visit looks like
Field photography and a live public report — not stock photos and not invented reviews.
In our public 109-report study, most lots were marked on hold rather than fail, so the importer could still rework before paying the balance. Method: 109-report on-hold study.
Use PSI when the supplier says production is ready
Verify the batch before you release balance payment or approve shipment. Inspection before final payment is your last leverage point with the supplier.
Check packaging, carton marks, product labels, FNSKU barcode scans, poly bag warnings, and receiving-critical details for Amazon FBA compliance.
Confirm the supplier can hold quality across batches using finished goods inspection and periodic AQL sampling, not only the first sample.
Inspection scope - what we check before you pay
- AQL sampling (ANSI ASQ Z1.4), workmanship, appearance, and defect classification (critical, major, minor).
- Basic function, dimensions, weight, accessories, SKU assortment, and FNSKU barcode scan.
- Retail packaging, master cartons, carton marks, barcodes, and FBA label placement.
- Quantity verification against PO, packing list, and shipment plan - catch shortages before final payment.
- Photo report with pass/fail/rework recommendation in about 24 hours.
- Optional container loading inspection China when shipment release is the next risk point.
Inspection before final payment - why it matters
Your final payment is the strongest leverage you have with a Chinese supplier. Once you release it, rework requests lose urgency and defect negotiations become harder. A pre-shipment inspection before final payment gives you:
- Independent evidence of product quality before you send the balance
- Photo documentation to support rework or discount requests
- Confidence that the batch matches the approved sample
- A clear pass/fail decision point tied to your payment terms
Without third-party inspection China at the finished goods stage, you rely entirely on the supplier's own quality claim - which is the same supplier asking for payment.
AQL inspection China - sampling explained
We use AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) sampling based on ANSI ASQ Z1.4 standards. Instead of inspecting every unit, a statistically significant sample is checked. Typical AQL levels for general consumer goods:
- AQL 2.5 for major defects (workmanship, function, missing parts)
- AQL 4.0 for minor defects (cosmetic issues, small scratches)
- AQL 0 for critical defects (safety, regulatory, compliance)
Use our AQL calculator to determine sample size for your shipment.
Pre-shipment inspection: step by step
Share the factory address, product description, quantity, and preferred date. We confirm scope and schedule within hours.
Our China-based inspector visits the factory, applies AQL sampling, checks workmanship, packaging, labels, quantity, and captures photo evidence.
You receive an English photo report in about 24 hours with clear pass/fail/rework findings.
Use the report to release final payment, request supplier rework, or negotiate a discount before the container ships.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pre-shipment inspection and during production inspection?
During production inspection (DPI) checks the first 10-20% of production to catch issues early while rework is still possible. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) checks the finished batch before shipment - this is the inspection that protects your final payment. Many importers use both. See our DPI vs PSI comparison for details.
How much does pre-shipment inspection in China cost?
CloudSpects pricing starts from $169 per man-day for standard inspections in major China hubs (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Ningbo, Shanghai). The final quote depends on shipment size, product complexity, and location. See our inspection pricing page for details.
What happens if the pre-shipment inspection fails?
If the batch fails inspection, you receive a detailed report with defect photos and rework recommendations. You can hold final payment, request the supplier to rework specific items, schedule a re-inspection after rework, or negotiate a discount. Read our guide: what happens if pre-shipment inspection fails.
Can I get a China inspection report in 24 hours?
Yes. CloudSpects delivers English photo reports with pass/fail/rework findings typically ~24h after the inspection visit. Express reports are available for urgent shipment decisions.
What does a China pre-shipment inspection cost?
Standard PSI starts from $169 per man-day in major China hubs. The quote moves with factory city, SKU count, and whether you add carton opening, barcode scans, or a same-day loading check. There is no percentage-of-goods fee.
When should I book PSI relative to the ship date?
Book when the factory says 100% of units are finished and at least 80% are packed. That is late enough to inspect the real lot and early enough to rework before cutoff. Same-week slots are usually available in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Ningbo, and Shanghai.
Do I need DPI as well as PSI?
Use DPI when the first 10–20% of production can still be corrected cheaply. Use PSI to protect final payment on the finished lot. First orders, new moulds, and suppliers with a fail history benefit from both. The comparison is in DPI vs PSI.
What should I do the same day the lot fails?
Hold the balance, send the photo report to the factory, and pick sort / rework / discount / cancel. Then book a re-inspection on the repaired units. Step-by-step: when your pre-shipment inspection fails.
Related PSI guides
DPI vs PSI: which inspection type do you need ·
Pre-shipment inspection China buyer's guide ·
When your pre-shipment inspection fails