China Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Your Order Ships

# China Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Your Order Ships When production is nearly complete, it can be tempting to approve shipment based on a few factory photos. But do the goods match the approved sample? Are quantities correct? Will products arrive with the right packaging and labels? A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) gives the buyer a structured view of finished goods before dispatch. It is usually sample-based, so it cannot guarantee every unit is defect-free. Its value comes from checking the right points against requirements agreed before production. ## Before the inspector visits Prepare an inspection brief with the purchase order, product specification, approved sample or reference photos, packaging artwork, labels, shipping marks and test methods. Identify critical, major and minor defects and agree the acceptance criteria. Confirm that production is substantially complete and the goods, packaging and accessories are ready for inspection. ## Pre-shipment inspection checklist ### Product identity and specifications - Confirm product name, model, SKU, color and size against the purchase order. - Compare materials, components, finish and construction with the approved sample. - Measure dimensions and weight using the agreed method and tolerance. - Separate and identify each variant in the order. ### Quantity and assortment - Check total quantity using the agreed counting or sampling method. - Verify quantities by model, size, color or other variant. - Check carton marks and record shortages, overages or mixed assortments. ### Workmanship and visible defects - Inspect surfaces, seams, edges, finishes and assembly for damage or inconsistent workmanship. - Look for stains, scratches, dents, loose parts and uneven printing where relevant. - Photograph representative defects and record location, frequency and severity. - Apply the agreed defect classification consistently. ### Function and components - Operate the product using the agreed functional checks, such as opening, closing, switching or fitting parts together. - Check included accessories against the bill of materials. - Verify safety or performance claims only against defined test procedures. Visual inspection does not replace laboratory testing or regulatory review where required. ### Packaging, labels and shipping marks - Compare retail packaging and printed artwork with approved files. - Check labels, barcodes, warnings, language and country-specific information against buyer-approved requirements. - Inspect inner protection and carton condition for the agreed handling conditions. - Verify carton dimensions and gross weight where they affect freight planning. - Confirm shipping marks and carton numbering match packing instructions. ### Carton condition and loading readiness - Check cartons are dry, intact and appropriately sealed. - Compare final packed quantity and carton count with the packing list draft. - If loading supervision is in scope, document the loading sequence, container condition and seal details. ## What should the inspection report include? A useful report records the order reference, inspection date and location, production status, sample selection method, checks performed, measurements, defect results and photographs. It should state limitations, such as variants or tests not covered. Tie the conclusion to the acceptance rules agreed before inspection and list corrective actions for any findings. ## What if the batch fails? Pause shipment approval while the buyer and supplier review the findings. Agree whether issues require rework, replacement, sorting or a repeat inspection, and document completion evidence. Update specifications or production instructions if requirements were unclear. Record who approved the next step. ## Common mistakes to avoid - Booking inspection before the batch and packaging are ready. - Providing no approved sample, specification or artwork. - Using subjective criteria such as “good quality” without measurable requirements. - Treating a sample-based inspection as proof that every unit was checked. - Approving shipment before critical findings have a documented resolution. ## Frequently asked questions ### When should a PSI take place? Schedule it after production is substantially complete and before dispatch, leaving time for corrective work if needed. ### Does PSI replace a factory audit? No. A factory audit reviews a supplier's facility and processes; PSI checks a particular order or batch. Buyers may use both at different stages. ### Can PSI guarantee that no defects will arrive? No. It reflects the sample and checks observed at the time of inspection. Clear specifications, appropriate sampling and documented corrective actions help manage risk. ## Plan the inspection before production is finished Inspection works best when buyer, supplier and inspector share the same requirements. IHRACHANE coordinates supplier verification, production oversight, quality inspections and international freight support for businesses sourcing from China. [Explore IHRACHANE's sourcing services](https://www.ihrachane.com/sourcing) or [request a project discussion](https://www.ihrachane.com/sourcing#contact).