SourcingCraft Insights · 2026-10-31
What Is Pre-Shipment Inspection? A China Sourcing Guide
When you order products from China, the moment before shipping is one of the most important checkpoints. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a structured check of your goods at the factory before they are packed for export. It gives you an independent look at what the supplier is actually about to send. This guide explains what PSI covers, how it works, and when it makes sense for your project.
What is pre-shipment inspection?
Pre-shipment inspection is a product check performed at the supplier's facility after production is finished but before the goods are loaded for shipping. An inspector reviews the finished items against your specification, checks quality and quantity, and reports what they find. The result is a clear picture of whether the shipment is ready to go.
What does a pre-shipment inspection cover?
A typical inspection follows your order's specification. Common checkpoints include product appearance and workmanship, dimensions and materials, functionality testing where applicable, packaging and labeling, and quantity counts. The scope is usually set before the inspection so both sides know what will be checked. You can adjust the checklist based on your product's risk points.
How does the inspection process work?
The process usually starts with a checklist and a sampling plan. For most consumer goods, inspectors use random sampling based on international standards such as AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) to select units from the finished batch. Each unit is checked against the agreed criteria, defects are recorded by severity, and photos are taken as evidence. After the visit, you receive a report with photos and a clear pass or fail recommendation.
When should you schedule a pre-shipment inspection?
The best time is when production is complete and the goods are packed, or about to be packed, but before shipment. Scheduling too early means the check may not reflect the final product. Scheduling too late can delay the shipment if issues are found. A common approach is to book the inspection a few days before the planned ship date so there is time to correct problems.
Do you still need an inspection if the supplier passed a factory audit?
A factory audit and a pre-shipment inspection answer different questions. An audit looks at the facility, its capabilities, and its management systems. A pre-shipment inspection looks at the actual finished goods of a specific order. Many buyers use both at different stages: an audit when selecting a supplier, and an inspection before each important shipment. Neither guarantees a perfect order, but together they help reduce surprises.
How do you choose an inspection checklist?
Start from your order specification and your product's known risk points. If color accuracy matters to your brand, include a color check. If electronics are involved, include function testing. If fragile goods are being shipped, include packaging and drop checks. A good checklist is specific, measurable, and agreed with the supplier in advance.
Pre-shipment inspection is one practical way to verify that what you ordered is what you get. It works best when the scope is clear, the timing is right, and the checklist reflects your product. At SourcingCraft, we support overseas buyers with supplier verification, factory audits, price comparison, sample inspection, and 1688 sourcing, including coordination of inspections before shipment. Visit sourcingcraft.com to discuss your project.