Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Services
Final quality verification before your goods leave the factory. Our expert inspectors ensure your products meet specifications, quality standards, and are ready for shipment across Thailand and China.
What is Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), also known as Final Random Inspection (FRI), is the most critical quality control checkpoint in your supply chain. Conducted when production is 100% complete and at least 80% of goods are packed, PSI verifies that your products meet all specifications before they leave the factory.
Our certified inspectors in Thailand and China use internationally recognized AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) sampling methods to randomly select and examine products, ensuring a statistically valid assessment of your entire order's quality.
🎯 Why PSI is Essential
PSI is your last opportunity to identify and address quality issues before shipment. Catching defects at this stage costs a fraction of what it would cost to handle returns, replacements, or customer complaints after goods arrive at their destination.
When to Schedule Pre-Shipment Inspection
- Production is 100% complete
- At least 80% of goods are export-packed
- Cartons are clearly marked and accessible
- Products are ready for random sampling
- Before container loading or shipment booking
What We Inspect During Pre-Shipment Inspection
Our comprehensive PSI covers every aspect of your products to ensure they meet your quality standards and specifications.
Quantity Verification
- Total carton count
- Pieces per carton verification
- Total quantity vs. PO matching
- SKU breakdown confirmation
- Size/color assortment check
- Shortage/overage documentation
Workmanship & Appearance
- Visual defect inspection
- Surface finish quality
- Color consistency
- Assembly quality
- Cosmetic defects (scratches, dents)
- Overall appearance assessment
Specifications & Dimensions
- Critical measurements
- Weight verification
- Material specifications
- Color matching (Pantone/samples)
- Component specifications
- Tolerance compliance
Functionality Testing
- On/off and operation tests
- Mechanical function checks
- Electrical safety tests
- Moving parts operation
- User interface testing
- Performance verification
Packaging & Labeling
- Inner packaging adequacy
- Carton strength (drop test)
- Barcode scanning verification
- Label accuracy and placement
- Shipping marks compliance
- Warning labels and certifications
Safety & Compliance
- Safety feature verification
- Sharp edge and point tests
- Small parts hazard (toys)
- Required certifications present
- Country-specific compliance
- Restricted substance concerns
Our Pre-Shipment Inspection Process
A streamlined 4-step process ensures thorough quality verification with fast report delivery.
Book Your Inspection
Submit your inspection request with PO details, specifications, and factory information. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
On-Site Inspection
Our inspector arrives at the factory, selects random samples using AQL methodology, and conducts comprehensive quality checks.
Documentation
Every finding is documented with photos, measurements, and detailed observations. Defects are categorized and counted.
Report Delivery
Receive your detailed inspection report within 24-48 hours with clear pass/fail recommendation based on your AQL criteria.
AQL Sampling Standards We Use
We follow ISO 2859-1 (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) Acceptable Quality Level standards to ensure statistically valid and internationally recognized inspection results.
📊 What is AQL?
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is a statistical sampling method that determines the maximum acceptable number of defective units in a sample to consider the entire lot acceptable.
Rather than inspecting every single unit (which would be time-consuming and expensive), AQL allows us to randomly select a representative sample and make statistically valid conclusions about the entire order's quality.
We typically use General Inspection Level II with the following AQL limits: 0 for critical defects, 2.5 for major defects, and 4.0 for minor defects. These can be customized based on your quality requirements.
Sample Size Reference (Level II)
| Order Size | Sample Size | AQL 2.5 Accept |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 8 | 2 | 0 |
| 9 - 15 | 3 | 0 |
| 16 - 25 | 5 | 0 |
| 26 - 50 | 8 | 0 |
| 51 - 90 | 13 | 1 |
| 91 - 150 | 20 | 1 |
| 151 - 280 | 32 | 2 |
| 281 - 500 | 50 | 3 |
| 501 - 1,200 | 80 | 5 |
| 1,201 - 3,200 | 125 | 7 |
| 3,201 - 10,000 | 200 | 10 |
Critical Defects (AQL 0)
Safety hazards or regulatory non-compliance. Zero tolerance - any critical defect fails the inspection.
Major Defects (AQL 2.5)
Likely to result in product failure, returns, or significant customer dissatisfaction.
Minor Defects (AQL 4.0)
Slight imperfections unlikely to affect product use but may impact appearance.
What You Receive After Inspection
Our comprehensive PSI report gives you everything needed to make an informed shipment decision.
Detailed Inspection Report
Comprehensive report covering all inspection areas with findings, defect counts, and clear pass/fail recommendation based on AQL criteria.
Photo Documentation
50-100+ high-resolution photos documenting products, defects, packaging, labels, cartons, and measurements with annotations.
Measurement Records
Detailed dimensional measurements with photos showing measuring tools and comparison against your specifications.
Defect Classification
Every defect found is categorized (critical/major/minor), photographed, counted, and compared against AQL acceptance limits.
Pass/Fail Recommendation
Clear recommendation based on your AQL criteria with detailed justification and summary of key findings.
Packing Verification
Documentation of carton quality, packing method, inner packaging, shipping marks, and barcode scan results.
Report Delivery: Within 24-48 Hours
You'll receive your complete inspection report within 24-48 hours after the on-site inspection is completed. Reports are delivered in PDF format via email. Same-day reports available upon request for urgent shipments.
Benefits of Pre-Shipment Inspection
Protect your business, reduce costs, and ensure customer satisfaction with professional final inspection services.
Catch Defects Before Shipping
Identify quality issues while goods are still at the factory, when corrections are easiest and least expensive to make.
Avoid Costly Returns
Prevent the expense of returns, replacements, and refunds by ensuring products meet quality standards before shipment.
Verify Exact Quantities
Confirm you're receiving exactly what you ordered with accurate piece counts and SKU verification.
Ensure Specification Compliance
Verify products match your specifications, samples, and requirements before they leave Asia.
Photographic Evidence
Receive detailed photo documentation of product condition, useful for claims and supplier discussions.
Faster Decision Making
Get clear pass/fail recommendations within 24-48 hours to keep your shipping schedule on track.
Supplier Accountability
Third-party inspection keeps suppliers accountable and demonstrates your commitment to quality standards.
Customer Satisfaction
Deliver quality products consistently, protecting your brand reputation and customer relationships.
Industries We Inspect in Thailand & China
Our experienced inspectors have product-specific expertise across all major manufacturing sectors.
Electronics & Electrical
Textiles & Apparel
Furniture & Home Goods
Automotive Parts
Food & Beverage
Toys & Recreation
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Hardware & Tools
Don't see your industry? We inspect products across all manufacturing sectors.
View All Industries →Pre-Shipment Inspection FAQs
Common questions about our PSI services in Thailand and China.
When should I schedule the pre-shipment inspection?
Schedule PSI when production is 100% complete and at least 80% of goods are packed in export cartons. Book 2-3 days in advance to ensure inspector availability. Inspecting too early (before packing) won't give an accurate picture of final shipment condition.
What's the difference between PSI and During Production Inspection?
During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is conducted when 20-80% of production is complete, allowing early defect detection while there's still time to correct. Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is your final check when production is 100% complete. For critical orders, we recommend both inspections.
What happens if the inspection fails?
If inspection fails, you have options:
- Request the factory to sort and rework defective units
- Negotiate price reduction for the defective portion
- Reject the shipment entirely
- Accept with documented defects for warranty claims
We can conduct a re-inspection after corrective actions at an additional fee.
Can you customize the AQL levels?
Yes, we can adjust AQL levels based on your quality requirements. Some clients use tighter AQL 1.5/2.5 for premium products or looser AQL 4.0/6.5 for promotional items. We'll discuss your needs and recommend appropriate levels during booking.
How long does the on-site inspection take?
A standard PSI takes one full man-day (approximately 8 hours) on-site. This includes sample selection, visual inspection, measurements, function tests, packing checks, and documentation. Large orders or complex products with extensive testing may require additional time.
Do I need to provide product specifications?
Yes, providing detailed specifications improves inspection accuracy. We need: product specifications/requirements, approved samples or photos, packing requirements, labeling details, and any specific tests required. The more information you provide, the more thorough our inspection can be.
Have more questions about pre-shipment inspection?
Contact Our Team →Ready for Your Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Don't ship without knowing. Our expert inspectors are ready to verify your products meet quality standards at factories across Thailand and China.