Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Ensure your products meet your requirements before the production run is finished and your products are packed for shipment.

What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

The Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), also called Final Random Inspection (FRI) or Finished Quality Control, will take place when at least 80% of the products are ready and packed into export cartons. You can of course specify when booking with us if you want 100% of the products to be ready for this inspection. The pre shipment inspection will take place at the factory, or in some cases, it could even take place at the forwarder's premises or at the pier.

What do we check during a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

During the PSI process, we cover all possible on-site checks of your products:

Product Appearance & Workmanship

Checking product appearance and workmanship quality based on the AQL table to ensure compliance with standard requirements.

Safety & Functionality

Testing the safety, functionality, and performance of products to ensure they work properly.

Quantity & Packaging

Checking product quantity, assortment, colors/measurements/ weight, accessories, labeling & logos, packing & packaging, and any other special requirements you may have.

Our team of experienced Chinese or Western inspectors randomly selects a specific quantity of completed products, according to AQL tables, and inspects them according to your specifications, requirements and according to our protocols and expertise. After completion of the inspection, a fully detailed inspection report with pictures and comments is sent to you. Then you are able to Accept or Reject your shipment.
Inspection certificates will be issued if stipulated in the letter of credit.

The Added Value of a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

We are here to help you make the best decisions. If the goods do not meet requirements, you can stop the shipping process with our help and confront the supplier directly, without any unpleasant surprises when receiving the goods.

Highlights of Quality Control Inspection Service

  • Defect types and defect percentages
  • Product quality, allowing you to reject shipment if necessary
  • Correctness of shipping marks, packaging, and labels
  • The usual functionality of the product, is it working correctly

Why should I book this Quality Control Inspection?

Because it is simply essential to check your products before the shipment! And this even if you work with a trading company or with an agent… Indeed, your vendor, whether he is with a factory, trading company or is an agent, will have no interest in informing you of any potential or current quality issues. Trust is good- But control is better!

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FBA Product Inspection

FBA Product Inspection refers to a comprehensive examination of goods conducted by a third-party quality inspection agency or the seller themselves during the final stage of the supply chain—after products are packaged but before shipment. Its core purpose is to ensure that products comply with Amazon's requirements for packaging, labeling, and quality, thereby avoiding potential issues such as rejection, returns, or penalties due to non-compliance.

Core Objectives

Compliance Verification: Ensure products meet Amazon's strict requirements for packaging dimensions, labeling specifications (e.g., FNSKU barcode), weight limits, and more.

Quality Assurance: Reduce returns and negative reviews caused by quality issues (over 50% of returns on Amazon are due to product damage or defects) through inspections of appearance, functionality, and craftsmanship.

Risk Mitigation: Identify packaging defects, labeling errors, and other issues in advance to prevent shipments from being rejected or held at Amazon warehouses.

Detailed FBA Inspection Process

Pre-Inspection Preparation

Develop an inspection plan based on Amazon's FBA Packaging and Prep Requirements, including customized checklists for packaging standards.

On-Site Inspection

Conduct a comprehensive examination of products, packaging, labels, and functionality to ensure compliance with Amazon's standards.

Key Inspection Points

Appearance and Workmanship Check:

  • Examine products for scratches, cracks, deformities, and other defects.

Packaging Compliance:

  • Master carton dimensions must not exceed 63.5 cm on any side; weight must not exceed 22.5 kg (overweight cartons require a "Team Lift" label).
  • PET straps and colored tape are prohibited (only transparent tape is allowed).

Label and Marking Verification:

  • Ensure each product has a clearly scannable FNSKU barcode. Labels must not be covered or applied horizontally on cylindrical items.
  • Compliance labels: Master cartons must have Amazon FBA labels (including shipment ID, SKU, etc.). It is recommended to apply labels on all four sides to prevent damage.
  • Special items (e.g., lithium batteries) must be marked with "Lithium Battery" and "Made in China."

Functionality and Safety Testing:

  • Electronic products require power-on testing; liquid items must be checked for leakage; fragile goods undergo compression resistance tests.
  • Hazardous materials (e.g., batteries) require compliance documentation and warning labels on outer packaging.

Packaging and Loading Verification:

  • Ensure sufficient cushioning materials (e.g., bubble wrap) and clear shipping marks (including SKU, quantity, destination).
  • Palletized goods must meet standards: max 680 kg per pallet, height ≤ 1.8 m, and use of vented pallets (wooden pallets must be fumigated).

Common Issues We Help Clients Avoid

We leverage expertise in Amazon's rules to help clients avoid common issues such as labeling errors, non-compliant packaging, and quality risks that could lead to shipment rejection or negative customer experiences.

During Production Inspection(DPI)

With the production of large quantities of large goods, a variety of quality problems may arise, this stage of inspection will help you to timely understand whether the products produced by the factory with the confirmation of the sample or the requirements of the same, to ensure that you require the production schedule with the shipment period will not be affected, thereby reducing the risk of delayed delivery of the factory.

What is the During Production Inspection?

The During Production Inspection (DPI) will take place during production between 20% and 80% of the manufacturing process. We check packed and ready to go products.

What do we check during a During Production Inspection?

Product appearance (AQL), workmanship quality, size measurements, weight check, functionality assortment, accessories, labeling & logos, packaging, packing and other tests and special requirements, depending on the product and the export market. The During Production Inspection(DPI) will also cover the raw materials, unfinished products and the planning of production.

Our team of inspectors chooses a specific quantity of completed products, according to AQL tables - and inspects them according to your specifications, requirements and according to our protocols and expertise. After completing the During Production Inspection, a fully detailed inspection report with pictures and comments is sent to you. Then you are able to Accept or Reject your shipment online.

The added value of a During Production Inspection?

We will intervene in the middle of the production process, we check if the quality of your products reaches your standards and we make a statement of your production schedule. We inspect the actual production volume to avoid any delays in your final shipment. At this stage, you can still modify the production protocol and still be on time with your order in case of problems.

Highlights of this quality control inspection service

  • Assure that the mass production quality is the same as the golden sample
  • Implement the necessary corrective actions before having too many defects
  • Be aware of the percentage of defects of finished products
  • The exact statement of the production planning
  • Avoid unnecessary costs and delays

Why should I book this During Production Inspection?

Because you might want to check if the production is running smoothly, especially if no FAI were performed during the first processes of the production. Because you should keep pressure on your vendor's shoulders and because trust is good, but control is better.

Container Loading Supervision(CLS)

To ensure that the container is loaded with the correct quantity and that the product is safe, the entire loading process is monitored at the manufacturer, warehouse, terminal or at a location specified by you. Even good quality products, if loaded in an inappropriate or unstandardized way, can lead to quality problems, cargo not arriving at the correct destination on time, incorrect quantity of cargo, wet cargo, or a variety of other problems.

What is a Container Loading Supervision?

The Container Loading Supervision (CLS) will take place right before the vendor / factory / manufacturer is supposed to load the goods inside the container and also during the loading process. This inspection usually takes place at the factory. It can also be performed at your forwarder's premises.

What do we check during a Container Loading Supervision?

Quantity check, packing list check, the container conditions, the process of the loading (cartons conditions, filling-up level etc), a quick look at the packaging & packing of your products.

Please note that for complete QC checks on product specifications, labeling & marking and cosmetic (AQL) testing, you should book a standard inspection, such as a Pre-shipment inspection or During production inspection.

The added value of the Container Loading Supervision?

As your goods will travel for days or weeks to reach the final destination, you would like to ensure that the number of boxes are right, the loaded goods are yours and the products are not damaged.

Highlights of this Container Loading Supervision service

  • We provide the status of the container itself
  • The right goods, no replacement of products possible
  • The quantity of the boxes is exact
  • The loading will be done with care (limitation of broken goods due to loading)
  • The inspector will call the office so that you get immediate feedback. If you read your e-mails quickly and if you have instructed your vendor to wait for your green light before shipping, you have a chance of stopping disasters
  • The container is forwarded to your company
  • We note whether a seal is affixed on the container
  • We perform a final check on packing

Why should I book this Container Loading Supervision?

Because you don't want your goods to be improperly loaded in a humid container with broken cartons and broken products. Save time and money and secure your imports with our CLS, while keeping pressure on your vendor to push for continual quality.

Pre-Production Inspection (PPI)

Inspection of semi-finished products, raw materials, accessories and production lines helps you to have a basic understanding of the quality of your products in the early stages of production, and helps you to know whether your suppliers clearly understand the product requirements and will produce in strict accordance with these requirements, to avoid product production risks in a timely manner to avoid the emergence of defective products in a batch, and to solve the quality problems found in a timely manner without affecting the mass production.

What is a Pre-Production Inspection?

The Pre-Production Inspection (PPI), also called Initial Production Check (IPC),is completed after the identification and the evaluation of your vendor / factory and right before the beginning of the actual mass production. It can be completed at the factory or at the vendor office. The aim of the PPI is to make sure your vendor has well understood your requirements and the specifications of your order and is prepared for its production.

What do we check during a Pre-Production Inspection?

Raw materials and key components of your order, relationship between the factory and the vendor, understanding of your demands by the factory, samples, costs, production schedule and processes, in-house quality control checks and key persons from the vendor and factory (production manager, people who speak English etc).

The added value of the Pre-Production Inspection?

The Pre-Production Inspection will help you to setup the preliminary production test to match the golden sample. By this inspection, you will get a clear vision of the production schedule and get ahead of any possible incoming problems, which could affect the quality of your goods. Most of the time, the main reason for production issues and poor quality is not the know-how of the factory but rather the misunderstandings between you and the manufacturer which often come from culture and language differences. The Pre-Production Inspection will allow you to get past this communication gap and make sure both parties understand each other.

Highlights of this quality control inspection service

  • Is everything well prepared before the production starts?
  • Are my requirements and specifications (material, color, etc.) well understood?
  • Is everything ready before mass production?
  • We can help you implement corrective actions as soon as possible.
  • Is the factory well prepared to meet my expectations?
  • Avoid unexpected delays and costs.

Why should I book this quality control inspection?

As an international buyer, you are often facing poor communication. You want certainty, and you want to make sure your requirements are well understood. You want to make sure that the production will start efficiently with the right materials and the right processes. The pre production inspection will give you this peace of mind and is a great way to keep pressure on your vendors while showing your clients that you care.

Initial Production Inspection (IPI)

What is the Initial Production Inspection?

The Initial Production Inspection (IPI), also called First Article Inspection, usually happens right after the manufacturer starts producing the first mass production samples. We will send our inspector when 1% to 10% of your ordered quantity has been produced. This product inspection is usually performed at the factory.

What do we check during an Initial Production Inspection?

Quality of the raw materials and components used in the production, first production samples according to your approved samples or specifications, cooperation of the factory, double checking of the understanding of your demands by the factory, production schedule and production processes control, in-house quality control checks.

The added value of an Initial Production Inspection?

We will help you find a solution if there are any production problems at the beginning stage of manufacturing. It will let you have the time to take action on your production process.

Being aware at an early stage of the production process will help you control and organize your schedule and avoid any possible delays.

Highlights of this quality control inspection service

  • Detect production discrepancies early in order to avoid unnecessary costs and delays
  • Implement the necessary corrective actions as soon as possible
  • Avoid misunderstandings, usage of wrong materials, wrong colors, etc.

Why should I book this quality control inspection?

As an international buyer, you are often facing poor communication. You want certainty, and you want to make sure your requirements are well understood. You want to make sure that production will start efficiently with the right materials and the right processes. The First Article Inspection will give you this peace of mind and is a great way to keep pressure on your vendors while showing your clients that you care.

Defect Sorting Service(DSS)

What is the Defect Sorting Service?

The purpose of the Defect Sorting service is to sort out as many products as possible on known issues (ex: specific cosmetic defects, function problems, or packing imperfections, etc.) during the number of man-days allocated. Other checks will not be done during this inspection.

The added value of the Defect Sorting Service?

This service will help you to sort out the bad products from the good ones. This service is also an efficient way for you to check if your factory has reworked the products as requested and check the percentage of defects affecting your shipment.

Highlights of this quality control inspection service

  1. What to do after a failed inspection?
    • Sort any defective products
    • Know the seriousness of the quality issues
    • Bargain with vendor based on quality issues
  2. How to ensure there are no defective items in my shipment?
    • Know the real percentage of defects still affecting your products
    • Ensure the factory correctly reworked the goods
    • Refuse defective shipments

Why should I book this quality control inspection?

After a FAILED inspection and instead of sending back the inspector to simply make a Re-inspection, you can send back the inspector to focus on a few points and also focus on opening as many cartons as possible- within the number of man-days allocated- in order to sort out as many defective items as possible.

Because it is the only way to verify if the factory has correctly reworked the products, it is important to correctly sort out the previously spotted defective items. The AsiaSQE Inspection Team will work hand in hand with your vendor in order to ensure a non-defective shipment. We will help you to save time and money and to secure your products from Asia.

Production Monitoring(PM)

What is Production Monitoring?

You might want to be sure that the operators are well trained for your product but you don't have time to handle the Quality Control yourself. We can provide you a flexible solution, our Production Monitoring.

What do we check during Production Monitoring?

We check different production lines and manufacturing processes and will give advice to your vendor and factory while also checking the manufactured products.

Production Monitoring (PM) will take place during production. You are the one to choose how many man-days you want to allocate our Chinese inspector(s) per project.

The added value of Production Monitoring?

We help you to set up a manufacturing process. This service takes place after the Initial Production Inspection (IPI) and before the Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI). We send an inspector with a checklist of your needs or wanted improvements.

The Product Monitoring (PM) is possible all throughout the production process and you might need it after a failed inspection or right after 10% of the production is finished to get the production line in conformity with you standards.

Highlights of this quality control inspection service

  • Supervise your production
  • Get professional feedback on a daily basis
  • Understand what the factory's production and quality control processes are
  • Detect discrepancies early and implement necessary corrective actions
  • We check: materials, the condition of the machinery, the training of the operators etc.

Why should I book this quality control inspection?

If you want more frequent checks and feedback, Production Monitoring is right for you. Because you don't know what resources your vendor and factory will put into producing your orders, this is a great way to get constant feedback on the production process. Our Production Monitoring helps you to avoid unexpected costs and delays of defects and ensure that your production process is running smoothly.

Sample Picking(SP)

What is Sample Picking?

(Collection Sample to client or lab test)

Inspector randomly selects samples from the bulk lot or selects specified samples according to the client for lab testing, case studies, complaint resolution, promotional items, etc.