Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Services

40+ Years of Excellence Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Services Pro QC International offers third-party Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI/FRI) in 100 countries to verify quality, quantity, and compliance before goods are shipped Contact Us 40+ years of inspection experience 100 countries covered for pre-shipment inspections 24h inspection reports with photos ISO 9001 and ISO 17020 credentials A Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI), also called Final Random Inspection (FRI), is an effective tool to protect buyers against costly import risks. It is used to ensure the quality, quantity, and documentation match the buyers’ requirements before goods are shipped. A PSI is not only a visual check before dispatch. It is a structured verification of the finished lot against the buyer’s purchase order, approved samples, drawings, specifications, packing requirements, labeling rules, workmanship criteria, functional tests, and applicable regulatory or industry expectations. The inspection result gives the buyer an evidence-based basis to approve shipment, request sorting or rework, hold payment, or require corrective action before goods leave the factory. A pre-shipment inspection will determine if there are any defective products in a batch and whether documentation, packaging and labeling meet the requirements of the buyer organization. It provides buyers with the necessary information for deciding if the lot can be accepted or not before shipping. Examining products and documents and determining compliance with required standards avoids customs problems, reduces delays, and prevents defective products from reaching the customer. Contact Us Get a Quote Sample Reports Advantages of Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI) 1 Identify Quality Defects 2 Avoid costly rework and delays 3 Improve import efficiency 4 Protect brand reputation Request a quote How Sampling Works During a Pre-Shipment Inspection Although Pre-Shipment inspections involving 100% screening for visual or other specific defects, most employ sampling plans. Sampling occurs when the material is 100% produced and 80% packaged for shipment. The purpose of this type of inspection is to draw conclusions on the conformity of the batch from the results obtained on a sample rather than inspecting 100% in order to reduce the inspection time and cost while maintaining a a high level of reliability The sample size is chosen to be statistically representative of the total quantity and the individual units inspected are randomly selected by the third-party inspector. This quality control is the last opportunity to take the necessary corrective actions before shipping. This approach helps buyers make a practical shipment decision without inspecting every unit, while still using a statistically recognized method for lot acceptance. Sampling plans can be adjusted based on product or supplier risk and historical performance to be tighter or looser, increasing or decreasing the inspection time and affecting consumer and producer risk. Pro QC uses AQL sampling based on ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or ISO 2859-1 and ZERO-BASED Acceptance Sampling Plan (C=0) unless the client specifies another sampling plan. The selected inspection level and AQL limits define how many units are checked and how many minor, major, or critical defects can be accepted before the lot is rejected. When defective products are identified, they are either sorted or reworked so only compliant products are shipped. When Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection Required? A pre-shipment inspection is usually requested before the balance payment is released, before goods are loaded, or before the buyer gives shipment approval. It is especially useful when production is outsourced, the supplier is new and has not yet been evaluated through a supplier audit, previous orders had quality issues, the product is technically sensitive, or the cost of receiving defective goods would be high. For technically sensitive products, PSI may be combined with an earlier in-process inspection to detect production issues before the order is completed. For custom-made, engineered, or first-time production runs, a first article inspection may also be performed before mass production to confirm that the first completed unit matches the approved design, drawings, materials, and specifications. For some transactions, PSI may also be requested as part of buyer procedures, retailer requirements, contractual quality clauses, letter of credit conditions, or shipment release controls. What Does a Pre-Shipment Inspection Cover? A Pro QC pre-shipment inspection may include: Quantity verification of the purchase order and packing list Random carton selection and sample drawing Product appearance and workmanship inspection Dimensional checks and measurement verification Functional and performance testing Weight, color, material, and assembly verification Labeling, barcode, marking, and instruction manual verification Carton condition and shipping mark verification Packaging conformity checks Assortment and model verification On-site product testing defined in the inspection checklist Defect classification as minor, major, or critical Photo documentation and final inspection result Inspection checkpoints vary depending on the product category, industry requirements, applicable regulations, and client specifications. Inspection criteria may also include retailer standards, approved golden samples, packaging references, or market-specific compliance requirements. Pro QC’s Pre-Shipment Inspection Services Ensuring product quality is an absolute necessity, both for regulatory compliance and brand image reasons. The product must be free of defects and match the required quality standards set by the buyer when it is shipped out of the factory. For many companies, a final random inspection is part of their quality control process. Having an inspector on-site at the factory to compare the purchase order with the actual products ensures a higher level of assurance and control. We support companies in conducting this verification independently and efficiently. Pro QC provides PSI solutions to a wide range of clients in textiles, shoes, eyewear, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, electrical equipment, medical devices, automotive parts, energy equipment, machinery, metal products, and construction materials. Pro QC’s Final Random Inspection services detect quality defects at an early stage. This prevents material with visual or functional defects from being shipped to buyers and end-users. If inspectors detect a trend where the same type of defect is repeated, inspection data will inform interventions to improve the factory’s quality performance. Request a quote Pro QC offers third-party Pre-Shipment Inspection services in 100 countries, including: China Vietnam Thailand Taiwan India Bangladesh Indonesia Malaysia Pakistan Turkey Tunisia Morocco Egypt Portugal Spain France Italy United Kingdom Netherlands Belgium Germany Poland Romania Bulgaria Hungary Greece Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Sweden Denmark Lithuania Mexico Colombia Honduras Brazil USA PRO QCs Key Differentiators Superior industry and technical expertise garnered since 1984 Tailored quality solutions provided in 100 countries Specialized and qualified quality inspectors Detailed inspection reports delivered within 24 hours Experienced with over 30,000 products from all industries ISO 9001-certified offices, and ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation as an inspection body Pro QC aims to be the best in the industry, not the biggest. We offer our customers the customized plans and personal service of boutique firm, while achieving the global coverage and rigour of the industries biggest players. Our customers put quality first, and know we do too. Need to Schedule a Pre-Shipment Inspection? Get started with a free consultation and discover how our pre-shipment inspection services help to ensure product quality. Request a quote How a Pre-Shipment Inspection Is Performed 1 Review of Specifications and Requirements The inspector reviews the purchase order, approved samples, product specifications, packaging requirements, labeling instructions, testing requirements, and inspection checklist before the factory visit. 2 Verification of Production Status The inspector confirms that production is completed and that enough goods are packed and available for inspection. 3 Random Sample Selection Cartons and products are selected randomly according to the agreed AQL sampling level and inspection plan. 4 Product Inspection and Testing The inspector verifies workmanship, dimensions, functionality, labeling, packaging, quantity, and product-specific requirements. 5 Defect Classification Inspection findings are classified as critical, major, or minor defects according to agreed acceptance criteria. 6 Reporting A detailed inspection report with photos, measurements, findings, and conclusions is issued to support the buyer in making shipment approvals. Pro QC’s Pre-Shipment Inspection Reports Pro QC’s quality professionals work closely with clients to develop detailed product checklists that engineers use on-site. Our final random inspection checklists are customized according to client requirements and products – we understand that verification tests differ greatly from t-shirts to solar panels, and ensure that we cover the basic elements below: Quantity verification Packaging integrity (ISTA 1A drop-test) Visual (Workmanship) evaluation Functional, measurement (special testing) evaluation Labeling verification Photo documentation & reporting After identifying defects, Pro QC’s auditor sorts them into three categories: Critical defects Issues that may create safety risks, regulatory non-compliance, product illegality, or complete loss of usability. Major defects Issues likely to cause product rejection by the buyer or end customer, including functional failures, incorrect components, severe workmanship defects, wrong dimensions, or incorrect labeling. Minor defects Issues that do not normally affect function or safety but reduce appearance, finish, or perceived quality. The final inspection result depends on the number and severity of defects found compared with the agreed AQL limits. Pro QC delivers Pre-Shipment Inspection reports to customers within 24 hours of completion. Each report outlines the general information of the client’s order, an inspection result summary, and the detailed inspection results by category with digital images and photos. Preview example reports Industries and Products Covered Pro QC performs pre-shipment inspections across a wide range of industries and product categories, including: Consumer products and general merchandise Such as household goods, kitchenware, personal care items, lifestyle products, retail goods, and assembled consumer products. Electronics and electrical equipment Including consumer electronics, power supplies, cables, connectors, lighting products, small appliances, batteries, and electrical components. Furniture and home products Such as indoor and outdoor furniture, metal furniture, wooden furniture, upholstered products, tables, chairs, cabinets, shelving, and flat-packed furniture. Textiles, garments, and footwear Including apparel, workwear, uniforms, shoes, bags, fabric products, stitching, trims, sizing, finishing, packaging, and retail presentation. Industrial equipment and machinery Such as mechanical assemblies, fabricated components, pumps, motors, gearboxes, compressors, industrial tools, spare parts, and production equipment. Automotive parts and components Including metal parts, plastic components, rubber parts, electronic assemblies, fasteners, lighting components, aftermarket products, and vehicle accessories. Medical devices and healthcare products Such as non-sterile medical devices, healthcare accessories, packaging components, plastic parts, metal parts, electronic components, labels, and device-related assemblies. Packaging materials Including cartons, printed packaging, labels, inserts, flexible packaging, rigid packaging, pallets, shipping marks, barcodes, and export packaging. Toys and juvenile products Such as plastic toys, soft toys, educational products, baby products, children’s furniture, accessories, packaging, labeling, and warning markings. Building materials and construction products Including tiles, sanitary products, metal structures, fasteners, fittings, pipes, hardware, doors, windows, flooring products, panels, and insulation materials. Metal products and fabricated components Such as machined parts, welded assemblies, sheet metal parts, castings, forgings, brackets, frames, structural elements, fasteners, and coated metal components. Oil & Gas industry and miscellaneous equipment Such as pipelines, drill pipes, valves including butterfly valves, gate valves and globe valves, water pumps including vertical pumps and centrifugal pumps, heat exchangers, condensers, flanges, tubes, elbows, tees, reducers, gearboxes, diesel generators, air compressors, and related industrial equipment. Inspection checkpoints and testing methods are adapted according to the product category, applicable standards, and client requirements. Trusted by Global Brands and Manufacturers Pro QC supports importers, retailers, manufacturers, and sourcing teams worldwide with independent inspection, audit, and quality control services. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between PSI and Final Random Inspection? Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) and Final Random Inspection (FRI) generally refer to the same type of inspection performed before shipment to verify product quality and conformity. When should a pre-shipment inspection be scheduled? A PSI is normally scheduled when production is complete and at least 80% of the goods are packed. What happens if the inspection fails? If inspection results exceed the agreed acceptance limits, buyers may request corrective actions, product sorting, rework, replacement production, or a follow-up inspection before shipment approval. Can a pre-shipment inspection be customized? Yes. Inspection checklists, testing requirements, acceptance criteria, and product specifications can be customized according to the client’s requirements and product category. Is a PSI enough to guarantee product compliance? A pre-shipment inspection reduces risks significantly but does not replace factory quality management systems, supplier qualification, laboratory testing, or regulatory certification requirements when applicable. In which countries do Pro QC perform pre-shipment inspections? Pro QC performs inspections in more than 100 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. Pro QC International Our PSI Service Reports Detailed & Actionable Following International & Industry Standards 24 Hours Report Delivery for Inspections View sample reports Pre-Shipment Inspection Case Studies Ensuring the Quality of Industrial Piping in China A Chilean industrial company partnered with Pro QC to perform a pre-shipment inspection on industrial piping components manufactured in China. The inspection focused on dimensional conformity, welding quality, coating condition, packaging integrity, and compliance with technical specifications before export. The project helped identify quality concerns before shipment and reduced the risk of receiving non-conforming industrial components on site. Read the Industrial Piping Inspection Case Study Pre-Shipment Inspections in India for High-Volume Cotton Pad Production Pro QC supported a personal care products importer by conducting pre-shipment inspections in India on high-volume cotton pad production. The inspections focused on batch consistency, packaging conformity, labeling verification, workmanship, and quantity verification before export. The project helped the client maintain stable product quality across repeated production batches. Read the Cotton Pad Inspection Case Study Pre-Shipment Inspections in India for High-Volume Cotton Pad Production Pro QC supported a personal care products importer by conducting pre-shipment inspections in India on high-volume cotton pad production. The inspections focused on batch consistency, packaging conformity, labeling verification, workmanship, and quantity verification before export. The project helped the client maintain stable product quality across repeated production batches. Read the Cotton Pad Inspection Case Study Outdoor Furniture Inspection in Thailand Pro QC conducted pre-shipment inspections on outdoor furniture production in Thailand for products intended for the European market. Inspection activities included workmanship verification, dimensional checks, packaging evaluation, and shipment conformity checks before export. The inspections helped reduce quality risks associated with cosmetic defects and transport-related damage. Read the Outdoor Furniture Inspection Case Study Outdoor Furniture Inspection in Thailand Pro QC conducted pre-shipment inspections on outdoor furniture production in Thailand for products intended for the European market. Inspection activities included workmanship verification, dimensional checks, packaging evaluation, and shipment conformity checks before export. The inspections helped reduce quality risks associated with cosmetic defects and transport-related damage. Read the Outdoor Furniture Inspection Case Study Automotive Parts Inspection in China An Australian automotive manufacturer partnered with Pro QC after experiencing recurring quality issues with brake caliper components produced in China. Pro QC implemented inspection controls focused on dimensions, machining quality, surface condition, and product conformity before shipment. The inspections helped improve shipment consistency and reduce quality deviations. Read the Automotive Inspection Case Study Automotive Parts Inspection in China An Australian automotive manufacturer partnered with Pro QC after experiencing recurring quality issues with brake caliper components produced in China. Pro QC implemented inspection controls focused on dimensions, machining quality, surface condition, and product conformity before shipment. The inspections helped improve shipment consistency and reduce quality deviations. Read the Automotive Inspection Case Study Textile Workwear Inspection in Honduras A global manufacturer partnered with Pro QC after defect findings in textile workwear production in Honduras increased significantly across multiple production lots. Pro QC implemented recurring pre-shipment inspections focused on garment workmanship, stitching quality, fabric condition, measurements, branding, packaging, and conformity with approved specifications. Combined with real-time reporting and corrective action follow-up, the inspection program helped reduce defect findings by 95%, from 1,461 in 2025 to 73 in 2026. Read the Textile Workwear Inspection Case Study Textile Workwear Inspection in Honduras A global manufacturer partnered with Pro QC after defect findings in textile workwear production in Honduras increased significantly across multiple production lots. Pro QC implemented recurring pre-shipment inspections focused on garment workmanship, stitching quality, fabric condition, measurements, branding, packaging, and conformity with approved specifications. Combined with real-time reporting and corrective action follow-up, the inspection program helped reduce defect findings by 95%, from 1,461 in 2025 to 73 in 2026. Read the Textile Workwear Inspection Case Study Ensuring the Quality of Industrial Piping in China A Chilean industrial company partnered with Pro QC to perform a pre-shipment inspection on industrial piping components manufactured in China. The inspection focused on dimensional conformity, welding quality, coating condition, packaging integrity, and compliance with technical specifications before export. The project helped identify quality concerns before shipment and reduced the risk of receiving non-conforming industrial components on site. Read the Industrial Piping Inspection Case Study Pro QC Blog Posts & Related Offerings Find out more about our related services by clicking below: Pro QC Blog What Is the Scope of Pre-Shipment Inspection? Read More Pro QC Blog When a Pre-Shipment Inspection Is Conducted Read More Pro QC Blog Are Pre-Shipment Inspections Overrated? 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Read More Our Solutions Supplier Verification Read More Pro QC Blog What Is the Scope of Pre-Shipment Inspection? Read More Pro QC Blog When a Pre-Shipment Inspection Is Conducted Read More Click Below to Improve Product Quality with Pro QC Contact us Get a Quote or Book a Service We will be happy to give you more information about our quality solutions. Please fill in this form to contact us. We will respond as soon as possible. If you would like to submit your CV, please click here. Contact Us by Email Contact Us by Phone North America +1 206 397 1145 Mexico +52 55 9990 7885 Colombia +57 601 9190355 United Kingdom +44 330 094 5589 France +33 9 7303 6784 Germany +49 15630 810151 Australia +61 2 8252 7691 India & South Asia +91 227 189 7407 Asia & Asia Pacific +886 2 2832 2990 Stability Pro QC has been providing quality assurance, engineering and consulting services since 1984. Global Presence We offer a dedicated Account Manager and quality solutions in over 100 countries. Timely Feedback We offer online reporting and detailed reports within 24 hours of job completion. Quality Experts Our global engineering team has the requisite industry expertise to verify quality and conformance.