Quality Control Inspections in China: The Four Types Every Importer Should Schedule

After over two decades of sourcing from China, I've learned one hard truth: skipping quality checks almost always costs more than the inspection itself. Too many importers find out the hard way when containers arrive with defects or wrong specifications. In this guide, I'll walk you through the four critical stages of quality control that separate successful importers from those who end up with costly problems.

Quality control process

A product’s quality is the effect of conscious actions on every stage of production, as well as before export, during packing, and preparation for transport, like loading. Unfortunately, unless you are on the spot, you cannot check the product by yourself. Due to this reason, consider hiring a company or quality inspector who will take care of it.

What are the types of quality checks in China?

There are four different types of quality checks, each on a different stage of production and transportation.

Factory audit/Pre-production inspection (PPI)

This type of quality control is done after verifying the company which will be manufacturing the product. It allows checking the factory’s production conditions and reduces the chances of fraud. The goal of such audits is to find eventual problems before production starts. During this step, the quality of used materials, and semi-finished products, as well as their availability, are checked, including samples and machinery. Therefore, the factory’s whole preparation for production is thoroughly checked. It will allow the importer to make the final decision on whether they want to work with the supplier. After conducting the first quality check, manufacturing can begin.

During Production Check (DPI, DUPRO)

Production Inspection is conducted when 10-60% of the product has already been manufactured and its export preparations have started. The purpose is to find eventual defects and deviations at the beginning of the manufacturing process. The product is put under physical checks, which verify whether the randomly chosen items were manufactured according to AQL norms. Compliance with specifications and eventual delays are also thoroughly monitored.

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI)

This inspection is done at the end of the production process when 80-100% of the product has been manufactured. In that case, it is almost ready to be shipped. The check includes a physical inspection of randomly chosen items from all order batches under AQL standards. This step is the last opportunity to make eventual changes or corrective measures before finalizing the production process. It is worth conducting this check before paying the final installment for the goods.

It allows the detection of deviations and defects in manufactured products. The report from the pre-shipment check contains all descriptions and photos of any deficiencies. It also informs about the scale of the detected deviations.

Container Loading Supervision/During Loading Inspection (LS)

The loading supervision is the last step of the entire quality control process. It entails making sure the products were properly prepared for transport and that they will arrive at the destination in the desired conditions. Thus, the way the order is loaded and whether the type of transportation is suitable for the given goods are verified. Whether the container is securely loaded also matters. It has to be done to ensure the products will not get damaged and safely reach their destination.

This check is conducted in the factory after the pre-shipping one. Besides seeing how the product is packed and prepared for transportation, the required documentation also should be checked. The report entails details about the loading process. It also contains information about the materials that were used, as well as how many packages and how are placed in the containers.

Quality checks in China – what should you pay attention to?

Remember that conducting quality checks in China during different production stages reduces the risk of eventual fraud (during the pre-production period) and minimalizes the risk of loss. Moreover, if you choose to have quality checks done, you will be regarded as a professional buyer. Due to safety reasons, we always recommend importers conduct an inspection and verify the manufacturer.

You can conduct product quality checks by yourself. However, if visiting the factory is not possible, consider hiring specialists in China to do so. The cost depends on the factory’s location and the amount and type of product (for example, checking a machine will be more complicated than checking pillows.)

The quality check usually costs a couple of hundred euros. Still, it is worth spending on to ensure the ordered product’s quality is up to par before it arrives at the destination. It will be hard to negotiate with the Chinese supplier about returning or exchanging the product after it arrived and does not comply with your specifications.

No matter how well you know your supplier, independent inspections during production and before shipment are your best insurance against defects and delays. At China-Check, we've been performing these checks for American importers for years—from factory audits to loading supervision. Get in touch for a tailored inspection plan that fits your product and budget.