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Quality Control

The Ultimate Guide to Pre-Shipment Inspections

How to Ensure Your Products Meet Quality Standards Before Leaving the Factory

November 25, 2025
6 min read
BG

Bluglo Team

Quality Assurance Experts

When importing products from China—or any international market—the single biggest risk is receiving goods that don't meet your specifications. Poor quality, wrong materials, incorrect quantities, weak packaging, or non-compliance can destroy customer trust and cost you thousands in returns and replacements.

That's where Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI) come in.

What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

A PSI is a third-party quality check conducted when 80-100% of your order is complete and packaged, but before it leaves the factory.

Verify product quality
Confirm specifications
Check packaging

Why PSI Is Critical

Catch defects early before shipment
Save costs on returns/replacements
Protect relationships with customers
Leverage in disputes with suppliers

When to Conduct PSI

80-100% production complete
Products packed, ready to ship
Too early = products not ready. Too late = no time to fix issues.

What Does a PSI Include?

1

Product Quality

  • • Workmanship defects
  • • Material quality
  • • Color accuracy
  • • Finish quality
2

Specifications

  • • Dimensions & weight
  • • Functionality tests
  • • Compliance standards
3

Quantity Verification

  • • Carton count
  • • Unit count per carton
  • • SKU quantities
4

Packaging

  • • Inner/outer packaging
  • • Labels & barcodes
  • • Shipping marks
5

Additional Checks

• On-site testing (drop/function)
• Carton labeling accuracy
• Documentation review
• Photos & detailed reporting

Who Performs PSI?

Third-party inspection companies
SGS, TUV, Intertek, QIMA, V-Trust
Your sourcing agent
If you work with BluGlo or similar
You (or your team)
For nearby factories

How to Prepare for PSI

  • Share product specifications with inspector
  • Provide samples or reference photos
  • Confirm inspection checklist
  • Schedule inspection at 80-100% completion
  • Notify supplier of inspection date

After the PSI: What Happens Next?

If Products PASS

Approve shipment and release final payment. Products ship to you.

You receive: Inspection report with photos, measurements, and approval

If Products FAIL

Do NOT approve shipment. Request rework or refund.

• Hold payment until issues fixed
• Re-inspect after corrections
• Escalate to agent or legal if needed

Common Problems Found During PSI

Wrong colors/sizes

Poor workmanship

Incorrect quantity

Missing labels

Damaged packaging

Non-compliance

Material substitution

Functionality issues

Quality Control Support

Need Help With Quality Control in China?

BluGlo provides end-to-end sourcing solutions, including:

Supplier verification
Negotiations
Production monitoring
Pre-shipment inspections
Factory audits
Customs & logistics support

With our Asia and South Africa teams working together, we make sourcing safer, easier, and more cost-effective.

Visit www.bluglo.co.za [email protected]

Contact us for professional assistance

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