What is Pre-Shipment Inspection?

Pre-shipment inspection is a crucial process where sellers assess products before shipping them to ensure they meet quality, safety, and quantity standards. It checks for defects, ensures compliance with regulations, and verifies billing accuracy. Introduced in 1994 under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), this process helps improve international trade standards.

An independent inspection agency performs the pre-shipment inspection to evaluate the functionality, durability, and dimensions of the products. Typically conducted when 80% of the production is complete, pre-shipment inspections give customers peace of mind regarding product quality and safety.

Essential Steps in Pre-Shipment Inspection

Inspection Visit: The inspection begins with a site visit, where the process and procedure are planned and finalized.
Verify Quantity: Inspectors verify the quantity by counting cartons and ensuring the correct number of products are shipped to the right destination.
Random Sampling: Using methods like the Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL), random sampling is conducted to determine the number of units to inspect from the batch.
Product-Specific Testing: Tests specific to the product category are carried out. For electronics, this could include testing the charging ability, while other categories will have relevant tests to verify performance.
Packaging and Label Checks: Inspectors check the packaging, verifying the size, weight, sealing methods, and labeling for accuracy and compliance.
Visual Inspection: The samples are visually inspected for obvious defects like missing parts or damaged surfaces. Defects are categorized as minor, major, or critical.
Functional Testing: Products are tested for functionality to ensure they perform as intended, such as verifying the sturdiness of furniture or the reliability of small appliances.
Physical Verification: The product's physical attributes like height, weight, and dimensions are verified using tools like calipers, scales, and measuring tapes to ensure they meet specified standards.
Barcode Verification: Barcodes are verified to ensure correct data capture and proper placement on packaging for smooth shipping and handling.
Inspection Report: A final report is prepared, detailing the results of each inspection phase. It indicates whether the shipment is approved or rejected based on the findings.

How Long Does a Pre-Shipment Inspection Take?

The time required for a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) depends on factors such as shipment size, product complexity, and the inspection scope. On average, a PSI takes between one to three days to complete.

For smaller shipments or simple products, the inspection process may be finished in a single day. However, for larger shipments or highly technical products requiring extensive testing, the inspection could take several days.

Factors Affecting PSI Duration:

Shipment Size: Larger shipments with more items naturally require more time for inspection.
Product Complexity: Complex products, such as electronics or machinery, often need detailed testing for functionality, safety, and performance.
Inspection Scope: Some inspections involve only basic checks, while others may require extensive testing, documentation review, and detailed reporting.

What Happens if Goods Fail Pre-Shipment Inspection?

If goods fail the pre-shipment inspection, the buyer, supplier, and inspection company must collaborate to resolve the issues and decide on the next steps.

Corrective Actions After Failed Inspection

The most common actions taken after a failed inspection include:

Rework: Defective products are reworked to meet the required standards and specifications.
Replacement: If rework isn’t feasible, the supplier may opt to replace the defective items with compliant ones.
Repairs:Minor defects can be addressed through on-site repairs to make the products acceptable.

Corrective actions should be verified with a follow-up inspection to ensure the issues have been addressed and resolved.

Final Thoughts

Pre-shipment inspection is a valuable step to guarantee that your products meet the highest standards before shipping. If you're looking to streamline logistics and improve shipping efficiency, consider outsourcing to 3PL fulfillment providers like Absolute Veritas, which helps reduce costs while ensuring timely deliveries.

For more details about PSI you can contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com