In short: A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality check done when your China order is 80–100% produced and packed, but before you pay the balance or ship. An independent inspector visits the factory, pulls a random sample using the AQL standard, checks the product against your specifications, and gives you a pass/fail report — usually within 24–48 hours. For US importers, a PSI typically costs $250–$350 per man-day and is the best way to catch defects while you still control the money.

What is a pre-shipment inspection?

A pre-shipment inspection is a final quality control check performed on finished, packed goods before they leave the factory. A trained inspector goes on-site, selects a representative random sample, and verifies that the products match your approved specifications, quantity, packaging and labeling. It's a core part of any structured quality control and factory audit program.

The timing is what makes it powerful: because the balance payment usually hasn't been released yet, a failed PSI gives you real leverage to demand rework before the goods ship.

When should US importers book a PSI?

Book the inspection when production is 80–100% complete and at least 80% of the goods are packed. Too early and there's nothing finished to check; too late and the goods may already be on a truck to the port.

You should strongly consider a PSI when: it's your first order with a new supplier, the order value is significant, the product has safety or compliance requirements (think CPSC, FDA, or FCC for US-bound goods), or you've had quality issues before. Vetting the factory first also helps — see our 12-point manufacturer verification checklist.

How does AQL sampling work?

Inspectors don't check every unit — they use AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit), an internationally recognized statistical sampling standard. AQL defines how many units to pull from your order and how many defects are tolerable before the lot fails. Our guide to AQL breaks down the numbers in detail.

Defects are sorted into three classes:

• Critical — unsafe or unlawful; usually zero tolerance.
• Major — likely to cause a return or complaint; common limit is AQL 2.5.
• Minor — small cosmetic issues; common limit is AQL 4.0.

You set the AQL levels with your inspection partner before the visit so everyone agrees what "pass" means.

What does a pre-shipment inspection check?

A thorough PSI covers far more than "does it look okay." Use this checklist:

PSI vs DUPRO vs container loading check: what's the difference?

Pre-shipment inspection is one of several QC checkpoints:

• DUPRO (During Production Inspection) — done at ~20–50% production to catch issues early, before the whole run is finished.
• PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection) — done on finished, packed goods. The most common and important check.
• Container Loading Check (CLC) — verifies the right goods, quantity and condition are actually loaded into the container.

For most US importers, a PSI is the baseline. High-value or repeat-problem orders benefit from adding a DUPRO.

How much does a pre-shipment inspection cost?

Independent third-party inspections typically run $250–$350 per man-day, and most standard orders need one inspector for one day. On a $20,000 order, that's roughly 1.5% of order value — cheap insurance against a container of unsellable goods. Larger or more complex orders may need extra man-days.

What should you do if the inspection fails?

A failed PSI is not a disaster — it's the system working. Steps to take:

1. Review the report. Understand which defects failed and at what severity.
2. Decide on action. Common options: full rework and re-inspection, partial acceptance with a discount, or rejecting the lot.
3. Hold the balance payment. Don't release final payment until issues are resolved — this is your leverage.
4. Re-inspect. Confirm the rework actually fixed the problems before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do a pre-shipment inspection myself?

You can in theory, but most US importers hire an independent third party or a sourcing partner with QC staff in China. On-the-ground inspectors who speak the language and know AQL produce far more reliable results than a remote video call.

How long does a PSI take?

The on-site inspection is usually one day, with the report delivered within 24–48 hours — fast enough to act before the goods ship.

Is a pre-shipment inspection worth it for small orders?

For a first order with a new supplier, yes — even a small order. The cost is modest relative to the risk of receiving defective goods you can't sell or return.

Does a passed PSI guarantee perfect quality?

No. AQL sampling reduces risk dramatically but is statistical, not 100%. Pairing PSI with clear specs and a DUPRO on tricky products gives the strongest protection.

Who pays for the inspection?

The importer usually pays the inspection company directly. Keeping it independent of the factory ensures unbiased results.

Related reading

• What Is AQL? Acceptance Quality Limits Explained
• How to Vet a Chinese Manufacturer: 12-Point Checklist
• Customs Clearance from China: A Step-by-Step Guide
• DDP Shipping from China: What It Means & Is It Worth It
• Explore Epic Sourcing's end-to-end services

How Epic Sourcing helps

Epic Sourcing runs pre-shipment and in-production inspections for US importers with bilingual QC teams on the ground in China and Vietnam — so defects are caught before your balance payment leaves the country. We support importers across the USA, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa and the UAE. Book a quality inspection with our team.

Last updated: 21 June 2026