Post-shipment fixes cost 30–40% more
A $20,000 container becomes a $28,000–28,000 problem once you factor in rework, returns, expedited freight, and supplier back-and-forth.
Pre-Shipment Inspection in China, Vietnam, India and across Asia
Catch defects early, before they get expensive.
- 685+ Asia-based inspectors (China, Vietnam, India, etc.)
- Decision-ready reports in 24h — Pass/Fail/Pending with clear next steps
- Zero supplier commissions — we work only for you, never the factory
The hidden cost of "hoping it's fine"
Without independent verification before shipment, quality issues discovered at destination multiply your losses—and damage the relationships you've worked hard to build.
Lost time kills momentum (2–3 weeks minimum)
On Vietnam container launches. Sales windows close. All because you trusted "it looks good" instead of verifying.
Skipping inspection triples your return risk
Importers without PSI see 15–25% return rates. With PSI? Under 5%. The math is brutal—and in your favor. Importers who rely on assumptions often pay twice.
One failed container = $5,000+ in direct losses
Returns, chargebacks, disposal fees, lost sales, damaged reputation. And that's before you count the cost of scrambling for replacements.
How the inspection process works
A streamlined 4-step process designed for buyers with active purchase orders ready for shipment verification.
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Submit InquiryTell us your factory location, target inspection date, and product category. No AQL knowledge required—we'll guide you through scope confirmation.
01 -
We CoordinateOur team schedules directly with your supplier, aligns the inspection checklist to your specs, and confirms access.
02 -
On-Site InspectionCertified inspector conducts AQL-based sampling at your factory, checks quantity, workmanship, specs, labeling, packaging, and functionality (where applicable).
03 -
Decision-Ready ReportDetailed findings with photos, measurements, defect classification (critical/major/minor), and a clear Pass/Fail/Pending recommendation—delivered within 24 hours.
04
What every inspection delivers
Comprehensive documentation and evidence to make informed decisions about payment release and shipment approval.
01
AQL-Based Sampling Results
Random sample selection per ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 standards—not cherry-picked by your supplier. Defects classified as Critical, Major, or Minor against agreed acceptance criteria.
02
Photo Evidence
Time-stamped visual documentation of product condition, identified defects, packaging quality, labeling accuracy, and production environment.
03
Measurements & Spec Verification
Dimensional checks, weight verification, color matching, and functional testing (where applicable)—documented with tolerance compliance.
04
Pass/Fail/Pending Verdict
Straightforward recommendation with clear reasoning to support your shipment decision. If defects exceed AQL limits, we outline next steps (hold/rework/re-inspect).
Inspection coverage across Asia & beyond
On-site inspections conducted directly at manufacturing locations across key sourcing markets.
China
All major cities
315+ inspectors
Vietnam
Hanoi, HCMC, Hai Phong
55+ inspectors
India
Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
160+ inspectors
Bangladesh
Dhaka, Chittagong
40+ inspectors
Thailand
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
30+ inspectors
Indonesia
Jakarta, Surabaya
85+ inspectors
Also available in Turkey Egypt Morocco Pakistan , and select European countries. Contact Us to confirm coverage.
How we stay independent and why it matters
Supplier-managed QC is incentivized to ship, not disclose. Third-party verification removes the conflict of interest.
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Zero Supplier Commissions
We never accept payments, gifts, or referral fees from factories. Every inspection is paid by you—the buyer.
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Inspector Rotation
Inspectors are rotated regularly across factories to prevent relationship-building that could compromise objectivity.
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Geo-Tagged Evidence
All photos include GPS coordinates and timestamps to verify on-site presence and prevent report fabrication.
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Anti-Bribery Policy
Documented code of conduct. Inspectors who accept gifts or favors are immediately terminated—no exceptions.
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Internal Report Review
Every report is audited by our QA team against AQL standards and your criteria before delivery.
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Certified Inspectors
Category-specific training and certification. Your textiles aren't inspected by an electronics specialist.
What happens if defects are found
Finding issues before shipment gives you leverage—not a crisis. Here's what you can do when inspection results reveal quality concerns.
DEFECT DETECTED
Detail Inspection Report
Visual Checking
Product Packing
Measurement Data
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Hold Shipment
Our report gives you the evidence to refuse acceptance and payment until the supplier corrects the defective goods.
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Negotiate Discount
Accept the shipment with a price reduction proportional to the defect rate. Use our documented findings as leverage in the negotiation.
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Request Rework
Have the supplier fix or replace defective units before shipment (common for minor, correctable issues). We can re-inspect after rework.
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Document for Future Orders
Use the findings to enforce stricter AQL levels, increase inspection frequency, or renegotiate terms on future POs.
Our inspection standards
We apply international AQL standards (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 / ISO 2859-1) to determine sample sizes and acceptance criteria for consistent, defensible inspections.
AQL Compliance
Inspections conducted according to ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) sampling tables—the same standard used by Fortune 500 importers.
Defect Classification
Critical, Major, and Minor defects categorized per industry norms. Critical defects = automatic fail. Major/Minor evaluated against agreed AQL limits.
Zero‑Defect Threshold
Critical defects are not acceptable under any circumstances—even one unit triggers a FAIL verdict.
Pass/Fail/Pending Logic
Clear decision rules: Pass = defects within AQL limits. Fail = exceeds limits. Pending = borderline cases requiring your input.
One inquiry. Zero risk. Full visibility before shipment.
Submit your factory location and target date. We'll confirm feasibility, coordinate with your supplier, and deliver a decision-ready report in 24 hours—backed by ISO 9001:2015 standards and AQL methodology.
Request Inspection
Everything you need to know about Pre-Shipment Inspection
Common questions from importers booking their first inspection
What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?
A Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a quality control process conducted at the final stage of production—when at least 80% of the goods are packed and ready to be shipped. It is a critical step to ensure that the products meet the quality, quantity, and packaging requirements set by the buyer. The PSI is typically performed at the supplier's factory or warehouse and involves random sampling, testing, and inspection based on internationally recognized standards such as ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003.
TIC's experienced inspectors assess your products using predefined checklists and your specific requirements to help ensure the goods delivered match the expectations—reducing the risk of costly returns or dissatisfied customers.
Why do you need a Pre-Shipment Inspection?
A Pre-Shipment Inspection is essential for businesses importing or exporting goods to mitigate risks such as:
- Receiving defective or non-compliant products
- Shipping delays due to last-minute surprises
- Poor packaging or labeling that leads to customs issues
- Damage during transit due to inadequate packing
Investing in a PSI provides peace of mind by giving you a clear picture of product quality before it leaves the supplier's premises. It also acts as a final checkpoint to ensure contractual terms have been fulfilled. With TIC, you get professional, timely inspections that protect your brand reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.
What happens after a PSI is completed?
Once the Pre-Shipment Inspection is completed, TIC delivers a comprehensive inspection report within 24 hours. This report includes:
- A summary of inspection findings
- Photos of inspected items and any identified defects
- Results of functional tests and measurements
- A detailed checklist based on your product specifications
- Final recommendations (Pass / Fail / Pending based on findings)
If major or critical defects are found, you can decide whether to proceed with the shipment, request rework from the supplier, or take further corrective actions. The PSI report becomes a valuable document for both logistics decisions and long-term supplier performance evaluations.
Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection mandatory?
While not mandatory by law, a PSI is highly recommended for businesses looking to minimize risks and ensure product quality before shipping.
How long does a Pre-Shipment Inspection take?
A typical PSI takes 1 full working day, depending on the quantity and complexity of products being inspected.
Ready to secure your supply chain?
Our experts in Asia provide professional, fast-response solutions for your inspection and audit needs.
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