Four Types of Inspection
Factory Audit
Pre-order evaluation of production capacity, quality systems, certifications, labor conditions, and financial stability.
Pre-Production Inspection
Verify raw materials, components, and factory setup match your specifications before production begins.
During-Production (DUPRO)
In-line inspection at 30â40% production completion to catch defects early while rework is still practical.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Final AQL sampling inspection on finished goods before loading. The most common inspection type.
How AQL Inspection Works
All pre-shipment inspections follow AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) standards per ISO 2859-1. The inspector randomly samples a statistically valid portion of your production run and classifies defects into three tiers:
| Defect Class | Definition | Standard AQL Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Safety hazard or regulatory non-compliance | 0 (zero tolerance) |
| Major | Functional defect affecting product use | 2.5% |
| Minor | Cosmetic issue that does not affect function | 4.0% |
If defect rates exceed the AQL limits, we reject the shipment and work with the factory to rework or replace defective units before re-inspection.
What the Inspection Report Includes
- Quantity verification â actual count vs. packing list
- Carton and packaging condition assessment
- Product appearance and dimensions vs. specifications
- Function and performance tests (product-specific)
- Barcode, label, and marking verification
- AQL defect tally sheet with pass/fail decision
- 100+ HD photos covering all product aspects and defects found
- Video clips of functional tests
- Final pass/fail recommendation
Reports are delivered within 24 hours of inspection completion in PDF format.
Inspection Pricing
| Service | Price (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) | From $150/man-day | AQL sampling, report, photos, video |
| During-Production (DUPRO) | From $150/man-day | In-line checks, progress photos |
| Pre-Production Inspection | From $150/man-day | Materials/component verification |
| Factory Audit | From $250/audit | Full-day site visit, 40-point report |
Pricing is per inspector per day. Large shipments requiring multiple inspectors are quoted accordingly. Travel surcharges apply for factories outside Guangdong Province.
When Should You Inspect?
We recommend inspection for every shipment over $3,000. The cost of a $150â$300 inspection is negligible compared to the risk of receiving a defective shipment or losing your supplier deposit. Priority situations:
- First order with a new supplier
- Products with strict safety or regulatory requirements
- High-value or complex products
- After supplier has had previous quality issues
- When your shipment timeline is tight (no room for rework)
Frequently Asked Questions
Book a Quality Inspection
Share your factory location, expected production completion date, and product details â we'll confirm the inspection date within 24 hours.