Trade Route GuidePre-Shipment Inspection in China: What It Checks, What It Costs, When You Need It (2026)
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Figures last checked: 31/10/2026.
A pre-shipment inspection in China is a one-day visit by an independent inspector who opens a random sample of your finished, packed goods and checks them against your order before you pay the balance. It is the cheapest insurance an importer can buy: one inspector-day at a published rate of USD 268.00 against an order worth tens of thousands.
This guide explains the four types of inspection, how AQL sampling works (without the maths headache), what the inspector actually checks, how to read the report, what it costs at QIMA, HQTS and V-Trust, and the contract clause that gives the inspection its teeth: the balance is paid only after a passed report.
Short answer: A pre-shipment inspection in China is a one-day check by an independent inspector once production is finished and at least 80% of goods are packed. The inspector opens a random AQL sample, checks quantity, workmanship, function and packing, and issues a pass or fail report before you pay the balance.
In 30 seconds
When: book the pre-shipment inspection when production is finished and at least 80% of goods are packed.
Sampling: most inspections use ISO 2859-1 / ANSI Z1.4 tables, general level II, with AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0 for critical, major and minor defects.
Cost: V-Trust publishes USD 268.00 per man-day, all-inclusive, in major Chinese manufacturing regions. QIMA and HQTS quote per order.
The key clause: write in your contract that the balance is due only after a passed inspection report, and that the supplier pays any re-inspection.
In this guide: Quick answer · 4 types · AQL sampling · Defect classes · What is checked · The report · Cost · Booking and contract · Who pays · Worked example · Small vs large orders · By region · Mistakes
Quick answer: which inspection do you need?
| Your situation | Book this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat order, known supplier, simple product | Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) only | Catches most problems before you pay the balance |
| First order with a new supplier | PSI + container loading check | You also see the right goods go into the right container |
| Custom product, new mould or new materials | Initial production check + PSI | Mistakes found at 20% of production are cheap to fix |
| Large order or long production run | During production inspection + PSI | Gives you time to correct before everything is made |
| Parts where a defect can injure someone | PSI with critical defects set to "not allowed" (AQL 0), plus lab tests | Sampling alone does not prove safety or compliance |
If you only book one inspection in your life, make it the pre-shipment inspection. The others are extras that pay off on new suppliers and custom products. Before any inspection, make sure the supplier itself is real: see our supplier verification checklist.
The 4 types of quality inspection in China
Inspection companies use slightly different names, but the four stages are the same everywhere.
Initial production check (IPC, also called pre-production inspection). QIMA performs it from before production starts up to 20% completion. The inspector checks raw materials, components and the first finished units (QIMA).
During production inspection (DUPRO or DPI). V-Trust schedules it when production is 10% to 80% finished (V-Trust). It checks output, defects and the estimated finish date.
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI, or final random inspection). Production is complete and at least 80% of goods are packed in cartons. V-Trust suggests scheduling it at least 2 working days before the planned loading date (V-Trust PSI); QIMA says to book it when production is 80% finished and packing has begun (QIMA PSI).
Container loading check (CLC, or loading supervision). The inspector watches loading and checks quantities, carton condition, container condition and the loading process (QIMA CLC).
HQTS also offers piece-by-piece (sorting) inspection, where every item is checked, before or after packing (HQTS). It is a practical remedy when a PSI fails and the factory must sort out the bad units.
What is the difference between a pre-shipment inspection and a final random inspection?
There is none in practice. "Final random inspection" (FRI) is another name used by many buyers and agents. Both mean a check of finished, mostly packed goods, with cartons chosen at random from the whole lot. Always confirm the cartons are chosen at random.
AQL sampling explained simply
The inspector does not open every unit. They open a random sample and count defects. The AQL (acceptance quality limit) is the worst defect rate you are willing to accept on average. The sampling tables then tell the inspector two numbers: how many units to open, and how many defects are allowed before the lot fails.
The tables come from ISO 2859-1 (its US twin is ANSI/ASQ Z1.4). QIMA follows ISO 2859 sampling and cites ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2008 for its tables (QIMA AQL). Note: ISO published a third edition, ISO 2859-1:2026, in January 2026, adding skip-lot procedures (ISO). Inspection companies still use the classic tables below.
Three steps, every time:
Lot size → code letter. With general inspection level II (the default at V-Trust and most others), a lot of 3,201 to 10,000 units gives letter L.
Code letter → sample size. Letter L means 200 units opened at random.
Sample size + AQL → limits. At AQL 2.5, the lot passes with up to 10 major defects and fails at 11 (V-Trust AQL table).
| Lot size (units) | Code letter | Sample size | AQL 2.5 (major): accept / reject | AQL 4.0 (minor): accept / reject |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 281 to 500 | H | 50 | 3 / 4 | 5 / 6 |
| 501 to 1,200 | J | 80 | 5 / 6 | 7 / 8 |
| 1,201 to 3,200 | K | 125 | 7 / 8 | 10 / 11 |
| 3,201 to 10,000 | L | 200 | 10 / 11 | 14 / 15 |
| 10,001 to 35,000 | M | 315 | 14 / 15 | 21 / 22 |
General level II, single sampling, normal inspection. Values from the published AQL 2.5 and 4.0 tables (2.5, 4.0). For critical defects, V-Trust's suggested level is AQL 0 and its sampling simulator labels it "Not allowed"; QIMA notes that AQL for critical defects is typically 0 (QIMA AQL guide). The standard tables do not print a reject number for AQL 0, so write the rule into your contract yourself, for example: "any critical defect found means the lot is not accepted".
The sample grows much more slowly than the order. QIMA's own example matches the table: 4,000 units at level II give letter L, 200 units opened, fail at 11 major defects. If the sample is equal to or larger than the lot, the inspector checks 100% of it.
AQL inspection levels I, II, III and special levels S1 to S4
The inspection level decides how big the sample is for a given lot. There are three general levels. Level I opens the fewest units; Global Sources calls it the choice when you are pressed for time or money. Level II is the moderate option and the most common level for consumer goods. Level III is the tightest and opens the most units, so it fits, for example, high-value goods or a supplier that has just failed (Global Sources, anatomy of the Z1.4 table).
The four special levels, S1 to S4, use much smaller samples. They are meant for tests that destroy the product, are slow or costly, or give the same result on every unit, such as a carton drop test. S1 is the smallest and S4 the largest. A good booking reads: "general level II for the visual check, a special level (S1 to S4, as the inspection firm advises) for function and drop tests".
Critical, major and minor defects
Every defect found goes into one of three classes, each with its own AQL. V-Trust suggests AQL 0 for critical defects, 2.5 for major and 4.0 for minor on low- and medium-value goods, and tighter limits (1.0 or 1.5 major, 2.5 or 4.0 minor) on high-value goods (V-Trust AQL table). QIMA also notes AQL 2.5 is the most common for general consumer goods.
Write your own defect list before the inspection. If a scratch on a visible face is a major defect for you, say so; otherwise the inspector will classify it as minor.
What a pre-shipment inspector checks
A standard PSI checklist covers the product, the packing and the paperwork. V-Trust lists quantity, appearance, function tests, workmanship, assembly, accessories, material, colours and logo, size and measurements, weight, assortment, carton condition, barcode scan, packing and marking, shipping marks and warehouse condition.
Quantity first. Book when at least 80% is packed; an inspection on an unfinished lot gives an incomplete picture.
Send a golden sample or approved photos. The inspector compares against what you approved, not against what "looks fine".
Name the tests. A drop test, a power-on test, a fit test with the mating part: list them in the booking, or they may not happen.
How to read an inspection report
QIMA sends the report the same day as the inspection; V-Trust within 24 hours, with a same-day option. Read it in this order: the overall result, the defect counts against the limits, then the photos.
Three results are possible: Pass, Fail, or Pending (also "On hold"), when something needs your decision, for example a missing label that is not on the defect list.
A failed report means the inspection did its job while you still hold the balance.
How much does a pre-shipment inspection cost? QIMA, HQTS, V-Trust
Inspections are priced per man-day: one inspector, one working day on site, report included. Of the three companies, only V-Trust publishes its price.
| Company | Published price | Speed and reports | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-Trust | USD 268.00 per man-day all-inclusive in major manufacturing regions; USD 298.00 in other locations of China | Book at least 3 days ahead; report within 24 hours | V-Trust China |
| QIMA | Not published: "depends on product type, location, and inspection scope" | Inspector on site within 48 hours; same-day report | QIMA PSI |
| HQTS | Not published: quote on request | Inspections within 72 hours; same-day reports | HQTS PSI |
V-Trust states travel and weekend inspections are included in its China price. For QIMA and HQTS, request a written quote and ask whether travel, weekend work and re-inspection are included. We compare the three in detail in QIMA vs HQTS vs V-Trust.
Even the full four-stage plan is USD 1,072.00 at the published rate. Add the inspection to your landed cost from the start, so it is never the line you cut.
What is the pre-shipment inspection cost per unit?
Divide the man-day price by the units in the order. At V-Trust's published USD 268.00, one man-day costs about USD 0.27 per unit on 1,000 units and about USD 0.03 per unit on 10,000 units.
One limit: complex products, many models or several factories may need more than one man-day. Ask the inspection company how many man-days your lot needs before you compare prices.
QIMA does not publish a price list, but its PSI page gives an illustration of the trade-off: skipping a PSI on a USD 430,000.00 order with a possible 20.00% defect rate could expose the buyer to USD 86,000.00 of losses, "compared to only ~USD 1K for an inspection" (QIMA PSI page). Treat that USD 1,000.00 as an indicative figure from QIMA's marketing text, not a quote.
How long does a pre-shipment inspection take?
One working day on site for most orders: QIMA states that most inspections take one full day on site, with the report the same day. V-Trust delivers its signed report within 24 hours. With V-Trust's rule of booking at least 3 days ahead, plan about 5 days from booking to report, so the inspection never delays loading. Big lots or many models may need two inspectors or two days.
How to book a pre-shipment inspection step by step
The inspection only protects you if the contract says what happens after it. Follow these steps in order and agree the first two before the deposit.
Contract clause. "The balance is payable only after a third-party pre-shipment inspection report with the result Pass. Re-inspection after a failed report is paid by the seller." Name the inspection company or say "buyer's choice".
Specification. Attach drawings, the approved sample photos, the defect list and the AQL levels (for example 0 / 2.5 / 4.0) to the purchase order.
Booking. Book online with the factory address, contact, product, quantity and the inspection date. V-Trust asks you to book at least 3 days ahead and pay in advance.
Supplier confirms the date. The inspection company calls the factory. Ask the supplier to confirm the packing status in writing the day before.
Report. Read it the same day. If Pass, release the balance. If Fail, reply in writing with your decision.
Pay the balance and ship. Pay only the company account named on the contract. See how to pay a Chinese supplier.
The Incoterm matters too: on FOB or EXW, you choose the forwarder and the loading date, which makes a loading check easier to organise. More in Incoterms explained.
Who pays for a pre-shipment inspection: buyer or supplier?
In most orders, the buyer books and pays the inspection firm. That is the point: the inspector works for you, not for the factory. V-Trust, for example, asks the client to pay the inspection fee in advance, based on the approved quotation and inspection plan (V-Trust how to start).
The fair split that many importers negotiate is simple: buyer pays the first inspection, seller pays any re-inspection after a fail. Write it in the contract before the deposit. Some suppliers offer to "include" the inspection in the price and choose the inspector themselves. Decline politely: an inspector chosen and paid by the factory is not independent.
What if the supplier refuses the pre-shipment inspection?
A refusal is information. "The goods are already packed" or "our own QC already checked" should not stop a random sample. Reply in writing that the balance is due only after a passed report, as the contract says, and offer a new date. If the factory still refuses access, do not release the balance, and recheck the company itself with our supplier verification checklist. On an Alibaba order paid through Trade Assurance, keep every message: Alibaba says you can claim a refund if the order "arrives with defects, incorrect items, damages, or other product-related issues" (Alibaba Trade Assurance).
Is a pre-shipment inspection worth it? Who it is for, and not for
For most importers, yes. The inspection is a small fixed cost, and it is checked while you still hold most of the money. It is less useful when the order is so small that one man-day costs more than the goods at risk.
| Worth it for | Less useful for |
|---|---|
| First orders with any new supplier | Tiny sample orders of a few cartons |
| Private label, custom moulds, new materials | Off-the-shelf goods already sold under a strong brand |
| Orders paid by bank transfer, with a balance still due | Orders already paid 100% in advance (you have no lever left) |
| Products sold under your own name in the EU, UK, USA or Gulf | Goods where lab certification is the real risk (you need a test, not only an inspection) |
If you are still choosing where to hold your trading company and bank account, our Hong Kong vs Dubai vs US LLC comparison and the setup route finder help you decide first.
Worked example: 3,000 desk lamps for Dubai
Example scenario. A Dubai importer orders 3,000 LED desk lamps at USD 8.50 each from a factory in Ningbo: USD 25,500.00 in total, on 30/70 terms. The contract says AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0 and "balance after a passed PSI".
| Step | Figure |
|---|---|
| Deposit (30%) | USD 7,650.00 |
| Balance (70%), held until Pass | USD 17,850.00 |
| Lot size 3,000 → code letter | K, 125 lamps opened |
| Limits | Critical 0 · major up to 7 (fail at 8) · minor up to 10 (fail at 11) |
| First PSI, 1 man-day at V-Trust rate | USD 268.00 (1.05% of the order) |
First inspection: 0 critical, 5 major, 12 minor (loose base screws, smudged logo). Major is within limit, but minor is over: 12 is above 10, so the lot fails. The importer keeps the balance and asks the factory to sort and rework.
Re-inspection one week later: 0 critical, 3 major, 6 minor → Pass. Under the contract, the factory pays the second man-day (USD 268.00). The importer pays USD 17,850.00 and books the container.
Total inspection cost to the importer: USD 268.00. Without the clause, it would have been USD 536.00, and without the inspection, 3,000 lamps with a smudged logo on the shelves in Dubai.
Pre-shipment inspection for small and large orders: two more worked examples
The two cases below show the ends of the range: a small first order where the fee is a real share of the money, and a large repeat order where it is almost nothing. Both are examples; prices use V-Trust's published China rate and the AQL tables above.
Example A: a USD 3,000.00 first order to Riyadh
Example scenario. A Riyadh importer places a first order for 600 aluminium phone stands at USD 5.00 each with a new supplier in Shenzhen, on 30/70 terms. Budget is tight, so the plan is a PSI only, at AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0.
| Line | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Order value | 600 × USD 5.00 | USD 3,000.00 |
| Deposit (30%) | USD 3,000.00 × 30.00% | USD 900.00 |
| Balance held until Pass (70%) | USD 3,000.00 × 70.00% | USD 2,100.00 |
| Code letter and sample | Lot of 600 falls in 501 to 1,200 | J, 80 units opened |
| Major limit, AQL 2.5 | From the table | Accept 5, reject 6 |
| Minor limit, AQL 4.0 | From the table | Accept 7, reject 8 |
| PSI, 1 man-day | V-Trust, major region | USD 268.00 |
| Share of the order | USD 268.00 ÷ USD 3,000.00 | 8.93% |
| Share of the balance at risk | USD 268.00 ÷ USD 2,100.00 | 12.76% |
| Cost per unit | USD 268.00 ÷ 600 | USD 0.45 |
What the numbers say. At 8.93% of the order, the inspection is no longer "noise". It is still worth it on a first order, because the risk is unknown and the importer still holds USD 2,100.00. Adding a loading check would double the fee to USD 536.00, or 17.87% of the order, so on this size the PSI alone is the sensible plan. For a Saudi buyer, also check on SABER whether the product is regulated before shipping (see the region section below).
Example B: a USD 50,000.00 repeat order to Hamburg
Example scenario. A Hamburg importer re-orders 20,000 stainless steel water bottles at USD 2.50 each from a known factory in Zhejiang, on 30/70 terms. It is a large run, so the plan is a during production inspection plus a PSI. Assumption: the inspection firm quotes 2 man-days for the PSI (two inspectors on one day) because of the sample size and a leak test. Ask your firm; do not take this as a rule.
| Line | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Order value | 20,000 × USD 2.50 | USD 50,000.00 |
| Deposit (30%) | USD 50,000.00 × 30.00% | USD 15,000.00 |
| Balance held until Pass (70%) | USD 50,000.00 × 70.00% | USD 35,000.00 |
| Code letter and sample | Lot of 20,000 falls in 10,001 to 35,000 | M, 315 units opened |
| Major limit, AQL 2.5 | From the table | Accept 14, reject 15 |
| Minor limit, AQL 4.0 | From the table | Accept 21, reject 22 |
| During production inspection | 1 man-day × USD 268.00 | USD 268.00 |
| PSI (assumed 2 man-days) | 2 × USD 268.00 | USD 536.00 |
| Total inspection plan | USD 268.00 + USD 536.00 | USD 804.00 |
| Share of the order | USD 804.00 ÷ USD 50,000.00 | 1.61% |
| Cost per unit | USD 804.00 ÷ 20,000 | USD 0.04 |
What the numbers say. Even three man-days cost only USD 0.04 per bottle. The bigger point for a European buyer is compliance: water bottles are food contact materials, which must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 when placed on the EU market (European Commission, food contact materials). The PSI cannot prove that. A lab test can, and its cost is quoted separately by the lab. Use the PSI to check that the importer's name, postal address and electronic address are printed on the product or its packaging, as the EU General Product Safety Regulation requires for importers (Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Article 11(3)).
The calendar above turns V-Trust's two timing rules into dates: book at least 3 days ahead, and inspect at least 2 working days before the planned loading. Here the PSI is on Wednesday 09/12/2026 and loading on Monday 14/12/2026, which leaves time to read the report and pay before the container is booked.
How much does inspection cost as a share of the order?
Put the three examples side by side and the pattern is clear. The man-day price is fixed, so the smaller the order, the bigger the share. At USD 3,000.00, one man-day is close to a tenth of the order. At USD 25,500.00, it is about 1.00%, and even a three man-day plan on USD 50,000.00 stays at 1.61%. Add the plan to your landed cost calculation as a fixed line.
Pre-shipment inspection by region: MENA, Europe, USA
A pre-shipment inspection checks quality. It is not a certificate of conformity. Each market has its own compliance step on top, and you can ask the inspector to check the labels and marks that step needs.
| Region | What to add to the inspection |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Regulated consumer products need product and shipment certificates of conformity issued through SASO's SABER platform (Saudipedia). See paying suppliers from Saudi Arabia. |
| UAE | Regulated products need an ECAS or EQM certificate under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) conformity programme; ECAS certificates are valid for one year (SGS, MoIAT-appointed body). See paying suppliers from the UAE. |
| Egypt | Since 01/07/2021, ACI is mandatory: the goods must be declared before loading in the exporting country, and a container may not be loaded without an ACID number (Hapag-Lloyd). Book the PSI early so the documents are not delayed. |
| Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan | Ask your customs broker which products need a conformity certificate, and whether an accredited body must issue it. |
| EU | For electrical equipment, the importer must check that the conformity assessment was done, the technical documentation exists and the CE marking is on the product, must put its own name and postal address on it, and must keep the EU declaration of conformity for 10 years (Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, Article 8). For consumer products in general, the GPSR applies from 13/12/2024 and requires an economic operator established in the EU for each product (Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Articles 16 and 52). |
| UK | The UK continues to recognise CE marking alongside or in place of UKCA for the Great Britain market; UKCA may still go on a label or accompanying document until 31/12/2027. Check the rules for your sector (GOV.UK). |
| USA | Federal law requires every children's product to be tested by a third-party, CPSC-accepted laboratory, and the firm must then issue a Children's Product Certificate. CPSC has accepted more than 600 labs (CPSC). |
Commercial quality inspection vs government-mandated pre-shipment inspection
"Pre-shipment inspection" has a second meaning. Some governments require their own PSI on imports, done by private companies they appoint, to check price, quantity and quality of shipments. The WTO says the aim is to protect national financial interests, for example against capital flight, commercial fraud and duty evasion; its Agreement on Preshipment Inspection applies GATT principles to these programmes (WTO, preshipment inspection).
This guide is about the other kind: the commercial quality inspection you book yourself to protect your balance. The two do not replace each other. If your country runs a mandatory programme, ask your customs broker which body must inspect, and still book your own quality PSI.
Gulf importers (UAE and Saudi Arabia)
Add the certificate check to the inspection booking: the inspector can photograph the marks, labels and carton markings that your SABER or ECAS file refers to. A passed PSI with the wrong label still blocks the goods at the port.
North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia)
Timing matters most. In Egypt, the ACI registration must exist before loading, so the PSI should not be the last-minute item.
Europe, UK and USA
Here the importer carries legal responsibility for the product. Use the PSI to confirm that the CE, UKCA or US labels and your name and address are physically on the product and packaging, and pair it with lab tests for regulated categories. Read more in import documents explained.
Mistakes to avoid
Paying the balance before the report. Then the report is just information; you lose your lever.
Letting the factory choose the inspector or prepare the cartons. Insist on random selection from the whole lot.
No defect list. Without it, everything is "minor".
Booking too early. Below 80% packed, the visit is wasted.
Skipping the loading check on a first order. A passed lot can still be swapped or short-loaded.
If it goes wrong, act in this order: (1) keep the balance and reply to the report in writing the same day; (2) ask for sorting or rework and a re-inspection paid by the seller; (3) if the factory refuses, agree a written discount per defective unit before shipping; (4) for an Alibaba order, open a Trade Assurance claim with the report attached.
Pre-shipment inspection checklist
Contract clause balance only after a passed report; seller pays re-inspection
AQL levels written on the purchase order, for example 0 / 2.5 / 4.0
Defect list what counts as critical, major and minor for this product
Golden sample or photos sent to the inspection company
Tests named function, drop, fit, barcode scan
Packing status confirmed at least 80% packed the day before
Booked in time at least 3 days ahead, 2 working days before loading
Report read result, counts against limits, photos
Label check importer name and address, CE/UKCA or other marks photographed by the inspector
Compliance step certificate or lab test for your market, if required
Key takeaways
Book the pre-shipment inspection when production is finished and at least 80% is packed.
Use general level II with AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0 unless your product needs tighter limits.
Write in the contract that critical defects are not accepted and the balance is due only after a Pass.
V-Trust publishes USD 268.00 per man-day in major regions of China; get written quotes from QIMA and HQTS.
On a first order, add a container loading check if the order is large enough; on a USD 3,000.00 order, one PSI man-day is already 8.93%.
The buyer pays the inspector; the seller pays any re-inspection.
An inspection is not a certificate: add SABER, ECAS, CE/UKCA or CPSC steps for your market.
Glossary
PSI: pre-shipment inspection, a random check of finished, packed goods before the balance is paid.
DUPRO / DPI: during production inspection, done while production is under way.
IPC: initial production check, on raw materials and the first units.
CLC: container loading check, supervision of the loading itself.
AQL: acceptance quality limit, the worst average defect rate you accept.
Inspection level II: the standard sampling level that sets how many units are opened.
Code letter: the letter (H, J, K, L…) that links a lot size to a sample size.
Man-day: one inspector working one day on site; the billing unit.
Golden sample: the approved reference unit the production must match.
FAQ
When should I book a pre-shipment inspection? When production is complete and at least 80% of goods are packed, and at least 2 working days before loading. Book the date with the inspection company at least 3 days ahead.
How much does a pre-shipment inspection cost in China? V-Trust publishes USD 268.00 per man-day all-inclusive in major manufacturing regions and USD 298.00 elsewhere in China. QIMA and HQTS give quotes per order.
What AQL should I use for consumer goods? A common choice is AQL 0 for critical, 2.5 for major and 4.0 for minor defects. Use tighter limits, such as 1.5 major, for high-value goods.
How many units does the inspector check on 5,000 pieces? At general level II, a lot of 3,201 to 10,000 units means 200 units opened at random.
Is a pre-shipment inspection the same as a certificate of conformity? No. An inspection checks quality against your order. A certificate, such as Saudi Arabia's SABER certificates, proves compliance with market rules.
Can the factory refuse an inspection? A serious supplier will not. If a factory refuses access, treat it as a red flag and do not pay the balance.
What happens if the inspector finds a critical defect? V-Trust suggests AQL 0 for critical defects and QIMA says it is typically 0, meaning none are allowed. Make your contract say that any critical defect means the lot is not accepted, so the factory must sort, fix and pay for a re-inspection before you release the balance.
Can I do a pre-shipment inspection myself or with a sourcing agent? You can, but the report then has less weight with the factory, and an agent paid by commission may not be neutral. An independent company with a published method gives you a report you can quote in a dispute.
Does a pre-shipment inspection replace lab testing for CE or CPSC? No. The inspector checks the lot against your order. Lab tests prove the product meets the law in your market, for example a CPSC-accepted lab test for children's products in the USA.
Who pays for the pre-shipment inspection, the buyer or the supplier? Usually the buyer books and pays, so the inspector works for the buyer. A fair contract adds that the seller pays any re-inspection after a failed report. Avoid inspections booked and paid by the factory, because the inspector is then not independent.
How long does a pre-shipment inspection take? Most take one full day on site, according to QIMA. The report arrives the same day at QIMA and HQTS and within 24 hours at V-Trust. Large lots or many models may need two inspectors or two days.
Which inspection level should I choose, I, II or III? General level II is the default at V-Trust and the most common level for consumer goods. Level I opens fewer units and level III opens more. Special levels S1 to S4 are for small-sample tests, such as destructive or slow function tests.
Do I need an inspection for a small first order? Usually yes, because first orders carry the most risk. On a USD 3,000.00 order, one V-Trust man-day is 8.93% of the order, a real cost, but it protects a USD 2,100.00 balance on 30/70 terms.
Related guides
- Inspection Company in China: QIMA vs HQTS vs V-Trust
- How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before Paying: 12-Point Checklist (2026)
- Landed Cost China Imports: Formula & Examples (2026)
- How to Pay a Chinese Supplier: Wise vs Payoneer vs Airwallex
- Setup Route Finder: which company should you open?
This guide is for information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Prices and services change often; confirm with the inspection company and your advisers before ordering.
Sources
V-Trust: Inspection services and audits in China (checked 31/10/2026)
ISO: ISO 2859-1:2026 Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes (checked 31/10/2026)
Apparel Search: AQL 2.5 table, general level II (checked 31/10/2026)
Apparel Search: AQL 4.0 table, general level II (checked 31/10/2026)
Global Sources: Anatomy of the ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 AQL table (checked 31/10/2026)
European Commission: Food contact materials (checked 31/10/2026)
EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety (checked 31/10/2026)
Hapag-Lloyd: Egypt Advance Cargo Information regulation (checked 31/10/2026)
SGS: United Arab Emirates (UAE) PCA programme (checked 31/10/2026)
legislation.gov.uk: Directive 2014/35/EU, Article 8, obligations of importers (checked 31/10/2026)