When buying goods from China, where producers offer premium goods at affordable costs, quality inspections are essential. International buyers often opt to source from China, engaging China quality inspection companies to ensure they receive the best products.
This practice underscores the importance of verifying quality when purchasing goods from overseas suppliers.
Generally, the following quality inspection types are needed while sourcing any products from China:
1) Pre-Production Inspection (PPI)
Pre-Production Inspections (PPI) in China, conducted prior to manufacturing, help ensure the following:
– Components match specifications
– Prevent delays
– Control quality
– Cut costs by examining materials
– Reduce cost by testing samples
– Confirms assembly instructions are followed to avoid issues down the line.
These inspections provide early warnings, uphold specifications, and keep production on track despite potential drawbacks like supplier resentment and inspection hold-ups.
2) During Production Check (DUPRO)
During Production Inspections (DUPRO) in China occur when 10 to 50% of goods are complete, allowing early identification of production issues and quality defects.
Conducting DUPRO inspections ensures the following:
– Corrective action is taken early
– Maintains production schedules
– Reduces additional costs
– Upholds specifications
– Minimizes failure risks in final inspections
– Addresses possible delays.
However, expert inspectors and potential rework costs are important considerations for effective DUPRO inspections.
3) Container Loading Check (CLC)
A Container Loading Check (CLC) in China occurs post-production, confirming goods are correctly packed and containerized for shipping, matching specifications and labels. CLCs reduce transportation risks, especially for fragile items, and address trust concerns with suppliers, but limitations include the inability to repair goods and rushed inspections.
To maximize CLCs, consider weather conditions, schedule inspections strategically, and leverage palletization for better packaging. Conducting inspections during production is advised for early defect detection.
4) Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)
Pre-shipment inspections (PSI), or Final Random Inspections (FRI), occur when 100% of production is finished, with 80% of goods packaged. Conducted in the factory before transport, PSIs ensure goods are correctly handled, checked, documented, and packed, confirming compliance with specifications.
Advantages include specs compliance, defect identification, on-site testing, and the last chance for corrections before shipping. Drawbacks include a potential lack of overall order representation, failed inspections leading to supplier risks, and rushed inspections.
Providing product specifications sheets can enhance inspection effectiveness. Planning with adequate time for inspections is crucial to avoid rushed processes.
When auditing of the factory is needed?
Suppose you are interested in doing long-term business with a Chinese company and getting your products manufactured in a Chinese factory. In that case, it will be necessary to do a factory audit before proceeding with them.
