A failed shipment costs far more than the inspection that could have prevented it. Pre-shipment inspection in Shanghai gives you an independent, on-site quality check of your goods before they leave the factory floor, so defects, quantity errors, and packaging failures are identified while there is still time to act. This service is built for importers, purchasing managers, and sourcing teams who need verified quality data from a trusted third party, not just a supplier's word.

What You Get

On-Site Factory Inspection A qualified inspector visits the supplier's facility in Shanghai and checks your goods against your product specifications during or after production.
AQL Sampling and Defect Classification Sampling follows internationally recognized AQL standards, with defects sorted into critical, major, and minor categories so you have a clear picture of the actual risk.
Quantity and Packaging Verification Your inspector confirms carton counts, labeling accuracy, barcode compliance, and packaging integrity against your purchase order requirements.
Detailed Inspection Report You receive a structured report with findings, photographs of sampled units, defect rates, and a clear pass or fail result, typically delivered within 24 hours of the inspection date.
Product Functionality and Safety Checks Where applicable, the inspection covers workmanship, product function, and any visible safety or compliance issues relevant to your target market.

How It Works

Submit Your Order Details Share your purchase order, product specifications, AQL requirements, and factory address in Shanghai.
Inspector Assignment and Scheduling An inspector is assigned and the factory visit is booked, typically within one to two business days.
On-Site Inspection The inspector conducts a full pre-shipment check at the factory, following your specifications and the agreed AQL sampling plan.
Report Delivery Your complete inspection report with photos and a clear verdict is delivered digitally, giving you the information to approve or hold the shipment.

Who This Is For

This service is suited to importers and procurement teams sourcing products from Shanghai-area factories who need an objective, documented quality check before releasing payment or authorizing shipment. It is particularly valuable when working with a new supplier, handling a high-value order, or managing goods that must meet specific compliance or retail standards in your destination market.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what stage of production should I book the inspection?
Pre-shipment inspection is conducted when at least 80 percent of the production run is finished and goods are packed or nearly packed. This timing gives the inspector a representative sample and still allows the factory to address any issues before the cargo is loaded.

Which AQL level will be used for sampling?
The standard default is AQL 2.5 for major defects and AQL 4.0 for minor defects, which aligns with widely accepted import quality benchmarks. If you have specific AQL requirements from your buyer or retailer, share them when placing the order and the inspection will follow your specified levels.

What happens if the inspection result is a fail?
You receive the full report with documented defects and photographs. The decision to hold, renegotiate, or conditionally release the shipment rests entirely with you. The report gives you the factual basis to go back to the supplier with a clear corrective action request.

Does the inspection cover factories outside central Shanghai?
Coverage extends to factories across the greater Shanghai region, including surrounding industrial districts. Confirm the factory address when you place the order and coverage for that location will be verified before scheduling.

How quickly will I receive the inspection report?
Reports are delivered within 24 hours of the inspection being completed. In most cases you will have your results the same evening the factory visit takes place.

Can I provide my own checklist or product specification sheet?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Providing your own specification sheet, reference samples, approved artwork, or a custom checklist means the inspector evaluates your goods against your exact standards, not a generic baseline.

If you need a reliable, documented quality check before your Shanghai shipment moves, this inspection gives you the clarity to make that call with confidence.