Pre-Shipment inspection in China
2023-5-7
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, businesses often find themselves outsourcing their production to manufacturers in other countries, such as China. While this can be a cost-effective way to produce goods, it also presents some challenges in terms of quality control. One important tool that companies can use to ensure the quality of their products is the pre-shipment inspection (PSI). In this article, we will discuss what a PSI is, how it is conducted by NBN, and why it is important for businesses to use this service.
What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a quality control process that takes place before goods are shipped from the manufacturer to the buyer. It is a final check to ensure that the goods meet the quality standards agreed upon between the buyer and the manufacturer. The inspection is usually conducted when production is at least 80% completed and packed. PSI is also referred to as a Final Random Inspection (FRI) because it involves randomly sampling the goods to be shipped and conducting a comprehensive quality assessment of the selected samples.
How does NBN perform the Pre-Shipment Inspection?
NBN's pre-shipment inspection process is in accordance with the internationally accepted standard ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1). The inspection team randomly samples the goods to be shipped and conducts a comprehensive quality assessment of the selected samples. The assessment includes a series of product tests and AQL inspection. NBN's checklist is tailored to the unique product and quality standard of the target market, and any of the client's requirements will be executed during the inspection.
The main checks performed in a PSI by NBN include workmanship, quantity, style and colors, artworks and labels, dimensions and weight, shipping marks, packing and packaging, tests (including tests on product function, performance, durability, and safety), and client's requirements. The inspection team will also take photographs of the products and document any defects found during the inspection.
Why You Need a Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Performing a pre-shipment inspection gives businesses a thorough understanding of the average quality level of a batch of goods, detailed defect classification, and whether the functionality and safety of the product meets expectations. This helps businesses effectively improve supply chain quality control efficiency, minimize procurement risks, and provide an important basis for their decision to approve shipment or take corrective action.
There are several reasons why businesses need a pre-shipment inspection. One of the most important is to ensure that the goods they receive meet the quality standards agreed upon with the manufacturer. This is particularly important when dealing with manufacturers in other countries, where there may be differences in quality standards or cultural norms. A pre-shipment inspection can help to identify any quality issues before the goods are shipped, allowing the buyer to take corrective action or negotiate with the manufacturer before it is too late.
Another reason to conduct a pre-shipment inspection is to minimize the risk of receiving damaged or defective goods. During the manufacturing and shipping process, goods can become damaged or suffer from defects that are not immediately apparent. A pre-shipment inspection can help to identify these issues before the goods are shipped, allowing the buyer to take corrective action or negotiate with the manufacturer before the goods arrive.
A pre-shipment inspection can also help businesses to identify any issues with the packaging or labeling of the goods. This is particularly important when shipping goods to other countries, where there may be different requirements for labeling and packaging. By identifying any issues with the packaging or labeling before the goods are shipped, the buyer can avoid costly delays or rejections at the border.