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What is Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is the final random inspection on 100% finished and packed goods, performed when at least 80% of the order is packed and ready for container loading. It is the last gate to catch defects before the goods leave the factory. CGF inspectors draw a random sample from packed cartons, run a full AQL check, and report within 24 hours with a clear Ship / Hold / Rework recommendation.

Key Benefits of Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

When Should You Consider a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

• Standard procedure before issuing the final payment or shipping the goods.
• Required by most retailers, brand owners and Amazon FBA sellers.
• Buyer’s purchase contract specifies pre-shipment inspection as a release condition.

What Does CGF Inspection Check During Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

Quantity & Carton Count

• Total packed quantity vs purchase order quantity.
• Carton count, inner pack count and unit-per-carton count.
• Carton weight and dimensions (for freight calculation).

Random Sample Inspection (AQL)

• Sample size drawn at random from packed cartons, per AQL Z1.4 / ISO 2859-1.
• AQL level as agreed (commonly 1.0 for critical, 2.5 for major, 4.0 for minor).
• Each sampled unit fully inspected for workmanship, function, appearance and conformity to spec.

Workmanship & Appearance

• Surface defects: scratches, dents, marks, contamination, glue residue.
• Construction quality: stitching, bonding, welding, assembly.
• Colour consistency within and across cartons.
• Size run measurement (for apparel) on a sub-sample.

Function & Safety

• Powered-on, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic function tests.
• Safety tests for age-appropriate, child-use, food-contact products.
• Battery, charger, cable, accessory completeness check.

Packing & Marking

• Inner packing: polybag, tissue, dividers, silica gel.
• Master carton: print, bar code, side marks, shipping marks.
• Country of origin, instruction manual, warning labels in destination market language.
• Export carton strength (drop test, edge crush) when required.

Why Choose CGF Inspection for Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

• Fast & Detailed Reporting – full inspection report with photo evidence within 24 hours.
• Global Inspector Network – inspections arranged within 24 hours of request.
• AQL-Compliant Sampling – follows ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) standards.
• Risk Mitigation – independent, third-party verification you can attach to your PO and shipping documents.

How CGF Conducts the Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

• Book PSI when 80% of the order is packed. The remaining 20% must be in production and not far behind.
• Inspector spends 6–10 hours on site, depending on sample size and order complexity.
• Sample drawn at random from packed finished stock.
• Bilingual report uploaded within 24 hours with Pass / Fail / Pending verdict.
• If Fail, factory must rework and we re-inspect for free (or as agreed).

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Report Includes

• Overall verdict and recommendation to ship / hold / rework.
• AQL sampling table with Accept / Reject numbers.
• Defect summary with critical / major / minor counts.
• 60–100 high-res photos covering product, defects, packing, markings, test equipment.
• Packing list, carton mark photos, weight / dimension data.
• Suggested corrective actions if verdict is Pending.

Industries We Cover

Where We Operate

Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong (Dongguan / Shenzhen / Foshan), Qingdao, Sichuan and other manufacturing hubs across China, plus Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Inspection Standards We Work To

We apply internationally recognised standards for every assignment.

Standard	What it covers
AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)	Defines the maximum number of defective units acceptable in a random sample — the basis of our sampling plan.
ANSI/ASQ Z1.4	U.S. standard for sampling by attributes (single, double and multiple sampling).
ISO 2859-1	International general standard for sampling by attributes, equivalent to ANSI/ASQ Z1.4.
ISO 9001	Quality management system certification checked during factory audits.

Specific Service Items Under Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

A Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) engagement can be tailored to include any of the following service items. Mix and match based on the order, the product risk profile and your budget.