How much does a PSI inspection cost in China?

A PSI inspection in China typically costs USD 200–350 per man-day, regardless of order value. On a USD 20,000 order that is 1–1.75% of value. The cost of a claim for a defective container is 50–200 times higher.

What is AQL and how does it work in China goods inspection?

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is the ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2008 statistical sampling standard. The inspector checks a random sample — not 100% of goods. For a batch of 3,201–10,000 units the sample is 200 units. Defects are classified as: critical (limit 0), major (limit 1.5%), minor (limit 4.0%).

Pre-Shipment Inspection China — Complete Checklist 2026 | AQL

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI — also called Final Random Inspection or FRI) is a quality control check conducted at the factory or shipping warehouse in China before goods are loaded into a container or aircraft. It is the only method that allows you to stop defective goods BEFORE they leave China — and before you pay the final invoice instalment.

When is a PSI inspection conducted? A necessary condition: at least 80% of the ordered batch must be ready for shipment (packed, labelled, ready to load). An inspection conducted earlier is not representative of the full batch. Standard timing: inspection is conducted 3–5 business days before the planned loading date, giving time to make a decision without halting all logistics.

How does the AQL standard work? AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is a statistical sampling standard based on ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2008 (formerly MIL-STD-105E). Instead of checking 100% of the batch, the inspector examines a representative random sample under the G-II plan (General Inspection Level II). For a batch of 3,201–10,000 units, the sample is 200 units. Results are classified in three defect categories: critical (CRI — limit 0, means immediate FAIL), major (MAJ — limit 1.5, i.e. max 7 defective in 200 samples) and minor (MIN — limit 4.0, i.e. max 14 defective in 200 samples).

Complete checklist — what does the PSI inspector check?

Area 1: Quantity and identification. Checking the number of finished units vs. order. Verification of model numbers, EAN/UPC codes, SKU codes. Batch number and production date control. Shipping documentation verification (packing list, commercial invoice).

Area 2: Outer packaging. Carton dimensions and weight. Carton strength (drop box test, stack test). Marking: shipping address, warnings (Fragile, This Side Up), country of origin (Made in China). Logistics labels, barcodes on cartons.

Area 3: Retail packaging. Conformity with approved artwork/reference sample. Print quality, colours, text. Language correctness (if labels in PL/EN/DE/FR required). Certificates on packaging (CE, REACH, EN 71). Presence and correctness of EAN/UPC barcodes.

Area 4: Product appearance. Comparison with golden sample. Surface finish: scratches, dents, stains, air bubbles, uneven paint. Assembly: correct assembly, no loose components. Colour and material: conformity with approved standard.

Area 5: Dimensions and weight. Measurement of key dimensions against technical specification. Unit and carton weighing. Comparison with tolerances from contract/specification.

Area 6: Functional testing. Operation test for electrical/mechanical products. Durability testing. Category-specific tests: e.g. leak test (cosmetics, liquids), taste/smell test (food, cosmetics), battery safety test. Drop test (dropping from specified height) — standard for toys and electronics.

Area 7: Safety and regulations. Presence of required certificates (CE, UKCA, FCC, RoHS). Material composition verification (if REACH, EN 71-3 required). Children's warnings (EN 71, ASTM F963). Warning labels and safety instructions.

Area 8: Barcode scanning. Scanning a sample of EAN/UPC codes — are they readable and correctly assigned. Test on all standard scanners.

Area 9: Shipping readiness. Container loading or air freight preparation. Correct pallets, stretch wrap, cargo securing.

How to read a PSI report? A PSI report contains: date and place of inspection, order data (PO number, article, quantity), results for each control area, AQL table with sample size and number of defects found, and a final decision: PASS (goods ready for shipment), HOLD (requires agreement — limits exceeded, but conditional acceptance with discount possible), FAIL (goods must be corrected or destroyed before shipment). Oriental IMEX delivers reports within 24 hours of inspection, with full photographic documentation.

How much does a PSI inspection cost? The cost of a typical PSI inspection at one factory is USD 200–350 per man-day — regardless of order value. On a USD 20,000 order, that is only 1–1.75% of the order value. By comparison: the cost of a claim for a defective container is typically 50–200 times higher. PSI inspection by Oriental IMEX: contact us, provide the loading date and order number.

Pre-Shipment Inspection China (PSI) — Complete Checklist 2026