Quick Answer
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is conducted when 100% of an order is produced and at least 80% is packed. An inspector samples the shipment against your quality checklist using AQL standards, then issues a pass/fail report — letting you resolve defects before releasing the balance payment and shipping.
Why PSI Is the Key Quality Step
PSI is the most widely used inspection because it checks the actual goods you are about to pay for and ship. Conducted at 100% production and 80%+ packing, it samples against your checklist, verifies quantity, packaging, and labelling, and gives you leverage: if goods fail, you still hold the balance payment.
- Conducted at 100% produced, 80%+ packed
- Samples against your QC checklist using AQL
- Checks product, quantity, packaging, and labelling
- Resolve defects before paying the balance
Key Takeaways
- PSI checks finished goods before payment and shipment.
- Conducted at 100% produced, 80%+ packed.
- Uses AQL sampling against your checklist.
- Gives you leverage if goods fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-shipment inspection?
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is conducted when 100% of an order is produced and at least 80% packed. An inspector samples the goods against your checklist using AQL standards and issues a pass/fail report before shipment.
Why is pre-shipment inspection important?
It checks the actual goods you are about to pay for and ship, catching defects before they reach your warehouse. Because the balance payment is usually still outstanding, it gives you leverage to require correction.
What does a pre-shipment inspection check?
Product conformity against the specification and approved sample, quantity, workmanship and defects (classified by AQL), packaging, labelling, and markings.
When should the inspection happen?
When 100% of the order is produced and at least 80% is packed, so the inspector sees representative finished goods in their final packaging before shipment.
Can Plutonia run a pre-shipment inspection?
Yes. Plutonia conducts pre-shipment inspections against your checklist and the approved sample, with a full photo report within 24 hours, and does not release payment authorisation until criteria are met. Submit your order details to start.