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Inspections For Chinese Imports, Explained

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When purchasing large quantities of goods from over 7,000 miles away it can be hard to know exactly what you are getting. That is why it is so important to get 3rd party inspections for chinese imported goods. There are a number of global inspection companies that offer this service. Below we will review the importance of inspection, different types of inspections, and list a few of the main inspection companies.

What is an inspection for Chinese Imported goods?

There are 3rd party inspection companies that you can rely on to provide an unbiased inspection of your product when you can’t physically be there. Flying back and forth to China or other major manufacturing destinations every time an order is ready can get expensive. A third party inspection company can visit your manufacturer for a formal inspection of the products you are purchasing. The inspector will check the quantity and quality of goods.
Quality inspections can include everything form looking for proper assembly, packaging, and ultimately whether or not the finished goods are up to your specifications. In most cases the inspection will cost between $250 and $500. It is a small price to pay to confirm what you are getting from your suppliers.

The risks of not inspecting Chinese imported goods

Here are the main risks of NOT hiring a 3rd party inspection company:
  1. Short-shipped product – An inspection company will do a full quantity check to make sure the goods that were ordered are the goods that will be shipping.
  2. Poor quality goods – Without hiring a 3rd party inspection company, you won’t know if there are quality issues until goods arrive at your warehouse. Even worse, you won’t find out until goods land at your customers facility!
  3. Wrong goods altogether – People get busy and mistakes happen. Having a 3rd set of eyes on product before it ships can help make sure you are getting the correct product.
  4. Shipping Delays – A During Production Inspection(DPI) can help keep your manufacturer accountable to meeting certain deadlines.

Types of Inspections For Chinese Goods

There are a number of different types of inspections that can take place. Some occur during production and other types of inspections occur afterwards.
  • Pre-Production Inspection – Occurs when someone inspects a factory to make sure they have the facility, staff, and capacity to complete an order.
  • During Production Inspection – Occurs after production has been started. This type of inspection is used to make sure production is on schedule and quality is acceptable.
  • Pre-Shipment Inspection – After goods are completed an inspection company can come in to do a quantity and quality check of the goods. During this time they may also test packaging, boxes, and compare finished goods to the proforma invoice or customer purchase order.
  • Container Loading Inspection – In order to make sure you are getting exactly what you are supposed to, you can hire a 3rd party to conduct a container loading inspection. The inspector will observe the loading and sealing of the container.

Who can help me with overseas inspections for Chinese imports?

Inspection companies are located all over the world. Some operate in specific regions while others have global representation. The worlds larger inspection companies might have over 20,000 agents to call on depending on the type and location of inspection. Below is a quick list of the top 3rd party inspection companies.
When working with a trade finance company for Purchase Order Financing, the lender will often require you to get an inspection. While you may be familiar with your manufacturer, it can be the finance companies first time dealing with them. They will want to make sure to inspect all fo the goods ahead of paying for them to make sure the product is correct. This helps avoid certain chargebacks and other questions when products reach your customers. Having an inspection report to share with them can show that you are on top of quality and making sure the product is delivered correctly and on time.
Conducting third party inspections for Chinese imports is a great way to protect your business. Not only does it hold your manufacturer accountable, it also puts an extra set of eyes on the finished product to make sure everything is produced to your specifications. If products end up being wrong, at least you find out before shipping and not 45 days later when it lands in your warehouse.