QUALITY CONTROL
China Quality Inspection Checklist for Overseas Buyers
A practical China pre-shipment inspection checklist covering documents, sampling, workmanship, quantity, function, packaging, defects and corrective action.
Before inspection
Confirm the supplier, factory address, PO, SKU list and production status. Provide drawings, specifications, approved samples, artwork and packaging files. Define the sampling method, acceptable quality limits where applicable, defect classifications, required tests and pass/fail criteria. Confirm that production is sufficiently complete and packed for the selected inspection type.
Product and workmanship checks
Check material, colour, dimensions, weight, finish, assembly, workmanship and visible defects against the approved specification. Record actual measurements rather than only “pass.” Photograph representative units and every material exception.
Function and safety checks
Run product-specific functional tests on the defined sample size, such as operation cycles, load, fit, leakage, power-on, charging, barcode scanning or assembly. Laboratory tests and regulatory certification are separate from ordinary visual inspection unless expressly included.
Quantity and assortment
Compare finished quantity, sampled quantity, carton count and SKU, colour and size assortment with the PO and packing list. State whether counts were estimated, carton-level or unit-level.
Packaging and labels
Check retail packaging, inner cartons, master cartons, shipping marks, barcodes, warnings, manuals, accessories, carton dimensions and gross and net weight. Perform drop or other packaging tests only under an agreed method.
Report structure
The report should identify the order, inspection date and place, sampling scope, checks performed, results, defect counts, photographs and unresolved limitations. “Pass” does not mean every unit is defect-free; it means the inspected sample met the defined acceptance rules.
After a failed inspection
Do not release the balance automatically. Ask for the root cause, correction plan and completion evidence. Decide whether to reinspect, increase sampling, accept a documented concession or require replacement. Keep commercial decisions separate from the inspector’s factual findings.
Warehouse receiving is not product QC
Warehouse receiving checks delivery identity and visible carton condition; it is not automatically product quality control. Define the receiving and inspection scopes separately so the buyer knows exactly what evidence was produced.
Need evidence before shipment? MORENICE's reference Yiwu-area QC price starts at USD 180 per inspection day for standard scope. See reference pricing.