Service · Factory execution
Factory acceptance test in China (FAT)
When a China supplier says the equipment is ready, you need more than a 'test completed' email — you need witnessed results your team can use before release. Sinospect's engineers witness the factory acceptance test against your FAT protocol, ITP or specification, record observed results and measurements, and issue a signed FAT record — so you can approve release, hold the order or request corrections before the equipment leaves the factory. If a full FAT is overkill for your order, we'll tell you and recommend a standard pre-shipment inspection (PSI) instead.
- Buyer-side control point
- FAT hold point before equipment release
- Working languages
- English · French · Mandarin
- Where it runs
- Chinese supplier factories, test benches and FAT witness points
- Engagement output
- Witnessed FAT record, non-conformity log, corrective-action evidence and release recommendation
Quick answers
How does a factory acceptance test (FAT) differ from a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) when sourcing equipment from China?
A FAT verifies whether equipment meets agreed technical, functional and documentation requirements before release, usually before final packing. A PSI instead confirms shipment readiness after packing: quantity, packing, marking, serial numbers and document pack. For complex equipment, buyers often run a FAT first, then a PSI before dispatch.
| Comparison point | Factory acceptance test (FAT) | Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Verify technical, functional and documentation requirements | Verify final shipment readiness |
| Typical timing | Before release, usually before final packing | After packing, before dispatch |
| Typical checks | Performance, configuration, safety, records, NCR disposition | Quantity, packing, marking, serial numbers, document pack |
| Best suited to | Industrial equipment, molds, machines, processing lines, engineered systems | Finished goods, packaging, accessories, simple spare parts |
What is FAT witnessing, and who decides whether to release the equipment afterward?
FAT witnessing means the agreed factory tests are observed, measured and recorded against the FAT procedure, with pass/fail captured via photo and video evidence. Sinospect supplies the witnessed evidence and a recommendation: release, release with comments, hold, rework or retest. The buyer keeps the final release decision.
| FAT deliverable | Purpose for the buyer |
|---|---|
| FAT witness plan and readiness note | Confirms planned scope, supplier readiness and required witnesses |
| Signed FAT report / test disposition | Records measured results and pass/fail status |
| Photo, video and measurement evidence | Supports the witnessed findings with traceable proof |
| Non-conformity and corrective-action log | Tracks NCRs, correction status and carry-forward points |
| Release / hold / rework / retest recommendation | Supports the buyer's final release decision |
What FAT scope should be witnessed before equipment release in China?
A buyer's FAT scope follows the agreed inspection-and-test plan, FAT procedure and acceptance criteria across five control points: ITP and readiness, equipment identity and conformity, functional and performance test witnessing, safety and protection checks, and documentation review with non-conformity disposition. Each is measured and recorded against agreed criteria.
| FAT control point | What is checked | Output |
|---|---|---|
| ITP, procedure and readiness | Acceptance criteria, supplier readiness, test bench, required witnesses | Readiness note and witness plan |
| Equipment identity and conformity | PO match, nameplate, model, serial number, drawings, configuration, finish | Identity and conformity record |
| Functional and performance tests | Measured values, duration, loading, output, control response, alarms, sequence | Pass/fail results with photo or video evidence |
| Safety, isolation and protection | Insulation, grounding, pressure/leak, emergency stops, guards, interlocks, calibration references | Safety and protection check record |
| Documentation and non-conformity | Certificates, calibration references, manuals, spare-parts lists, as-built changes | NCR disposition and corrective-action log |
What is a factory acceptance test in China, and when is it the right control?
A factory acceptance test in China is witnessed performance verification against the agreed ITP, producing measured results and a signed record before release. It is justified for industrial equipment, molds, machines, processing lines and engineered systems, where a post-shipment defect is expensive or slow to correct. Simpler items usually fit PSI or spot checks.
| Item type | Control tier | Why this tier |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial equipment, molds, machines, processing lines, engineered systems | FAT | A post-shipment defect is expensive or slow to correct |
| Finished goods and packaging | Spot check or PSI | Usually not the right tier for a FAT |
| Basic accessories, simple spare parts | Spot check or PSI | Usually not the right tier for a FAT |
01 · Scope
When a factory acceptance test is the right tier
A factory acceptance test is not a general inspection label. It is the FAT tier of the broader Quality Assurance layer: a controlled factory hold point where agreed tests are witnessed, measured results are recorded, non-conformities are dispositioned, and the buyer receives a written basis for release, hold, rework or retest. FAT is usually justified for industrial equipment, molds, machines, production lines and engineered systems where a defect discovered after shipment would be expensive, slow or operationally disruptive to correct. It is usually not the right tier for a container of finished goods, a packaging order, a basic accessories run or a simple spare-parts shipment; those usually belong in spot check or pre-shipment inspection in China unless there is a specific technical acceptance requirement.
It becomes useful when
- Industrial equipment has performance characteristics that must be witnessed before dispatch, not merely photographed or checked after packing.
- A transformer, generator, motor, pump, compressor, processing line or other technical machine must be tested against an agreed ITP or FAT procedure.
- A mold, tooling package or production fixture must be validated for fit, function, cycle expectations, surface finish, inserts, cooling or repeatability before release.
- Safety, isolation, protection, control logic, alarms or interlocks must be verified before the equipment leaves the supplier.
- A failed test, wrong configuration or missing accessory would be difficult to correct once the goods arrive at the destination site.
- A bank, partner, downstream customer or regulator needs a traceable factory-side record showing what was tested, what passed, what failed and what remains open.
02 · Verification
FAT-specific control points inside the QA layer
Control point
ITP, FAT procedure and readiness
Sinospect confirms the inspection-and-test plan, FAT procedure, acceptance criteria, supplier readiness, test bench availability, required witnesses, and the difference between routine tests, type-test references and any special tests required for this order.
Control point
Equipment identity, visual and dimensional conformity
The inspected unit is tied to the purchase order, nameplate, model, serial number, drawings and agreed configuration. Visual condition, key dimensions, finish, assembly status, major components and accessories are checked before the functional test narrative begins.
Control point
Functional and performance test witnessing
Agreed tests are witnessed against the FAT procedure, not simply accepted from supplier statements. Measured values, test duration, loading conditions, output, control response, alarms, operating sequence and pass/fail criteria are recorded with supporting photo or video evidence where useful.
Control point
Safety, isolation and protection checks
FAT-specific safety and protection points are verified where applicable: insulation, grounding, pressure or leak checks, emergency stops, guards, interlocks, protection devices, control cabinets, warning labels and isolation points. Calibration references and test instruments are checked when measurement evidence depends on them.
Control point
Documentation review and non-conformity disposition
Test records, certificates, calibration references, as-built changes, manuals, spare-parts lists and packing-readiness documents are reviewed while the equipment is still accessible. Non-conformities are classified, assigned to correction, accepted with conditions, carried forward, or used to support a hold or retest recommendation.
03 · Evidence
Evidence captured during the FAT tier
- FAT basis and readiness record
- Purchase order, technical specification, approved drawings, approved component list, ITP, FAT procedure and acceptance criteria checked before the witness event.
- Supplier readiness confirmed: equipment complete, test bench available, test instruments identified, relevant documents prepared, and responsible supplier personnel present.
- Routine-test scope, type-test references, special test requirements and exclusions documented so the buyer knows exactly what the FAT does and does not prove.
- Witnessed test and measurement record
- Equipment identity, nameplate, model, serial number, major components and configuration photographed and tied to the test record.
- Functional, performance, safety, isolation or control tests witnessed against agreed criteria, with measured results and pass/fail status recorded.
- Test instruments, calibration references, test conditions and supplier explanations captured where they affect the reliability of the evidence.
- Disposition and release record
- Non-conformities logged with severity, requirement reference, supplier response, corrective-action owner and target closure date.
- Corrective-action evidence, retest results, updated documents or as-built records captured where issues are corrected before release.
- Release, conditional release, hold, rework, retest or dispatch carry-forward recommendation prepared for the buyer's decision.
04 · Deliverables
Deliverables issued
Deliverable
For · Procurement, engineering and QAFAT witness plan and readiness note
A short record of the test basis: ITP, FAT procedure, acceptance criteria, equipment readiness, supplier participants and witness scope before the FAT is run.
Deliverable
For · Engineering, operations and external reviewersSigned FAT report or test disposition
A structured record of what was witnessed, which results were measured, which criteria were applied, and whether each test passed, failed or remains open.
Deliverable
For · Engineering and operationsPhoto, video and measurement evidence
Traceable visual and measurement evidence tied to serial numbers, test steps, control points, NCRs and corrective actions.
Deliverable
For · Procurement and supplier teamNon-conformity and corrective-action log
Each issue classified, linked to a requirement, assigned to correction or retest, and tracked through closure or carry-forward.
Deliverable
For · Procurement and financeRelease, hold or carry-forward recommendation
A practical disposition supporting the buyer's decision: release, release with comments, hold, rework, retest, or dispatch with clearly identified open items.
05 · Risks reduced
Risks closed during the FAT tier
Risk
A PSI is used where FAT is required, so performance defects are only discovered after shipment.
How Sinospect closes it
Sinospect separates the QA tier decision first: PSI checks shipment readiness; FAT witnesses technical and functional acceptance before the equipment is packed or released.
Risk
The supplier controls the test narrative with photos, videos or internal records that do not prove the exact unit or test condition.
How Sinospect closes it
Sinospect witnesses the agreed tests at the supplier side, ties the evidence to the unit identity and records test conditions, measured values and acceptance criteria.
Risk
The equipment looks correct visually but does not match the required configuration, component list or operating sequence.
How Sinospect closes it
Nameplate, serial number, drawings, component list, major accessories, control logic and configuration are checked before and during the FAT.
Risk
Safety, isolation, protection or control issues are discovered only during installation or commissioning.
How Sinospect closes it
FAT-specific safety, isolation, alarm, interlock and protection checks are witnessed where applicable, with failed points logged before release.
Risk
Non-conformities are discussed verbally and then disappear from the record.
How Sinospect closes it
Each finding is written into the NCR or open-item log with severity, corrective action, evidence requirement and release implication.
Risk
The buyer receives a weak "passed FAT" statement that cannot support review by a bank, partner, downstream customer or regulator.
How Sinospect closes it
The FAT report shows what was tested, which criteria applied, what evidence was reviewed, which items remain open and what release recommendation follows.
06 · Background resources
Related
- Service · Quality assuranceThe umbrella service where Sinospect chooses the right QA tier: spot check, PSI or FAT.
- Service · Pre-shipment inspection in ChinaThe sibling depth tier for shipment readiness: quantity, packing, marking, serial numbers and document pack.
- Service · Logistics & consolidationThe downstream flow after release, when goods move into packing, consolidation, forwarding and document handover.
- Service · Documentation controlThe cross-cutting layer for certificates, test records, manuals, as-built changes and final document pack.
- Resource · Factory acceptance test checklistPractical checklist for planning FAT scope, documents, witnessed tests, NCRs and release decisions.
- Resource · Factory acceptance testing guideThe broader FAT cluster guide: what FAT proves, where it sits before shipment, and how it differs from other inspection tiers.
- Resource · What is a factory acceptance test?Definition, purpose, attendees, FAT vs SAT, and the contract basis that makes the test enforceable.
- Resource · FAT vs SATThe boundary between the factory acceptance test and the site acceptance test: what each verifies and what each sign-off commits the buyer to.
- Resource · Partial discharge testing at FATWhen PD testing belongs in the FAT for transformers, switchgear and HV cables — and what a credible result records.
- Resource · Factory inspection report — anatomyWhat the written FAT record should contain — sixteen sections, the red flags to watch for, and how findings map to release-or-hold.
- Selected field notesAnonymised examples of factory-side findings, corrective actions and release decisions.
07 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if FAT is the right tier for my order, or if a PSI would do?
That decision belongs in the Quality Assurance stage. Sinospect looks at value, technical complexity, whether performance must be witnessed, and how difficult correction would be after shipment. If the order is finished goods, packaging, accessories or a simple spare-parts run, a spot check or PSI may be enough. If the order is industrial equipment, tooling, a mold, a processing line or a machine with functional acceptance criteria, FAT may be the right tier.
What is the difference between FAT and PSI?
FAT checks whether the equipment meets agreed technical, functional and documentation requirements before release. PSI checks final shipment readiness: quantity, packing, marking, visible condition, serial numbers and document pack before the goods leave the factory. For complex equipment, the strongest path is often FAT before final packing, then PSI after packing and before dispatch.
Is a supplier video enough for FAT approval?
Usually no. Supplier videos can support the record, but they rarely prove the exact unit, complete test conditions, test duration, measured values, instrument references or acceptance criteria. For high-value or technically complex equipment, on-site witnessing gives stronger evidence and a clearer release basis.
What happens if the equipment fails FAT?
Failed items are recorded as non-conformities or open items. The supplier proposes correction, rework, concession or retest; Sinospect records the evidence and tracks closure. Major or critical failures normally support a hold or retest recommendation unless the buyer explicitly accepts a documented carry-forward condition.
Who decides whether the equipment is released after FAT?
The buyer makes the release decision. Sinospect provides the factory-side evidence: witnessed test results, document status, non-conformity position, corrective-action evidence and a practical recommendation — release, release with comments, hold, rework or retest.
See how Sinospect controls a China order
08 · Getting started
What to send — start with what you have
A formal FAT plan helps, but it's not a blocker. Send the documents you already have; if no protocol exists yet, the specification or cahier des charges is usually enough for us to propose the witness scope.
FAT plan or test protocol
The procedure to witness, if one exists — otherwise the specification it should be built from.
Technical specification or cahier des charges
The performance the equipment must demonstrate, with the standards that apply.
Purchase order and factory details
What was ordered and where the test runs, so the visit can be arranged with the supplier.
Acceptance criteria
Pass and hold thresholds, tolerances and the test conditions that decide release.
Expected readiness date
When the supplier expects the equipment ready to witness, so the FAT is timed before dispatch.
Partial information is fine. Send what you have; Sinospect confirms what is usable, what is missing and what it changes before any commitment.
Schedule a witnessed FAT in China
Send the equipment scope, supplier details and whatever specification or FAT protocol you have. Sinospect replies within one business day to confirm whether FAT is the right gate, what will be witnessed and the earliest feasible test date — or to tell you what's missing. Once booked, our engineers attend the test and return the signed FAT record for your release decision.