Service · Shipment release
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) in China
The worst time to discover a short count, wrong serial numbers or substandard packing is when the shipment is opened at your site. Before goods leave China, Sinospect inspects them at the supplier's site. We verify quantity, identification, packing, marking, shipping document pack and visible condition against your PO, specification and stated destination requirements — then issue a pre-shipment inspection report so you can release, hold or request corrections before dispatch. For equipment that has already passed FAT, PSI checks that the accepted items — including serial numbers where applicable — are the goods being packed and released.
- Buyer-side control point
- Factory-side shipment release
- Working languages
- English · French · Mandarin
- Where it runs
- Chinese supplier factories, packing areas and consolidation handoff points
- Engagement output
- PSI report, photo evidence, non-conformity log and written release authorisation
Quick answers
What is pre-shipment inspection (PSI) in China?
PSI in China is the final factory-side shipment-readiness gate before goods leave the supplier. It checks that the goods are the correct items, correctly packed, marked, documented and ready for dispatch, and records non-conformities. It is not a performance test: functional acceptance is handled by FAT. PSI supplies the factory-side evidence for the buyer's release decision.
| Aspect | PSI focus | Buyer outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Final factory-side check before dispatch | Shipment-readiness confirmation |
| Scope | Quantity, identifiers, packing, marking, documents | Order-to-shipment reconciliation |
| Not in scope | Functional performance (handled by FAT) | Separate FAT tier if required |
| Decision | Evidence log plus disposition recommendation | Buyer makes the release/hold call |
What control points does a pre-shipment inspection in China check before dispatch?
Sinospect checks five control points: scope, quantity and packing-list reconciliation against the purchase order; serial-number and model match to the order and release record; packing, marking and transport readiness; document-pack consistency with the physical goods; and non-conformity disposition with the supplier response logged. Each produces a record the buyer uses to authorise dispatch.
| Control point | Items checked | Record produced |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and quantity | Purchase order, supplier invoice, item list, SKUs, models, cartons, crates | Packing-list reconciliation |
| Identifiers | Serial numbers and models tied to order and release record; FAT-unit linkage | Serial-number and model match |
| Packing and marking | Cartons, pallets, crates, labels, shipping marks, moisture protection, visible damage | Transport-readiness log |
| Document pack | Packing list, invoice structure, certificates, manuals, test records, compliance documents | Document-consistency check |
| Non-conformity | Shortages, wrong markings, damaged packing, missing documents, visible defects | Disposition and supplier response |
When is PSI in China enough, and when is FAT needed first?
PSI is often the right tier on its own for finished goods, packaging, accessories, spare parts and many repeat production runs. Complex equipment with functional acceptance criteria needs FAT first as the performance gate, then PSI before dispatch to confirm the unit that passed FAT is the unit being packed and released.
| Goods type | Control tier | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Finished goods, accessories, spare parts | PSI alone | Shipment-readiness focus before dispatch |
| Packaging | PSI alone | Quantity, packing, marking and document checks |
| Many repeat production runs | PSI alone | Factory-side release evidence |
| Complex equipment with functional acceptance criteria | FAT first, then PSI | Performance acceptance is not the role of PSI |
| Any unit that passed FAT | PSI after FAT | Confirms the tested unit is packed and released |
What deliverables do pre-shipment inspection companies in China provide?
Buyers receive factory-side evidence that supports, but does not replace, their release decision. Sinospect's PSI deliverables are a report with photo evidence; packing-list and serial-number reconciliation; a non-conformity and corrective-action log; a release, hold or reinspection recommendation; and a logistics handoff note. The buyer makes the final release decision.
| Deliverable | What it records | Buyer use |
|---|---|---|
| PSI report and photo evidence | Factory-side inspection findings, written and visual | Evidence base for release |
| Packing-list and serial-number reconciliation | Match between goods, packing references and identifiers | Confirms shipment identity |
| Non-conformity and corrective-action log | Shortages, wrong markings, damaged packing, missing documents, defects, supplier response | Tracks corrective action |
| Release/hold/reinspection recommendation | Sinospect's practical disposition | Guides the buyer's decision |
| Logistics handoff note | Dispatch handoff information | Supports logistics coordination |
01 · Scope
PSI is the release gate for what is about to ship
Pre-shipment inspection sits inside the broader Quality Assurance layer. It is not a performance test for complex industrial equipment, and it is more formal than a quick photo check. PSI verifies that the goods about to leave the supplier are correct, complete, visibly acceptable, properly marked, properly packed, documented and ready for handoff into logistics. For finished goods, packaging, accessories, spare parts and many repeat production runs, PSI is often the right tier on its own. For complex equipment that has already passed FAT, PSI is the shipment-side gate that confirms the as-tested unit is the as-shipped unit: same serial number, same configuration, correct accessories, correct crates, correct document pack and no new release issue before dispatch.
It becomes useful when
- Finished goods, packaging, accessories or spare parts are leaving the supplier and need a final factory-side release standard before dispatch.
- A multi-supplier or consolidated shipment needs the same quantity, marking, packing and document standard applied before each supplier's goods enter the logistics flow.
- The buyer needs written shipment-readiness evidence before authorising release of the order from the supplier.
- Equipment has passed FAT and now needs a final PSI gate to confirm that the same tested unit, serial numbers, accessories and documents are being packed and released.
- Packing, marking or documentation mistakes could delay customs clearance, regulator review, bank review, partner review or downstream-customer acceptance.
- A visible defect, shortage, wrong marking, damaged packing or missing document must be dispositioned before goods are handed to the forwarder or consolidator.
02 · Verification
PSI-specific control points inside the QA layer
Control point
Scope, quantity and packing-list reconciliation
Sinospect checks the inspected goods against the purchase order, supplier invoice or agreed item list, then reconciles quantities, SKUs, models, variants, cartons, crates and packing-list references before release.
Control point
Serial-number, model and as-tested match
Where the goods carry serial numbers, model references, batch numbers or equipment nameplates, Sinospect ties those identifiers to the order and the release record. When FAT came first, PSI verifies that the unit that passed FAT is the unit being packed, marked and released.
Control point
Packing, marking and transport readiness
Cartons, pallets, crates, labels, shipping marks, handling marks, moisture protection, visible damage and transport-readiness are checked before the goods leave the supplier. Where packing is not fit for the route, the correction is handled before the logistics handoff.
Control point
Document pack verification
Packing list, commercial invoice structure, certificates, manuals, test records, country-specific compliance documents and any required shipping references are reviewed for consistency with the physical goods. The goal is a document pack that matches the shipment, not a folder assembled after the fact.
Control point
Non-conformity disposition and release authorisation
Shortages, wrong markings, damaged packing, missing documents and visible defects are logged at the release gate. Sinospect records the supplier response and issues a practical disposition: release, release with comments, hold, rework, replacement or reinspection.
03 · Evidence
Evidence captured during the PSI tier
- Shipment scope record
- Purchase order, supplier invoice or item list checked against physical goods and packing-list references.
- Quantity, SKU, model, batch, serial-number, carton and crate references recorded where applicable.
- Photo evidence of counted goods, selected samples, labels, nameplates, carton marks or pallet groups captured for the buyer's record.
- Packing and marking readiness record
- Carton, pallet, crate, wrapping, moisture protection and visible transport condition documented before release.
- Shipping marks, labels, barcodes, handling marks and destination references checked against the buyer's instructions.
- Supplier corrections captured where packaging, marking or visible condition is not ready for dispatch.
- Document and disposition record
- Packing list, invoice structure, certificates, manuals, test records and compliance documents checked against the goods being released.
- Non-conformities and open items logged with severity, supplier response, corrective-action owner and target closure.
- Release, conditional release, hold, rework, replacement or reinspection recommendation prepared for the buyer's decision.
04 · Deliverables
Deliverables issued
Deliverable
For · Procurement, import and QA teamsPSI report and photo evidence
A structured record of quantity, scope, serial numbers, packing, marking, visible condition, document status and release recommendation.
Deliverable
For · Import and logistics teamsPacking-list and serial-number reconciliation
A practical cross-check tying the physical goods to the purchase order, packing list, crates, cartons, serial numbers and shipment references.
Deliverable
For · Procurement and supplier teamsNon-conformity and corrective-action log
Each shortage, damaged packing, wrong marking, missing document or visible defect recorded with supplier response and required closure evidence.
Deliverable
For · Procurement and operationsRelease, hold or reinspection recommendation
A written disposition supporting the buyer's release decision: release, release with comments, hold, rework, replacement or reinspection.
Deliverable
For · Logistics, consolidation and documentation teamsLogistics handoff note
A concise handoff of what was released, what documents are attached, what remains open and what must be watched during consolidation or dispatch.
05 · Risks reduced
Risks closed during the PSI tier
Risk
Goods leave the supplier with wrong quantities, wrong models or missing items.
How Sinospect closes it
Physical goods are reconciled against the order, packing list, item list, carton count and visible identifiers before release.
Risk
Equipment passed FAT, but the wrong unit, accessory set or crate is prepared for shipment.
How Sinospect closes it
PSI ties serial numbers, model references, accessories, labels and crates back to the FAT record and the approved shipment scope.
Risk
Packing or marking fails only after the goods reach the forwarder, consolidator or destination port.
How Sinospect closes it
Cartons, crates, pallets, labels, shipping marks and visible transport readiness are checked while the supplier can still correct them.
Risk
The document pack does not match the cargo, delaying import, regulator review, bank review, partner review or downstream-customer acceptance.
How Sinospect closes it
Documents are checked against the physical shipment before release so packing lists, certificates, manuals and compliance records match what is actually shipping.
Risk
Non-conformities are discussed verbally and disappear from the release record.
How Sinospect closes it
Each issue is logged with supplier response, corrective-action evidence and a release implication: release, conditional release, hold, rework or reinspection.
Risk
PSI is used where FAT was required, so performance defects remain invisible until installation.
How Sinospect closes it
Sinospect separates the tier decision first: FAT verifies technical performance; PSI verifies shipment readiness. Sinospect selects the control level during the quality-assurance review, based on the project's complexity and risk.
06 · Background resources
Related
- Service · Quality assuranceThe umbrella service where Sinospect chooses the right QA tier: spot check, PSI or FAT.
- Service · Factory acceptance testing in ChinaThe sibling depth tier for performance-tested equipment: witnessed testing against the agreed inspection-and-test plan.
- Service · Logistics & consolidationThe downstream flow after PSI release, when goods move into consolidation, forwarding, document handover and shipment.
- Service · Documentation controlThe cross-cutting layer for certificates, packing lists, test records, manuals and shipment documents.
- Resource · Pre-shipment inspection checklistPractical checklist for quantity, serial numbers, marking, packing, documents, NCRs and release decisions.
- Resource · AQL sampling in pre-shipment inspectionHow ISO 2859-1 acceptance sampling works — lot size to accept/reject numbers, defect classes, and the purchase-order clauses that make it enforceable.
- Resource · Factory inspection report — anatomyWhat a useful PSI report contains — sixteen sections, the red flags to watch for, and how findings support the release decision.
- Resource · FAT vs SATThe boundary between the factory acceptance test and the site acceptance test — and where the PSI release gate sits between the two.
- Selected field notesAnonymised examples of supplier-side findings, release decisions and shipment-readiness work.
07 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
How does PSI relate to FAT? Do I need both?
FAT and PSI answer different questions. FAT verifies whether complex equipment meets agreed performance, functional and technical criteria before release. PSI verifies whether the goods that are about to leave the factory are the correct goods, correctly packed, marked, documented and ready for dispatch. For complex equipment, the strongest path is often FAT first, then PSI before shipment. For finished goods, packaging, accessories or many spare-parts orders, PSI alone is often the right tier.
How do I know if PSI is enough, or if I only need a spot check?
That decision belongs in the Quality Assurance stage. Selection is based on product value, technical complexity, repeat-order history, downstream consequence if something is wrong, and how much evidence the buyer needs before release. A small repeat order may need only a spot check; a shipment with many cartons, markings, documents or destination requirements usually justifies PSI.
Is PSI a performance test?
No. PSI is a shipment-readiness gate. It checks quantity, identity, visible condition, packing, marking, document pack and release status. If the buyer needs witnessed performance testing, operating sequence verification or measured technical acceptance, the right tier is FAT, not PSI alone.
What does release authorisation mean?
The buyer makes the release decision. Sinospect provides the factory-side evidence: what was inspected, what matched, what did not match, what documents were present, what non-conformities remain open and whether the practical recommendation is release, release with comments, hold, rework or reinspection.
What happens if PSI finds a problem?
The issue is logged and dispositioned before release. Depending on severity, the supplier may correct packing, replace goods, update documents, relabel cartons, provide missing certificates, accept a conditional release or hold the shipment for reinspection. The outcome is recorded so the logistics team does not inherit an undocumented problem.
08 · Getting started
What to send — so we know what 'ready to ship' means
Send what you have now — enough to identify the order, reach the factory and judge the goods against your specification; final packing documents or prior QA records can follow.
Purchase order and shipment details
Quantities, who is shipping, and the expected ready date the inspection has to hit.
Technical specification or cahier des charges
The basis for accept or hold — what the goods have to be before they ship.
Inspection requirements
AQL level, standards, and any earlier FAT result that needs closing out.
Supplier and factory details
Where the goods are and the supplier-side contact for access and scheduling.
Destination and document needs
Market, and the customs or lender documents the shipment file has to carry.
Partial information is fine. Send what you have; Sinospect confirms what is usable, what is missing and what it changes before any commitment.
Check the shipment before it leaves China
Send the PO or order scope, supplier ready date and any packing, marking or destination requirements you have. Sinospect replies within one business day to confirm what will be checked and the earliest feasible inspection timing — or to tell you what's missing. Once booked, Sinospect inspects before dispatch and issues the report your team uses to release the shipment, hold it or request corrections.