Secondary path · Pre-shipment
Inspect an Existing Order Before It Leaves China
Secondary path inside China sourcing: for an order already placed, we run AQL sampling, functional checks, packaging, and quantity verification on the factory floor. Looking for new suppliers first? Start on services or a priority industry page.
- AQL random sampling (ISO 2859-1 / ANSI-ASQ Z1.4)
- Functional testing & workmanship assessment
- Packaging, labeling & quantity verification
- Photo-documented report with pass/hold/rework decision
Secondary path in China sourcing
This page supports visit or verify — not the primary commercial offer
Primary path for Australian businesses is finding and vetting new suppliers in China. Use this page when you already have a factory contact to assess. For end-to-end agent support (shortlist through shipment), use the China sourcing agent service. For multi-service comparison, start on services or a priority industry page.
Find and vet new suppliers · Visit or verify an existing supplier
Priority industry landings
- AV & LightingFind and vet China AV and lighting suppliers for Australian projects.Open industry page
- Construction MaterialsSource building materials with AS/NZS, NCC, and WaterMark risk in view.Open industry page
- Agricultural MachineryFind farm-equipment suppliers that can clear Australian biosecurity.Open industry page
1,200+
Pre-screened factories
48
Hours to on-site inspection
3
Defect levels: critical, major, minor
25+
Provinces covered
Why it matters
The balance of your payment is due before the container arrives. A pre-shipment inspection is your last checkpoint.
Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL)
Under ISO 2859-1, a standard defect threshold is AQL 2.5 for major defects — meaning up to 5 defective units per 315 inspected may be accepted. Without an independent inspector, that decision is left to the supplier's own QC.
Three defect levels
Critical defects (safety, regulatory — AQL 0), major defects (function, appearance — AQL 2.5), and minor defects (workmanship, finish — AQL 4.0). Each is tracked, photographed, and reported so you know exactly what you are accepting.
You own the decision
A pre-shipment inspection report does not block your shipment — it gives you the evidence to decide: release the goods, request rework, renegotiate, or hold. Without evidence, your only option is to trust the supplier.
How a Quality Inspection Works
Sample Selection (AQL Random Sampling)
When at least 80% of your order is finished and packed, our inspector selects a random sample from the total quantity following the internationally recognised ANSI-ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure.
Product Checks & Functional Testing
Every sampled unit is inspected against your specification, approved sample, and purchase order: dimensions, materials, colour, finish, and workmanship. Critical functions are tested on site.
Packaging, Label & Quantity Verification
We confirm that packaging materials, carton markings, labels, barcodes, and packing quantities match your order requirements and are suitable for export.
Documented Report & Shipment Decision
Within 24 hours of the inspection you receive a comprehensive report with executive pass/hold/rework summary, AQL sampling data, photographs of every defect, and a clear recommendation.
Why us
Industry-standard methodology with Australia-based oversight
Every inspection follows the internationally recognised AQL sampling procedure (ISO 2859-1 / ANSI-ASQ Z1.4). Your checklist is customised per product category and confirmed before the inspector visits.
- Standard inspection arranged within 48 hours across Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Fujian manufacturing regions.
- Custom checklist per order — dimensions, materials, function, packaging, labels, and any special tests you require.
- Container Loading Supervision (CLS) available as an add-on to confirm your goods are loaded correctly and securely.
Not sure when to inspect?
Most of our clients book a pre-shipment inspection when goods are at least 80% finished and packed. But there are earlier checkpoints too:
Quality Inspection FAQs
Need secondary-path inspection for a known shipment?
Tell us product, quantity, supplier, and quality requirements. We'll scope inspection as a support step — primary China sourcing still starts with finding and vetting new suppliers.
- AQL random sampling (ISO 2859-1 / ANSI-ASQ Z1.4)
- Functional testing & workmanship assessment
- Packaging, labeling & quantity verification
- Photo-documented report with pass/hold/rework decision