Product Inspection Services

What is a Product Inspection?

Being a key element of quality control, Product Inspections allow you to verify product quality on site at different stages of the production process and prior to its dispatch. Inspecting your product before it leaves the manufacturer’s premises is an effective way of preventing quality problems and supply chain disruptions further down the line.

ICQS inspectors check your product against your chosen specifications to meet a range of requirements including passing international standards of your destination market. With the use of inspection checklists that you can select online and tailor to your needs, your quality control process can be standardized, and key quality concerns communicated to all parties involved in the inspection.

ICQS product inspections can be conducted at all stages of the manufacturing process:

IPC – Initial Production Check
DUPRO – During Production Inspection
PSI – Pre-Shipment Inspection
CLC – Container Loading Check
PM – Production Monitoring

5.2 Product Inspection Expertise

ICQS product inspectors receive regular training in their fields of specialization, including Softlines (Garments, Footwear, Textiles) etc.

Our inspections’ comprehensive test criteria cover product function, performance, overall appearance and dimensions. For all non-food product inspections, we use the internationally recognized ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure, ensuring that the inspected products are a representative sample, not a sample that your supplier wants you to test. To determine the sample size and acceptance threshold, we use the international Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) standard.

5.3 Why Get a Product Inspection?

Ensure product quality at every production stage
Verify quality at the source and don’t pay for defective goods
Avoid recalls and reputational damage
Anticipate production and shipment delays
Optimize your quality control budget

5.4 What is an Initial Production Check (IPC)?

An Initial Production Check is an on-site Product Inspection performed before your production begins, up until 20% has been completed. A preliminary inspection of all machinery and materials to be used in your production, an IPC is the first step in ensuring the quality of your product will be consistent throughout production. An IPC is an early-warning system that safeguards your product against costly import risks.

For all inspections, ICQS uses the standard internationally recognized ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure. These comprehensive criteria cover: functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimension.

5.5 What is a During Production Check (DUPRO)?

A During Production Check is an on-site Product Inspection performed when 20-80% of your production is completed and packed for shipping. This inspection of randomly selected units from all completed batches of your production informs you whether or not your factory is continuing to follow your original specifications, and if your production is still on schedule. A DUPRO keeps your production on the right track.

5.6 What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

A Pre-Shipment Inspection is a systematic inspection of units selected at random from all batches of your order, conducted when your production is at least 80% complete. This is your final opportunity to take corrective action before your production is finished and packed; making it an effective tool to safeguard your product against costly import risks.

5.6.1 Pre-Shipment Inspection Expertise

ICQS highly trained product inspectors will use the appropriate sampling process to select product lots for pre-shipment inspection, and check them against your quality requirements or the standards of your destination market. This comprehensive inspection covers such criteria as product functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimensions.

Our product inspectors receive regular training in their fields of specialization, including Softlines, Hardlines, Food, and other industries. Their expertise combined with hundreds of customizable checklists for all product categories make for flexible and reliable quality control that helps you secure your supply chain.

5.6.2 Why Get a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

A Pre-Shipment Inspection from an independent third party gives you the peace of mind that your order has been filled successfully before it is dispatched. Today’s globalized marketplace offers amazing opportunities, but also presents real risks. When working with a supplier overseas it’s critical to ensure the specifications you’ve agreed upon are in fact met. Mitigate the risk of an improperly filled order by taking the necessary precautions.

Ensure that your order was filled successfully, before it’s dispatched
Verify quality at the source and don’t pay for defective goods
Rest assured that the supplier has met all agreed-upon specifications
Mitigate costly import risks
Avoid returns and protect your brand’s image

5.7 What is an Initial Production Check (IPC)?

5.8 What is a Container Loading Check (CLC)?

During a Container Loading Check, your inspector will select boxes at random to confirm each carton bears the quantity of product ordered, the quality matches the specifications and/or approved sample provided by you, and that all packaging material contains the correct barcodes, labeling, and packing materials. The entire container loading process is strictly supervised; ensuring all product paid for makes it on the truck. A CLC reduces risk of damage during shipment for $309 USD.