Quality inspection services are typically divided into four categories. Each one corresponds to a specific step in the manufacturing process. When it comes to purchasing in China and other low-cost Asian countries, these are all tools in every importer's toolbox.
The four types of quality inspection china are as follows:
Pre-production Inspection 1. A pre-production inspection informs the buyer of the type of raw materials (or components) that will be used in the production process.
Factories are frequently suspected of lowering their costs by purchasing substandard materials, which can be disastrous for the buyer (for example, using the wrong kind of chip in an electronic device). The pre-production inspection can also include a focus on the processes that will be followed once production begins. This is also important because Chinese factories frequently cut corners and do not adhere to the buyer's blueprints (for example, patterns for cutting fabric are received from the buyer and are modified to make the process easier and faster).
During the course of the production inspection
2. A during-production inspection (commonly referred to as "DUPRO" in the industry) provides the buyer with an indication of the average product quality early in the production cycle. It is the most useful and underappreciated tool at the disposal of importers, who frequently rely solely on final inspections. It is usually done after a batch of finished goods has been pulled off the production line. If quality problems are discovered, it is possible that what has already been produced can be reworked, and corrective actions can be taken for the remainder of the job. It allows buyers to plan ahead and even avoid delays (repairs and re-inspections take much longer to complete when problems are discovered after all production has been completed).
Final random inspection 3. The final random inspection (also known as "pre-shipment inspection") is by far the most common type of quality control check.
It takes place after 100% of the shipment quantity has been completed and at least 80% of the shipment has been packed, so it can be a true random inspection (which is not exactly the case if the quality is checked earlier) and suppliers are unable to play games. It increases pressure on suppliers while increasing power in the hands of buyers. Its primary goal is to confirm the quality of a shipment, rather than to identify and correct problems as they arise. As a result, I always recommend to my clients that they supplement final inspections with a DUPRO in order to avoid discovering disasters at the last minute.
Inspection of the container loading process
4. The container loading quality inspection, like the pre-production inspection, is a procedure that is rarely used. However, it can be a worthwhile option in some specific circumstances. It can be useful if the buyer has a precise loading plan and requires that it be adhered to to the letter (for example, if some cartons are too fragile to be placed at the bottom), or if the packaging is not conventional (for example, if some garments are hung on bars with no carton protection). It can also ensure that the correct types of products are shipped out in the correct quantities when an importer does not have confidence in his supplier or when a number of suppliers bring their products in for consolidation.
Only the most sensitive projects are required to undergo all four types of inspection. In most cases, only one or two of these tools are employed, depending on the risks identified by the buyer. These quality inspection services are primarily used for consumer goods that require little customization. Different approaches are frequently used to ensure that industrial products meet specifications (with a great deal of attention being paid during the development and early production stages).