A pre-shipment inspection checks six categories before the container is loaded: quantity, dimensions, finish, hardware, packing and loading. It is the last point where a defect can be fixed at the factory. After loading, the same defect becomes a claim, and a claim costs more than the inspection.
Inspect after production and before loading.
Sample 5–10% of units, or AQL 2.5.
Check quantity, dimensions, finish, hardware, packing, loading.
Agree acceptance criteria before the inspection.
A report without photos and measurements is an opinion.
1. Why inspect
Inspection is the last point where a defect can be fixed cheaply. At the factory, a wrong door can be remade in days. After loading, the same door is a claim, a replacement shipment and a delay. The inspection is not a sign of distrust; it is the step that makes the schedule predictable.
2. Timing and sample
Inspect after production is complete and before loading. A sample of 5–10% is typical, or an AQL 2.5 plan if the inspector uses statistical sampling. Inspect more on a first order and less on a repeat order from the same factory and the same specification.
3. The six categories
| Catégories | Vérifiez | Acceptation |
|---|---|---|
| Quantité | Compter sur la liste de colisage | Correspondance exacte |
| Dimensions | Key sizes against drawing | Dans ±2 mm |
| Finition | Colour and sheen against sample | Aucune différence visible |
| Hardware | Brand and model on schedule | Correspondance exacte |
| Emballage | Carton, foam, moisture barrier | Spec met |
| chargement | Brace, count, photos | Load plan followed |
The acceptance criteria should be agreed before the inspection, not invented during it. A criterion invented on the day is a negotiation.
4. Dimensions and finish
Check key dimensions against the approved shop drawing, not the nominal size. A 600 mm cabinet that measures 598 is acceptable; one that measures 590 is not. For finish, compare against the approved sample under the same light. Colour that matches under factory light can look different on site.
5. Hardware and packing
Check the hardware brand and model against the schedule, because substitution is common. Check the carton, foam and moisture barrier against the Norme d'emballage. A cabinet that passes every other check but is packed to the wrong spec will still arrive damaged.
6. Chargement
Watch the load, not just the product. A braced load that follows the plan is worth more than a perfect cabinet loose in a container. Photograph the load at the door and at mid-container. The loading photos are the evidence if a claim is needed.
7. The report
A useful report has photos, measurements, a pass or fail per category and a clear recommendation. A report that says generally acceptable without evidence is an opinion. Ask for the photo set with the report, not after a dispute.
8. What to do when it fails
If the inspection fails, the factory fixes the defects and the inspection is repeated, or the shipment is held. Either way, the decision is made before loading. That is the whole point: the cost of a failed inspection at the factory is small; the cost of a failed container at destination is large.
9. Une liste de vérification avant de s'engager
Avant de signer, veuillez confirmer six points : la qualité du circuit imprimé, le modèle de matériel, le système de finition, les normes d’emballage, le périmètre d’inspection et les modalités de paiement. Chaque point doit être confirmé par écrit, et non par téléphone. La liste de vérification du devis permet de synthétiser ces six éléments en un tableau comparatif d’une seule page.
10. Erreurs courantes
L'erreur la plus fréquente consiste à comparer le prix d'usine avec le coût final. La deuxième est d'omettre l'inspection du budget. La troisième est de payer le solde avant la validation de l'inspection. Chacune de ces erreurs est évitable grâce à un cahier des charges écrit et une inspection avant expédition.
11. Comment mesurer la pièce
Mesurez chaque mur en trois points : en haut, au milieu et en bas, et retenez la plus petite mesure. Les murs sont rarement d'équerre, et une courbure de 10 mm sur trois mètres modifie le remplissage. Mesurez le plafond à chaque angle et repérez les prises électriques, les radiateurs et les canalisations d'évacuation avant de dessiner. Un relevé précis est plus rapide qu'un dessin, et le guide de mesure est fourni avec une fiche imprimable.
Foire aux questions
When should a pre-shipment inspection happen?
After production is complete and before the container is loaded. That is the window where a defect can still be fixed at the factory.
How many units should be inspected?
5–10% of the order, or an AQL 2.5 sample, depending on the inspector and the project. A first order should inspect more than a repeat order.
What should the inspector check?
Six categories: quantity, dimensions, finish, hardware, packing and loading. Each has acceptance criteria agreed before the inspection.
Qui paie le contrôle ?
Usually the buyer, and it is money well spent. The cost is small against the cost of a container of defective cabinets.
Que se passe-t-il si l'inspection échoue ?
The factory fixes the defects and the inspection is repeated, or the shipment is held. Either way, the decision is made before loading, not after arrival.
Is an inspection report enough?
Only if it includes photos, measurements and a clear pass or fail. A report without evidence is an opinion.
