How to organise pre-shipment inspections for cables, lighting and industrial equipment: inspection types, AQL sampling, product checks and documents.
Finding a problem after goods have arrived in Europe is expensive: return freight, replacement lead times, project delays and sometimes penalties. A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) moves the quality check to the factory, when problems can still be fixed. This checklist explains how to organise one for industrial and electrical products.
| Inspection | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Factory audit | Before the first order | Assess capability, quality system, equipment and certifications |
| Pre-production check | Before production starts | Confirm raw materials and components match the specification |
| During-production inspection | Typically at 20–50 % completion | Catch systematic defects early |
| Pre-shipment inspection | When production is complete and mostly packed | Check a random sample against agreed criteria |
| Loading supervision | During container or truck loading | Verify quantities, packing and securing |
Most inspections use statistical sampling based on ISO 2859-1 (AQL tables). You agree in advance:
Write these into the purchase order. An inspection without agreed criteria leads to disputes.
See our H07RN-F page for an example of the data you can check against.
Agree the process before the inspection: rework and re-inspection at the supplier’s cost, sorting of the lot, or rejection. Photographs and a clear defect list are essential. For recurring problems, ask for a corrective action report and consider a during-production inspection on the next order.
Check that packaging suits the route — sea, road or multimodal — and the receiving site: pallet sizes compatible with European handling (for example 1200 × 800 mm), heat-treated wooden packaging marked to ISPM 15, drum sizes that site equipment can handle, and labels readable by the receiving warehouse.
We can organise inspections at our suppliers’ factories and share reports and photos before shipment. Learn more about our sourcing and procurement services or request a quote including your inspection requirements.
AQL (acceptable quality limit) sampling, based on ISO 2859-1, defines how many units are inspected and how many defects of each category are allowed before a lot is rejected.
When production is complete and most goods are packed, so the inspector can draw a random sample from the finished lot before it leaves the factory.
Sheath printing, dimensions, conductor construction and resistance, drum labels and lengths, CPR labels where applicable, and the factory test records for the batch.
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