First Let’s Understand Pre-Shipment Inspection
Technically, a pre-shipment inspection or PSI – is when the Inspection is performed by Third Party Inspection Agency on behalf of Any Buyer Company at the Supplier end – on or before the shipment of products to the Buyer. The Pre-Shipment Inspection agency performs the Inspection as per the requirements of the Buyer, these requirements may be – Sample of products, QAP, Drawings, specifications, or any specific requirement of the Buyer. The Pre-shipment Inspection can be performed at various stages as per the requirements of the Buyer. The Pre-shipment Inspection is performed at various stages – such as – the Raw Material stage, In-process Stage, At the Time of assembly of products, Final stage of production, Finish products, Packing & Marking of Products, etc.
All the Pre-shipment inspection process depends on the requirements of the Buyer. Generally, the Third-Party Inspection Agency performing pre-shipment inspection customized the Inspection activities to meet the Buyer’s requirements. The Inspector follows to check/examine the products at various stages as per Inspection requirements may be at the different units. The buyers, suppliers, and agencies usually seek this service before the products are shipped. The Pre-shipment Inspection is a professional service performed by Impartial Agency and it includes certain aspects that demand the involvement of specialized agencies or professionals for Pre-Shipment Inspection.
What are the prominent reasons for choosing the pre-shipment inspection (PSI) Agency?
Generally, the Buyer or Supplier hiring the Pre-Shipment Inspection Service Providers considers multiple purposes for hiring third-party inspection services. Some reasons include the following:
- Examine the quality and quantity of the goods/products
- Examine if the produced products have any defects
- Ensure products to meet the safety requirements of the destination market
- Prepare and issue reports for import and billing
The inception of the Pre-Shipment Inspection:
In the opinion of the experts, the concept of Pre-Shipment Inspection came into existence in 1994 when the recommendation of such a service was first recommended by the General Agreement of Trade and Tariff (GATT). Later, World Trade Organization (WTO) overtook GATT.
Principals Mentioned in Pre-Shipment Inspection Service:
- Non-equality
- Clarity
- Protection of confidential business information
- Avoidance of delays
- Price verification is based on the price of identical or similar goods in the country of exportation, in which the exporter can explain the price charged
- Impartial Inspection Service
Qualified and accredited inspection service providers perform pre-shipment inspections. The Third-party Inspection service providers consider this as the last chance to take remedial measures before the products are either shipped or is in the process of getting shipped. This opportunity can make you correct the defects or flaws that the inspection agencies usually find while doping the pre-shipment inspection.
The pre-shipment inspection typically covers functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimensions. To complete these inspections, the agencies follow a seven-step procedure that includes the phases mentioned below:
- Step #1: Inspection visit
- Step #2: Quantity verification
- Step #3: Random selection
- Step #4: Cosmetic and Workmanship Check
- Step #5: Conformity Verification
- Step #6: Function and Safety Test
- Step #7: Inspection Report
Methods of Pre-shipment Inspection:
Usually, the leading Pre-Shipment Inspection Service providers follow three specialized methods to complete the process of Pre-Shipment Inspection. These methods include the following:
#1: Consignment-Wise inspection
In this inspection method, the inspectors examine each deliverable product in as condition. They follow the statistical sampling plan to examine the goods. In case they find things okay, then they issue the inspection report or certificate often immediately. The inspection report has every information mentioned on it. However, if they find anything objectionable, then they recommend re-do for those goods. It is good to mention that no goods are dispatched without the ‘Pass’ inspection of PSI agencies. Therefore, the manufacturers prefer completing all the quality-control parameters before they proceed for Pre-shipment inspection.
#2: In-process Quality Control
This inspection becomes mandatory when the products is critical for use. The PSI agencies need to be very careful while conducting In-process inspections. They issue the inspection report only after completing all the regular parameters of the inspection.
#3. Self-Certification
This is the manufacturer’s own decision to certify their goods before they get them ready to ship. They use all their industry experience to examine all quality control parameters neutrally and they issue the self-certificate themselves. Here, they bear all the responsibilities to any kind of quality issues that the end users may notice or encounter while selling or using these goods or products. Generally, the Pre-shipment inspection Agency do not do the self- Certification of products.
The Ending Thought:
Being a manufacturer of certain customer goods, you cannot avoid completing all the necessary parameters that can make your products 100% quality-proof. Getting the Pre-shipment Inspection is the correct decision for you. So, you cannot deny connecting with professionally accredited Pre-Shipment Inspection Service Providers.