What Happens During a Pre-Shipment Inspection in India

A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is your last line of defence before products leave India. It's conducted when at least 80% of the order is complete and packed, giving inspectors a representative view of the full production. Here's exactly what happens.

The Inspection Process

An inspector arrives at the factory (usually unannounced, to prevent any last-minute 'showroom' arrangements). They randomly select cartons from the packed goods, open them, and check products against the agreed specifications.

What Gets Checked

• **Appearance**: Colour, finish, print quality, surface defects

• **Dimensions**: Measured against your specifications with calibrated tools

• **Functionality**: Moving parts work, drawers slide, doors close properly

• **Weight**: Compared against specification (especially important for furniture)

• **Packing**: Carton strength, labelling, inner packing, quantity per carton

• **Quantity**: Total count verification against the purchase order

• **Product markings**: Labels, care instructions, country of origin

AQL Sampling

Inspectors use AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards to determine how many pieces to check. For most products, AQL level 2.5 is standard — meaning up to 2.5% defects are acceptable. The sample size depends on the total order quantity.

The Inspection Report

A good inspection report includes: date and inspector details, products inspected, specifications checked, pass/fail for each criterion, photos of checked items and any defects, overall result (pass/fail/conditional), and recommendations.

What Happens If It Fails

If the inspection fails, you have options: reject the shipment entirely, request rework and re-inspection, accept with a price reduction, or accept with documented agreement that the supplier will address issues in the next order.