Why Independent Product Inspections Matter Before Shipment
Your supplier’s quality team checks production from inside the factory. An independent product inspection gives you a separate view of whether finished goods match your specifications before you release payment or ship them.
QIMA can inspect at the beginning of production, during production, before shipment, or while the container is loaded. The inspection report records the findings, photographs, and checklist results so your team can decide what to do before the goods leave the factory.
Why QIMA for Product Inspections?
Inspector onsite within 48 hours - modify or cancel up to the day before: Book through myQIMA and a QIMA inspector is on your factory floor within 48 hours. If production shifts, reschedule or cancel right up to the day before - no fees, no friction. Your inspection program adapts to your production timeline, not the other way around.
Independent inspectors with no interest in the outcome: QIMA inspectors are employed directly by QIMA - not by your supplier, not by a local agent working supplier relationships. Their job is to report what they find, not to keep production moving. That independence is what makes the report worth having.
Same-day reports with photos, accessible immediately in myQIMA: Your inspection report is delivered the same day, with photos of every defect found and a clear pass/fail against your checklist. Accessible instantly through your online QIMA account - no waiting for the supplier to forward anything.
Global coverage across 100+ countries from a single partner: QIMA operates inspection programs across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America - wherever your suppliers are. One platform, one relationship, consistent standards regardless of production location.
Ranked #1 for customer satisfaction in the TIC industry: QIMA is ranked #1 in the Testing, Inspection and Certification industry for customer satisfaction, based on independent NPS measurement.
Take Your Quality Management Online
QIMA offers an intelligent online platform to help you seamlessly manage your quality control and global supply network.
Easily book, cancel, or reschedule inspections, make payments, or download your inspection reports with just a few clicks. We also provide a customizable dashboard with all your quality control data, so you can identify trends and make informed decisions in real time.
What Products Can QIMA Inspect?
QIMA product inspections cover manufactured goods across Consumer Products, including:
Apparel, footwear, bags, and home textiles
Furniture, homeware, gifts, and sports equipment
Electrical and electronic products
Toys and juvenile products
Packaging and promotional merchandise
The inspection checklist can cover specifications, dimensions, function, appearance, performance, workmanship, packaging, and quantities, depending on your product and requirements.
How Product Inspection Works
Step 1 - Book your inspection and choose your stage: Select the inspection type that fits your production timeline - Initial Production Check (IPC) to catch issues early, During Production Check (DUPRO) to monitor progress, Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) before final payment, or Container Loading Check (CLC) before goods leave the factory. Book through myQIMA and a QIMA inspector is confirmed onsite within 48 hours.
Step 2 - Set your checklist: QIMA provides an off-the-shelf checklist for your product category, covering specifications, dimensions, function, appearance, performance, and workmanship. Add your own requirements or build a fully custom checklist if needed. Your checklist is confirmed before the inspector goes onsite - no surprises on the day.
Step 3 - Independent inspection at your factory: On the agreed date, your QIMA inspector arrives at the factory and independently selects a sample using the internationally recognized ANSI / ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) and using acceptable quality limit (AQL) sampling standard - not units provided by your supplier. Each unit in the sample is evaluated against your checklist, with photos taken of every defect or non-conformity found.
Step 4 - Same-day report in myQIMA: Your inspection report is delivered the same day, accessible immediately in your QIMA account. It includes photos of every defect, pass/fail results per checklist item, AQL measurements, and an overall result. No waiting for the factory to send their version.
Step 5 - Act on the findings: A pass gives you documented evidence of quality before final payment and shipment. A fail gives you independent evidence to require corrections from your supplier before settling. If the result is borderline, QIMA's team can advise on corrective actions - and you can book a follow-up inspection once they're made.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Before final payment or shipment: Pre-Shipment Inspection checks finished goods against your specifications, sampling requirements, packaging instructions, and visible workmanship criteria.
Pre-Customs Clearance for Mexico (PEO)
For Mexico-bound shipments: Previo en Origen (PEO) inspections check quantities, product labeling, packaging, and loading conditions at the country of export before goods leave for Mexico. The service supports customs agents, freight forwarders, and companies importing consumer products into Mexico.
Initial Production Check (IPC)
At the start of production: Initial Production Check reviews raw materials, components, production setup, and early output before larger quantities are made.
During Production Check (DUPRO) & Inline Inspection (ILI)
While production is running: During Production Check and Inline Inspection help identify defects, production delays, and process issues before the order reaches completion.
Container Loading Check (CLC)
At loading: Container Loading Check verifies the products, quantities, packaging condition, and loading process before the container leaves the factory.
Production Monitoring (PM)
For ongoing production oversight: Production Monitoring places an inspector on the factory floor to track production progress, raw materials, and quality checks over time.
Independent Product Inspections in 100+ Countries
QIMA inspectors work independently at your supplier's factory. Book online, choose the inspection date, and receive the report on the same day as the inspection.
How Are Inspection Results Provided?
You will receive a detailed inspection report, delivered on the same day as the inspection and accessible through your online QIMA account. This report outlines the inspection findings, including photos of any defects found, and provides an overall pass/fail assessment.
If you need assistance creating a corrective action plan (CAP) to address quality concerns, QIMA offers Auditing Services to help identify problem areas in your supply chain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a product inspection cost?
Inspection fees depend on the service type, factory location, and number of inspection days required. Contact QIMA for a quote based on your product, production stage, and inspection requirements.
2. How quickly can I book a product inspection?
QIMA can deploy an inspector within 48 hours, depending on the service requirements and factory location. The report is delivered on the same day as the inspection.
3. Do I need a product inspection for shipment?
Not necessarily. The right inspection frequency depends on your supplier's track record, product risk, production schedule, and quality program. QIMA can help you select an inspection plan based on those requirements.
4. What happens if a product inspection finds defects?
The inspector documents the findings with photographs and records them against an agreed checklist. You can then work with your supplier on corrective actions and arrange a follow-up inspection before shipment if needed.
5. Can QIMA inspect at any factory location?
QIMA operates product inspection programs in more than 100 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Contact QIMA to confirm coverage for your supplier's location.
6. Are QIMA inspectors independent from the supplier?
QIMA inspectors are employed by QIMA rather than by the factory. They inspect products against the agreed checklist and document the findings for your team.
7. What does a QIMA product inspection report include?
QIMA reports include inspection findings, photographs of defects, checklist results, and an overall result. Where applicable, it also includes AQL measurements. If your buyer requires a specific report format or checklist, share those requirements when booking.
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