Timing is everything in quality control. Inspecting too late means waiting weeks for rework or having container loading delayed; inspecting too early means finished packaging and labeling cannot be verified. Understanding the fundamental differences between During Production Inspection (DUPRO) and Final Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) empowers importers to allocate their inspection budget where it matters most.
During Production Inspection (DUPRO)
DUPRO occurs when between 10% and 50% of your order has completed assembly. It is the premier defense against systematic, recurring manufacturing errors.
- Catch tooling & mold faults early: If a plastic injection mold has flash or a stamp die is offset, DUPRO catches it before the entire production batch is spoiled.
- Verify raw material adherence: Confirm that the factory didn't switch to a thinner metal gauge, lower density foam, or unapproved fabric dye.
- Production pace monitoring: Check the actual daily output rate to verify whether the supplier can meet the promised shipping date.
Final Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI / FRI)
PSI occurs when 100% of the goods have been produced and at least 80% are fully packed into export shipping cartons. It represents the final quality gate before final payment.
- AQL Standard Sampling (ISO 2859-1 / ANSI/ASQ Z1.4): Instead of checking every unit, an internationally recognized statistical sample size (General Inspection Level II) is randomly pulled from pallets.
- Defect Classification:
- Critical: Zero tolerance (0 defects allowed). Issues posing safety risks or regulatory non-compliance (e.g. exposed live wiring, sharp needle hazard).
- Major: AQL 2.5 standard. Defects that degrade usability or cause product returns (e.g. cracked housings, wrong color code).
- Minor: AQL 4.0 standard. Minor cosmetic flaws that don't impair operation (e.g. slight paint blemish, dust under protective film).
- Carton drop test & packaging check: Verifying 1A/2A transit drop tests, barcode scannability, and silica gel desiccant packs.
Review our on-site inspection packages or request an inspection date for your factory.
