Getting products from China is popular because it is cheap to make products there. But sometimes, when you buy products from a faraway place, it is difficult to make sure they are of good quality. So, checking the quality is very important. This means looking closely at the products you are buying to make sure they are well made, and they are what you asked for.
Nowadays, China makes more products than any other country. So, if you make things, buy things, or bring products into your country to sell, there is a good chance you get most of those products from China.
If you do business with China, it is important to make sure the products you get are exactly what you want and meet certain quality standards. Quality control and inspection help you do this. It is also important because it helps you avoid getting products that are defective, broken, or not right.
This article will explore China’s quality inspection of products. We will give you useful suggestions about what product inspections are and what they involve.
Why are product inspections so important in China?
Checking products in China is very important for businesses. These checks make sure that the products are of good quality, safe, and meet the rules and standards. They also make sure the products are what the buyer asked for.
The following are a few important reasons why doing China quality inspections is important for businesses:
1. Quality Assurance
Product inspections in China make sure that the products you are getting are good quality and meet the standards you need. They help find any problems or mistakes with the products before they are sent to you. This reduces the chance of getting bad-quality products.
2. Compliance with Regulations
Product inspections in China help you make sure that your products follow the rules and standards both locally and internationally. This includes the following standards:
- ISO
- CE
- RoHS
- FCC
- REACH.
Depending on what kind of product it is and what rules apply in your area, the specific standards are chosen for China quality inspection.
3. Cost Savings
Although product inspections in China might make buying products more expensive at first, they can eventually save you money in the long term.
By catching and fixing problems like bad quality or mistakes early on, you can avoid spending more money later fixing things, returning items, or dealing with unhappy customers.
What are the different types of China quality inspections?
There are different types of product inspections that play different roles in how products are made and delivered. Some happen before products are made, some before they are sent out, and some while they are being loaded or unloaded. Let us explore them further below.
1) Pre-production inspection
Before production starts, a quality inspection can be arranged. This checks that all the materials and parts needed for making the product are of good quality and meet the standards you asked for in your order. It helps to find any issues before making the product.
During a pre-production inspection, the focus is on the details of the product, the quality of the materials, and how the product is going to be made.
This includes checking if the factory has the right facilities and equipment to make the product safely and without harming the environment. It is all about making sure everything is set up correctly to meet your quality standards.
2) During production inspection
During the production process, an in-process inspection can be arranged. This is when quality checks happen while the products are being made.
Inspectors look at the products at different stages of making them, like when they are being put together or packed. They make sure everything is being done the way it is supposed to be and fix any problems that come up.
It’s very important to conduct safety, function, and appearance checks for semi-finished and finished products before they are fully packed, as it’s easy to rectify the problems at this stage.
3) Final random inspection
The final random inspection, also known as pre-shipment inspection, happens when all of the products are finished and at least 80% of them are packed up to be sent out. During this inspection, the focus is on making sure the finished products match the quality standards and specifications you agreed upon before.
During the final random inspection, the inspector picks a significant number of products randomly from the finished batch. They carefully check these products to make sure they match what the buyer wants in terms of specifications, quality standards, and any rules that apply. This helps ensure that the whole batch is of good quality and meets the buyer's requirements.
4) Container loading inspection
Container loading inspection is about watching how products are loaded into shipping containers, including quantity counting, check of packaging and labelling, and container condition.
The goal is to make sure everything is done right so the products won't get damaged while they are being shipped. Inspectors check that the products are packed well, secured properly, and that the container is not overloaded. This helps ensure that the products arrive safely at their destination.
What is the process of inspections in China factory?
China’s quality inspection of products in factories is a crucial step in making sure they meet standards and are consistent. These inspections usually happen after a supplier audit. During the on-site inspection, the products are carefully checked based on different criteria to make sure they are good quality and meet requirements.
Generally, the following parameters are checked during the inspection:
- Quantity
- Workmanship
- Style
- Colour
- Documentation
- Field test and measurement
- Shipping marks
- Packaging.
However, it is essential to remember that the specifics and key areas of focus in each inspection can vary depending on the type of product and what the client wants. Let us take a closer look at each criterion below.
1) Quantity verification
A crucial part of inspecting Chinese factories is verifying the quantity of products. This means making sure that the number of products matches what the buyer ordered. This can involve various methods, like counting a sample of products or using scales to weigh them.
2) Workmanship
When conducting a China quality inspection, one of the critical aspects to focus on is workmanship. The inspector carefully looks at how the product is put together, its functionality, any visible defects, and whether it meets the quality standards set by the buyer.
Any differences or inconsistencies could suggest that the quality of workmanship is not good enough.
3) Style, colour, and documentation
During the inspection, the inspector will carefully look at the products:
- Material
- Shape
- Structure
- Colour
- Surface finish
- Overall appearance.
They will also check any related documents, like product specifications, assembly instructions, or testing reports, to make sure everything matches up. This helps ensure that the product not only looks good but also meets all the necessary requirements.
4) Field test and measurement
During the inspection, field tests and measurements are crucial. This involves using tools like callipers and gauges to measure and confirm the dimensions of the product.
In order to make sure the material satisfies the required criteria, the inspector also examines its:
- Composition
- Hardness
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Any other characteristics.
Additionally, the product is tested to see if it works the way it is supposed to. This comprehensive assessment helps confirm that the product meets all required criteria and functions correctly for its intended purpose.
5) Shipping marks and packaging
During the inspection, the inspector pays close attention to the shipping marks, making sure they are accurate, complete, and meet the specified requirements. They will also assess the quality of the packaging, ensuring it is up to standard and that the supplier follows all label requirements.
This ensures that the products are correctly labelled and packaged for shipping, reducing the risk of errors or damage during transit.
Who can perform quality inspection in China?
1) Manufacturers
You might request an in-house review from your manufacturer, which is cheaper, but they prioritize their interests over ensuring product quality. Their QC team might lack impartiality, focusing on speed rather than thorough quality control, potentially compromising product integrity.
2) Sourcing partner
Consider hiring a sourcing partner who not only helps find suitable manufacturers in China but also conducts unbiased quality inspections. They operate on commissions, aiming to maintain your business and ensure impartial evaluations.
With established relationships with multiple manufacturers, they can leverage their trade connections to your advantage, enhancing your procurement process.
3) Third-party inspection agency
For objective quality control inspections in line with your standards, think about working with a respectable third-party inspection agency in China. Though not affiliated with the supplier, collaborate with them to outline your requirements and ensure their process meets your satisfaction. This approach offers neutrality while allowing you to maintain oversight of the inspection process.
4) Self-inspection
Deploying your own team for quality inspections is an option, but it is expensive. Costs for training, accommodation, and travel accumulate, increasing import expenses.
What is the normal cost of a quality inspection in China?
Third-party QC inspection services in China typically charge between $200 and $300 per working day for locations within 60 km of their office. If the site is far away, fees may rise. Factors influencing inspection pricing include:
1. Level of expertise – The primary factor influencing the disparity in pricing among QC agencies is their level of experience and expertise in quality inspection.
2. Distance to the inspection site – Inspection agencies are primarily situated in major cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. If the inspection site is in a small town, inspectors must travel to the factory, increasing both time and travel expenses, thereby raising the total inspection cost.
3. Checklist – Inspection agencies offer varying levels of service, from basic checks to comprehensive site audits and certifications. The cost depends on the extent of the checks required.
What should be expected in a quality control report?
1. Presented product quantity – The quantity of finished products provided by the supplier to the inspector is checked to ensure it matches your order.
2. Visual defects – These are flaws that can be seen on the product or its packaging. The number of acceptable defects is set by your QC checklist. If it exceeds this limit, the inspection will be considered a failure.
3. Conformity to requirements – These results confirm that the goods meet the quality control standards. Inspection for conformity is based on your QC checklist. If the inspector finds anything that does not match, it will be recorded in the final inspection report.
4. On-site tests & checks – This might be necessary to ensure that your product meets requirements. After the quality control inspection, the inspector provides a report covering all the areas inspected.
Tips to select a 3rd-party QC company in China
- Make sure the company holds an AQSIQ license for providing quality control services in China and possesses an ISO 9001 certification.
- A trustworthy QC company will provide various quality control inspection services, such as pre-production inspection, in-line inspection, pre-shipment inspection, container loading supervision, and auditing services like factory auditing, social auditing, and environmental auditing.
- Choose a company with experience and knowledge in your product category. This enables them to make the most informed quality control decisions.
- Request previous reports provided to customers, ideally in a similar product category, to assess their ability to deliver professional and clear reports.
- Ensure they understand your quality requirements thoroughly.
- Lastly, choose a company that provides transparent pricing for their quality control inspection services. This ensures you understand your total import costs and can plan your budget accordingly.
Conclusion
While sourcing your product from China, it is vital to conduct proper China quality inspection to ensure that you are importing the right quality products from China. This is not only going to maintain the quality of your products, but also safeguard your brand’s reputation on the market.
There are several methods of quality control inspections that we have discussed is needed at different stages of your supply chain, which is necessary to effectively reduce risks and maintain high standards.
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