Pre-shipment inspection: scope it, don't assume it.
An inspection is only as good as its scope. 'Inspected' means nothing until you say what was checked, against what, and on how many pieces. Here is how to specify it.
1 · Decide who inspects
Three workable answers: the factory's own QC (documented), the trading counterparty, or an independent inspection company appointed for the transaction. The right answer depends on value, novelty and destination, first orders and drawing-governed products justify independent eyes more than repeat programme cargo does.
2 · Fix the scope in the contract
- What is checked, dimensions against the drawing, visual/optical acceptance, coating or film thickness, electrical data review for cells and modules, packing conformity.
- Sampling, which plan and level; 100% checks only where they're genuinely warranted.
- Acceptance criteria, the drawing's tolerances and the agreed defect classification, not "good quality".
- When, during production, at final packing, and/or loading supervision with container photographs and seal numbers.
3 · Make the record usable
The inspection record should name the order, the drawing revision, the sampling plan, the findings and the disposition, and join the shipment document set. It is prima facie evidence of condition at shipment, which is exactly what a later claim needs.
- Inspector: factory / counterparty / independent, named per transaction
- Checkpoints: in-production · final · loading supervision
- Sampling plan & acceptance criteria referenced to the drawing revision
- Record format agreed · photographs & seal numbers where loading is supervised
- Cost bearer stated · re-inspection rule if a lot fails
Torix agrees inspection scope at contract stage on every trade, the framework is on the Quality & documentation page.
Scope drafted? Put it in the RFQ.
Send the drawing, datasheet or bill of materials with quantity, destination and timing, the desk reviews the requirement and returns with manufacturing options and structure.