In the world trade industry, one of the most important things to focus on is ensuring product quality. In fact, it is not just a precaution but a necessity. Regardless of whether you manufacture textiles, consumer goods, etc., pre-shipment inspections can prove to be helpful as they will provide protection against things like product recalls, expensive mistakes, and most importantly, brand reputation damage.
Pre-shipment inspection companies in China focus on ensuring that products meet the required standards, specifications, and regulations before the shipment begins. The primary goal behind this is to pinpoint any problems early in the process which will permit the exporters and importers to handle these issues before the products leave the warehouse.
Even though a pre-shipment inspection is vital and can be used as a quality assurance measure, there are many common issues that might arise during the inspection. Such problems will impact the shipment procedure and cause unwanted delays. Here are the common issues found during pre-shipment inspections.
Inconsistencies in Quality
Consistency is a key part of manufacturing high-quality products. If you put yourself in the shoes of customers, you will quickly realize that they expect every single product to match the specifications whether in size, color, or functionality. A detailed pre-shipment inspection often highlights things like defects and non-compliant materials which result in higher return rates. This is why working with pre-shipment inspection companies in China is important.
Improper Packing and Labeling
Correctly packing and labeling items is highly crucial or else the chances of things like damage during transit increase. Delicate items like glassware or electronics must be packed with appropriate cushioning to reduce the risk of breakage. Inappropriate packaging, like using weak materials or inadequate protection, can result in significant financial loss for both the exporter and importer as the product will be damaged.
Just like packing, improper labeling is also a common problem identified during inspections done by pre-shipment inspection companies in China. Keep in mind that labels should be authentic and adhere to the regulations. It might include things like product ingredients, manufacturing dates, usage instructions, etc.
When it comes to the food and beverage industry, labels should clearly list all the ingredients, nutrients, allergens, and manufacture and expiration dates. Not following these labeling regulations can result in unwanted delays in customs clearance. It might also become the reason behind the shipment rejection. In some cases, legal penalties can also be imposed.
Functional Issues
Regardless of whether or not a product looks normal, it is defective in case it does not operate properly. Functional defects can range from a bulb not lighting up to electrical equipment that has faulty circuits. These issues must be avoided in consumer electronics, medical devices, etc. Here are a few examples of functional issues:
- Buttons on appliances not responding
- Electronic devices not turning on
- Leakage problems in liquid containers
- Moving parts failing to operate smoothly
- Structural issues in load-bearing products
Errors in Documents
Errors in documents are one of the most common yet substantial issues found during inspections conducted by pre-shipment inspection companies in China. Errors can become the reason behind extended delays in the shipping procedure.
Vital documents such as packing lists, origin certificates, etc. are required to be accurate. They must match the products that are being shipped. Not being able to provide the right origin certificate may make it very tough for a shipment to enter certain markets. This is even truer if it needs to meet particular trade agreements.
Also, if the export/import licenses are missing, there will be a delay in the clearance process. It might even lead to the items being detained at customs.
Conclusion
There is no denying that pre-shipment inspections are paramount for ensuring the product is good in all ways. With the help of an inspection company, it can be easier to figure out the potential issues such as those mentioned in this article.
Jonble is a leading quality control firm offering superior inspection services. We ensure that the products meet the essential quality and safety standards. We have teams all over China, ensuring we can offer our services to as many organizations as possible.