Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

by | Dec 13, 2025 | Quality Control

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Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) in Vietnam:

What’s Included & Why It Matters

As Vietnam continues to rise as one of the world’s most important manufacturing hubs, buyers across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia rely heavily on Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI) to protect product quality before goods leave the factory.

A PSI is your last line of defense against defects, delays, and costly surprises. No matter how strong your supplier relationship is, a final inspection performed by a third-party QC company in Vietnam ensures your shipment meets your specifications before you issue the final payment.

If you’re looking for trusted PSI services in Vietnam, explore our inspection process.

 

What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?

A Pre-Shipment Inspection is an on-site evaluation conducted when production is 100% completed and at least 80% of goods are packed. It confirms that:

  • The product matches your approved samples
  • Quantities are correct
  • Workmanship meets your standards
  • AQL sampling is properly applied
  • Packaging and labeling meet requirements
  • Products are ready for international shipment

Our inspectors at Quality Control Vietnam follow strict procedures based on international standards, ensuring consistency across all product categories and factory locations.

What’s Included in a Pre-Shipment Inspection in Vietnam?

A professional PSI covers the critical checks needed to confirm your order is compliant, consistent, and ready to ship. Here’s what our team includes in every inspection:

  1. Quantity Verification

We confirm:

  • Total production quantity
  • Carton count
  • Units per carton
  • Packaging accuracy
  • No hidden shortages or substituted goods

Short shipments are a common issue in Vietnam manufacturing. A PSI ensures you receive the exact amount you paid for.

 

2. AQL Sampling (According to International Standards)

Using AQL (Acceptable Quality Limits), our inspectors select random samples to evaluate workmanship and identify defects.

We categorize defects into:

  • Critical defects – safety or regulatory issues
  • Major defects – likely to cause customer complaints or returns
  • Minor defects – small, but still outside tolerance

AQL is essential to any professional PSI process. If you’re unsure which AQL level is right for your products, our team can help guide you.

 

3. Workmanship and Visual Appearance Check

We examine every detail, including:

  • Stitching
  • Assembly
  • Paint quality
  • Surface finishes
  • Hardware and attachment quality
  • Fasteners, glue lines, and seams

Vietnam factories can vary widely in capability, a PSI ensures the work meets your expectations, not just the factory’s internal standard.

 

4. Product Function & Performance Testing

We conduct all relevant on-site tests based on product type, such as:

  • Weight tests
  • Load-bearing tests
  • Opening/closing functions
  • Zipper tests
  • Adhesion tests
  • Electrical safety checks (when applicable)
  • Dimensional measurements

These tests confirm your products are safe, functional, and compliant with market expectations.

 

5. Packaging, Labeling & Carton Drop Tests

Improper packaging is one of the most common causes of shipping damage.

We verify:

  • Export carton strength
  • Inner packaging protection
  • Shipping marks
  • Barcodes
  • Product labeling
  • Retail packaging requirements

We also conduct carton drop tests when required to simulate transit conditions.

 

6. Compliance & Regulatory Check

Depending on the category, we assess compliance with:

  • CE requirements (EU)
  • CPSIA, ASTM, FDA guidelines (U.S.)
  • REACH regulations
  • Australian/NZ standards
  • Custom client specifications

If you require specialized testing or documentation, we can coordinate local lab testing as well.

 

7. Detailed Inspection Report With Photos & Recommendations

Within hours of inspection, you receive a full report including:

  • Pass/Fail result
  • Defect details (with photos)
  • Workmanship findings
  • Quantity verification
  • Packaging verification
  • Compliance checks
  • Recommendations and next steps

This report is your decision-making tool before approving shipment. To see the style and structure of our reports, contact us here.

 

Why Pre-Shipment Inspections Matter More Than Ever

Vietnam’s manufacturing growth has led to:

  • New factories opening rapidly
  • Inconsistent workforce skill levels
  • Increased subcontracting
  • Higher demand from overseas buyers
  • Pressure on production timelines

These factors increase the risk of defects if quality is not closely monitored.

 

Here’s why PSI is essential:

A. It Prevents Costly Surprises

Discovering defects after goods arrive is expensive and time-consuming. A PSI helps you avoid:

  • Costly rework
  • Mass returns
  • Refund disputes
  • Brand damage
  • Airfreight costs to replace defective goods

A single PSI can save thousands of dollars in losses.

 

B. It Holds Suppliers Accountable

Factories know that when a third-party QC inspector is coming, they must maintain higher standards.

We act as your eyes, ears  and boots on the ground in Vietnam. Learn more about our inspection services here.

 

C. It Protects Your Brand Reputation

Whether you sell on Amazon, in retail stores, or direct-to-consumer, product quality impacts customer trust. A PSI ensures that what you ship is what your customers receive.

 

D. It Reduces Production Risk for New Suppliers

Working with a new Vietnamese factory? A Pre-Shipment Inspection is mandatory if you haven’t established trust or production consistency. Pair your PSI with a factory audit to minimize risk even further.

 

Is PSI Always Necessary?

In most cases, yes, especially for:

  • First-time orders
  • High-value goods
  • Products with safety implications
  • Retail or Amazon FBA shipments
  • Complex products with multiple components
  • Suppliers with inconsistent past performance

Even with trusted, long-term suppliers, periodic PSIs maintain accountability and consistency.

 

Why Choose Quality Control Vietnam for PSI?

Our team provides:

  • Fast coverage across HCMC, Hanoi, Bình Dương, Da Nang, Đồng Nai, Bắc Ninh, Quảng Nam, Hai Phong, and throughout Vietnam.
  • All inspectors are English-speaking Vietnamese Personnel
  • Inspectors trained across multiple product categories
  • Strict AQL-based inspections
  • Transparent, flat-rate pricing
  • Same-day reporting
  • Zero conflict of interest = 100% independent

We don’t just inspect products. We protect your supply chain.

 

PSI Is Your Last Chance to Protect Your Order

A Pre-Shipment Inspection is more than a checklist, it’s your final opportunity to ensure your order meets expectations before it’s too late to fix problems.

If you want to reduce defects, prevent delays, and safeguard your brand, PSI should be a non-negotiable part of your QC strategy.

If you’re considering a Pre-Shipment Inspection in Vietnam, our team is ready to help.

Contact us today for transparent pricing and fast, reliable inspection coverage across Vietnam.