How to Run a Packaging Pre-Shipment Inspection in China

Quick answer

Run packaging PSI against frozen specs and golden samples: check dimensions, materials, print/finish, workmanship, barcodes, and export packing before cargo release. An inspection without an approved master only produces opinions.

Prepare the inspection pack

Provide drawings, material codes, artwork revisions, approved sample photos, AQL levels, and a defect taxonomy for critical, major, and minor issues. Include language-version rules for manuals and labels.

Sample from finished goods

Inspect packed cartons from completed lots, not only showroom pieces. Verify quantity, assortment, and that mixed SKUs or languages are segregated as ordered.

Check function and fit

Assemble rigid boxes, inflate air columns, fit inserts, scan barcodes, and confirm magnet or lock function where relevant. Cosmetic-only checks miss packing-line failures.

Verify export packing

Confirm carton marks, pallet pattern, edge protection, stretch wrap, desiccants, and moisture indicators when specified. Photograph open and closed packs for the ship-hold file.

Decide with written criteria

Use pass, conditional pass with rework, or hold. Any substitution found on site should trigger re-approval rules already written into the PO.

RFQ / PSI annex

Golden sample IDs; AQL; defect list

SKU assortment; barcode and language checks

Packing and pallet criteria; photo checklist

Inspector booking window; ship-hold contacts

Related PackTrades Knowledge

How to Freeze Packaging Specs Before Mass Production in China, How to Plan Packaging Sample Rounds Before China PO, How to Evaluate Custom Packaging Suppliers in China, Packaging Lead Times from China in Mid-2026.