Pre-shipment inspection

A pre-shipment inspection, also known as psi inspection, is a random inspection comprising a detailed inspection of finished goods before shipment. A trusted third party such as TÜV SÜD typically conducts these tests on the manufacturer’s premises or at the harbour. The tests are on samples randomly selected according to the defined statistical sampling procedure ISO 2859-1 or otherwise agreed with the customer.

The psi inspection criteria may cover type identification, product conformity, safety, function, marking and safety hints, quality (consistent workmanship), quantity, packaging, unit completeness and compliance with agreed specifications. This ensures quality conformity throughout your global supply chain.

TÜV SÜD is a globally accredited testing and inspection services provider for a vast range of products across every stage of the supply chain.

We have experts in every major market and can customise our testing and inspection services to your needs on site at a local level.

Our deep knowledge of local, regional and global market regulations makes us perfectly positioned to help you meet regulations wherever in the world you do business.

Upon request, we can also take over scheduling and project control on your behalf.

Our services include:

• In-line Inspection – Focuses on controlling the quality of products by inspecting the production line/raw materials to identify potential problems that may result in defective end products. It is based on a ‘bottom-up’ or deductive approach.
• Initial Production Inspection (IPI) – Conducted at the beginning of the production cycle, when up to 20% of goods are produced. It is based on a ‘top-down’ or inductive approach, which first inspects the end products and then traces back any problems to the production line and raw materials.
• During Production Inspection (DUPRO) – Also based on a ‘top-down’ approach, occurs when the product cycle is about 20- 40% complete and product packing has started.
• Final Random Inspection (FRI) – When the total consignment is completed and packed, a detailed inspection of randomly selected samples is carried out to check the quality, quantity and packaging conformity as per samples and specifications.
• Construction Check – TÜV SÜD performs a safety check on your products in the run up to production to help you avoid time-consuming delays in delivery or costly rework. Within the scope of this examination, we check whether the correct components are being used to ensure long-term quality. The design check also provides important information for pre-shipment inspections.
• Loading Supervisions – TÜV SÜD monitors loading of goods on your behalf. We also inspect the condition of containers and verify the identity and quantity of goods. This enables us to initiate optimisation measures on the spot, if necessary.