Quality Control Services

From initial production checks to pre-shipment inspections, factory audits, and supplier verification — our comprehensive quality control services protect your supply chain at every stage. Certified inspectors across 45+ countries deliver detailed reports within 24 hours.

Quality control inspector reviewing products at a factory

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Thorough inspection when production is complete to ensure product quality, compliance, and readiness before goods are shipped.

Pre-shipment inspection is the most widely used quality control service in international trade. Conducted when 80–100% of your order is manufactured and export-packed, it provides a statistically valid assessment of product quality before goods leave the factory. Our inspectors use AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) sampling based on ISO 2859-1 to randomly select units from the production lot, then evaluate each sample for visual defects, dimensional accuracy, functional performance, labeling compliance, and packaging integrity.

View Pre-Shipment Inspection details

During Production Inspection

On-site quality control during manufacturing to verify products meet specifications at every stage, catching defects early.

A during production inspection (DPI) is a proactive quality control measure performed when 20–60% of your order has been manufactured. Unlike a pre-shipment inspection that evaluates finished goods, a DPI gives you visibility into the manufacturing process itself — enabling early detection and correction of defects before they multiply across the full production run.

View During Production Inspection details

Initial Production Check

Early-stage inspection at the beginning of manufacturing to detect quality issues before production scales up.

An initial production check (IPC) is the earliest quality intervention point in the manufacturing cycle. Performed when the first finished units come off the production line, an IPC verifies that the manufacturer has correctly interpreted your product specifications, is using the approved raw materials and components, and has set up production tooling and processes accurately.

View Initial Production Check details

Container Loading Check

Supervision of container loading to verify goods are correctly packed, secured, and documented for safe transportation.

A container loading check (CLC) is the final physical verification of your shipment before it begins its international journey. Our inspector is present at the factory or warehouse to supervise the entire loading process — from examining the empty container's condition to recording the seal number after the doors are closed.

View Container Loading Check details

Factory Audit

Comprehensive evaluation of manufacturing operations, verifying adherence to ISO 9001 standards and quality management systems.

A factory audit is a comprehensive on-site evaluation of a manufacturer's production capabilities, quality management systems, and operational practices. It answers a fundamental question for international buyers: can this factory consistently produce quality products at the required volume?

View Factory Audit details

Supplier Verification Audit

In-depth verification of supplier legitimacy and compliance, validating they meet required standards and regulations.

A supplier verification audit is an independent due-diligence investigation that confirms whether a supplier is legitimate, operational, and capable of fulfilling your production requirements. This service is critical when onboarding new suppliers — particularly those found through online marketplaces like Alibaba, Global Sources, or Made-in-China — where the risk of trading companies, middlemen, or fraudulent entities is significant.

View Supplier Verification Audit details

Social Audit SA 8000

Social audit based on SA 8000 standards to ensure ethical workplace practices, labor rights, and social responsibility compliance.

A social audit evaluates a factory's labor practices, working conditions, health and safety measures, and ethical compliance against internationally recognized standards such as SA 8000, SMETA, or BSCI. For brands and retailers sourcing from developing manufacturing regions, social audits are essential to ensure supply chain transparency and protect against reputational risk.

View Social Audit SA 8000 details

Pre-Customs Clearance Inspection

Inspection prior to shipment dispatch to examine goods and ensure compliance, facilitating smooth customs clearance.

A pre-customs clearance inspection — known as "previo en origen" in Latin American trade — verifies that your shipment meets all regulatory, documentation, and labeling requirements of the destination country before goods are dispatched from the origin. This proactive verification prevents costly customs holds, fines, forced returns, and demurrage charges at the destination port.

View Pre-Customs Clearance Inspection details

Amazon FBA Inspection

End-of-production inspection for Amazon sellers, ensuring products meet quality standards and FBA packaging requirements.

An Amazon FBA inspection combines standard product quality checks with verification of Amazon's specific fulfillment center requirements. For sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon, ensuring compliance with FBA prep and packaging standards is just as important as product quality — non-compliant shipments can be rejected, delayed, or incur additional Amazon prep fees that erode profit margins.

View Amazon FBA Inspection details

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of quality control services does Tetra Inspection offer?

Tetra Inspection offers a comprehensive range of quality control services including Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), During Production Inspection (DPI), Initial Production Check (IPC), Container Loading Check (CLC), Factory Audit, Supplier Verification Audit, Social Audit, Pre-Customs Clearance Inspection, and Amazon FBA Inspection. Each service is designed to protect a specific stage of your supply chain.

How quickly can I book an inspection?

You can book an inspection within 24 hours. Once you submit your order details and product specifications through our platform, we confirm the inspection date with your supplier and dispatch a certified inspector to the factory.

What countries does Tetra Inspection cover?

Tetra Inspection operates across 45+ countries with a network of certified local inspectors. Our primary coverage includes China, India, Vietnam, Turkey, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, and many more manufacturing regions worldwide.

How are inspection results reported?

We deliver detailed, photo-documented inspection reports within 24 hours of the inspection. Reports include defect classification (critical, major, minor) following AQL standards, measurement data, functional test results, and a clear pass/fail verdict to help you make informed shipping decisions.

What is AQL and how does it apply to inspections?

AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) is the internationally recognized sampling standard defined in ISO 2859-1. It determines how many units to inspect from a production lot and the maximum number of defects acceptable for the shipment to pass. Tetra Inspection uses AQL-based sampling for all product inspections to ensure statistically reliable results.

What is the difference between a factory audit and a product inspection?

A product inspection evaluates the quality of finished or in-progress goods against your specifications. A factory audit assesses the supplier's manufacturing capabilities, quality management systems, working conditions, and compliance with industry standards. Factory audits help you qualify new suppliers, while product inspections verify each shipment meets your quality requirements.

¿Listo para Proteger su Cadena de Suministro?

Obtenga un presupuesto en minutos. Nuestros inspectores están listos en todo el mundo.

Obtener Presupuesto Gratuito Contáctenos