Detailed explanation of third-party inspection related inspections

In international trade and manufacturing, third-party inspection plays a vital role. Especially in the global supply chain, the geographical distance between manufacturers, suppliers and customers makes quality control more complicated. Therefore, third-party inspection provides an effective solution to ensure that product quality meets standards through external professional organizations. In the process of third-party inspection, many important inspection links are widely implemented, such as First Article Inspection (FAI), Initial Production Check (IPC), During Production Check (DUPRO/DPI), Final Random Inspection (FRI), Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), Container Loading Check (CLC), Container Loading Inspection (CLI) and Container Loading Supervision (CLS) [collectively referred to as container supervision] . This article will explain in detail the standard basis, inspection content, process and importance of these inspection types.

  ↵

  ↵

1. First Article Inspection (FAI)

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a detailed quality inspection of the first batch of products at the beginning of the production process. FAI is a key step to verify whether the production process meets the design and specification requirements, especially before mass production, to ensure that the first batch of products are samples that meet the design standards.

Standard basis

• Product design and technical specifications: FAI is usually carried out based on the product's design drawings, technical specifications and engineering requirements. These standards list in detail all the dimensions, functions and physical properties of the product.
• Customer design requirements: The customer will provide a product requirement or specification, and FAI needs to ensure that the first sample meets these requirements.
• Engineering Change Control: The FAI process also follows Engineering Change Control (ECR) standards to ensure that no unauthorized changes are made to the product during design or production.

Inspection content

• Ensure that samples meet all design requirements and technical specifications.
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of size, function, appearance and materials.
• Verify that the first production batch meets predetermined quality standards.

process

The FAI process usually includes the following steps:

1. Design Review: Check design documents to ensure all design requirements, standards, specifications and certification requirements are clear and prepare for subsequent inspection.
2. Raw material and parts inspection: Verify all raw materials and parts used in the production process to ensure that they meet the specified quality standards.
3. Production process inspection: Check the production process and procedures to ensure they comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) and quality requirements.
4. First Article Production: Actually producing one product and subjecting it to a detailed quality inspection.
5. Record review: Check the quality records of the first product to ensure that all inspection data and results are accurate.
6. Verification report: Finally, a FAI report is generated to confirm that the first product meets all design requirements. If problems are found, adjustments and retesting must be made until the qualified standards are met.

importance

1. Ensure quality control standards: FAI ensures that the first piece meets the design requirements and provides quality assurance for subsequent mass production.
2. Reduce production errors and costs: By verifying the design and process, production errors and defective products are avoided, and production costs are reduced.
3. Improve customer trust: After completing the FAI, customers can confirm the supplier's production capabilities and quality assurance, thereby establishing a stronger trust relationship.
4. Reduce risks: By promptly identifying and correcting problems, FAI helps companies reduce potential risks in production, especially during the new product development phase.

2.Initial Production Check (IPC)

Initial Production Check (IPC) is an inspection of product quality in the early stages of production. This inspection usually occurs after the first batch of samples are completed, but before mass production, when 5%-10% of the batch products are completed.

Standard basis

• Customer's production standards: Based on the customer's production process requirements and quality specifications, IPC will check the preparation of the production line, the commissioning of production equipment and the quality of production raw materials.
• Industry standards: For example, the electronic products sector may be based on IEC standards, and the textile industry may be based on OEKO-TEX standards.

Inspection content

• Confirm whether the production process is carried out according to the predetermined standards and processes.
• Check the readiness of production equipment and personnel to ensure that the production process can meet the requirements of large-scale production.
• Check whether the initial production products meet the design requirements, including size, appearance and performance.

process

The IPC process includes:

1. Confirm line readiness: Ensure that all production equipment and workers are ready and can operate as expected.
2. Verify the production process: Check whether the production line is carried out according to the set process, especially whether it follows the standard operating procedure (SOP).
3. Product Sample Inspection: In the initial production stage, samples are taken from the production line for quality inspection to evaluate the quality control of production.
4. Testing of raw materials: Checking whether the raw materials used in the production process meet the standards to ensure the overall quality of the product.
5. Track production progress: ensure that production proceeds as planned, identify problems in a timely manner and make adjustments.

importance

1. Identify problems promptly: IPC can identify potential quality problems in the early stages of production, thereby avoiding a large number of defective products during mass production.
2. Improve production efficiency: By monitoring the production process, ensure the smooth operation of the production line and improve production efficiency.
3. Quality Control: IPC helps ensure that every step of the production process meets quality requirements, from raw materials to final product, ensuring product quality.
4. Reduce rework and returns: By promptly identifying and resolving problems, later rework and returns are reduced, saving costs.

3. DUPRO/DPI (During Production Inspection)

DUPRO/DPI (During Production Inspection) refers to the inspection of products during the production process. This inspection usually occurs in the mid-stage of production, usually when the product production is 30% to 50% completed.

Standard basis

• Customer requirements: During DUPRO inspections, the customer's specific quality requirements are usually strictly followed, including control standards at each production stage.
• International safety and environmental standards: For example, electronic products may be inspected for electrical safety and environmental standards based on IEC standards.

Inspection content

• Check whether the products being manufactured during the production process meet the quality standards.
• Ensure the stability of the production process and prevent product defects due to improper operation.
• Verify whether the actual situation of the production line is consistent with the plan, including raw materials, production equipment and personnel operations.

process

The DUPRO process usually includes:

1. Production progress tracking: Check the progress of the production process to ensure that production proceeds on time.
2. Quality inspection: Randomly sample semi-finished products or finished products in the production process to check whether their quality meets the requirements.
3. Process Validation: Verify that the production process complies with standard operating procedures and check for quality control loopholes.
4. Confirm packaging readiness: Ensure that the product's packaging meets shipping requirements and is ready for shipment.

importance

1. Prevent large-scale problems: DUPRO can detect quality problems that occur during the production process in a timely manner and prevent the problem from spreading to the entire batch.
2. Improve production flexibility: By monitoring the production process, production methods and processes can be adjusted in real time to ensure production flexibility.
3. Reduced later costs: Detecting problems early can reduce rework and other later quality control costs.
4. Guaranteed product consistency: DUPRO helps ensure that products remain consistent in quality and appearance to meet customer needs.

4. Final Random Inspection (FRI)

Final Random Inspection (FRI) is a product inspection before shipment, usually after 100% of the goods have been produced and at least 80% of the goods have been packed. FRI evaluates the quality of the entire production batch through random sampling inspection.

Standard basis

• AQL Standard: FRI inspection is based on AQL standards, which help determine the sampling quantity and the allowable proportion of non-conforming products.
• Product Specifications and Standards: FRI is usually performed based on product specifications, contract requirements and industry standards.

Inspection content

• Conduct random sampling inspections on large batches of products.
• Check whether the products meet the quality standards specified in the contract.
• Verify whether qualified products meet factory standards.

process

The FRI process includes:

1. Sampling inspection: A certain number of samples are randomly selected from the finished goods for inspection.
2. Quality verification: Check whether the appearance, function and quality meet the standards based on the samples taken.
3. Report generation: Generate a final inspection report based on the inspection results to confirm whether the product is qualified.
4. Confirm shipment: Determine whether to ship based on the inspection results. If problems are found, rework or re-production is required.

importance

1. Improve overall quality: Through random inspection of samples, the quality level of the entire batch can be evaluated to ensure that the shipped products meet the standards.
2. Reduce inspection costs: Compared with inspecting each product one by one, FRI saves a lot of costs through sampling inspection.
3. Improve supply chain efficiency: FRI helps ensure the quality of the entire production batch, reduce the occurrence of defective products, and improve supply chain efficiency.

5.Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a comprehensive inspection conducted after production is completed and before the goods are shipped. PSI is designed to confirm whether the goods of all orders meet the agreed quality standards and quantity requirements.

Standard basis

• Contract Requirements and Product Specifications: PSI usually executes according to the sales contract and the product specifications provided by the customer to ensure that all products meet the agreed requirements before shipment.
• International standards (ISO, IEC, etc.): In different fields, PSI inspections will refer to relevant international standards, such as ISO 9001, IEC 61000 (electromagnetic compatibility), FDA standards (food and medical products), etc.
• AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit ): PSI often conducts sampling inspections based on AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) to determine the acceptable proportion of defective products.

Inspection content

• Check whether the product's appearance, size, function, performance, etc. meet customer requirements.
• Ensure that product quantity, packaging, labeling, etc. comply with contract requirements.
• Carry out sampling inspection according to AQL standard to determine the maximum tolerance ratio of defective products.

process

The PSI process usually includes:

1. Confirm goods: Check whether the quantity, type and specifications of the products are consistent with the contract.
2. Product inspection: Each product is inspected to ensure that its quality meets the predetermined quality standards.
3. Generation of inspection report: Generate inspection report based on inspection results to confirm product qualification.
4. Packaging inspection: Confirm that the product packaging meets international transportation standards to ensure that it is not damaged during transportation.
5. Transportation arrangements: confirming the mode of transportation and preparation of transportation documents.

importance

1. Ensure contract fulfillment: PSI helps buyers confirm whether products meet contract requirements and ensure transactions are transparent and credible.
2. Reduce risks: Through PSI, we can ensure that product quality meets standards and reduce returns and disputes caused by quality issues.
3. Ensure delivery accuracy: Ensure that the quantity, specifications, and appearance of the goods meet expectations to avoid incorrect shipments.
4. Improve customer satisfaction: Buyers can verify product quality through PSI, improve customer satisfaction and avoid unnecessary disputes.

6.Container Loading Check (CLC)/Container Loading Inspection (CLI)/Container Loading Supervision (CLS)

Container Loading Check (CLC), Container Loading Inspection (CLI), Container Loading Supervision (CLS), generally referred to as container loading supervision, refers to the inspection of the container loading process before the product is shipped. This inspection ensures that the goods are loaded correctly in the container and arrive safely during transportation.

Standard basis

• Loading safety standards: CLC/CLI/CLS is usually carried out in accordance with international freight standards, cargo loading safety standards, international transportation and customs standards to ensure the safe loading of cargo.
• Customer requirements and contract standards: Customers usually specify loading requirements in the contract and CLC inspections are carried out strictly in accordance with these requirements.

Inspection content

• Check the security of cargo when loading to ensure there is no improper loading or overloading.
• Ensure all products are loaded correctly and evenly in the container to avoid damage during transportation due to imbalance.
• Verify that the loaded goods are consistent with the manifest and contract.
• Check that the load is properly packed to avoid damage.
• Supervise the entire loading process to ensure there is no human error or oversight.

process

The CLC process includes:

1. Check loading plan: Confirm the container loading plan to ensure that the loading arrangement is reasonable.
2. Loading Supervision: Supervise the product loading process to ensure that the loading method meets safety standards and maximizes space utilization.
3. Product protection check: Ensure that each product is properly protected during loading to avoid transportation damage.
4. Final confirmation: Check whether the quantity and products loaded meet the contract requirements and ensure that the loaded goods are correct.

importance

1. Ensure safe transportation: CLC helps ensure that the goods are loaded safely and soundly, avoiding damage during transportation.
2. Improve transportation efficiency: Reasonable loading methods can increase the loading rate of containers and reduce transportation costs.
3. Prevent loading errors: Reduce loading errors and ensure accurate delivery by supervising the loading process.