How to conduct pre-shipment inspection of household textiles

December 18, 2025

In the global textile trade, product quality and compliance are the core elements of brand reputation and market competitiveness. For household textiles, pre-shipment inspection (PSI) serves as the final quality checkpoint before leaving the factory, and is an indispensable key step to ensure that the products meet the buyer's specifications, industry standards, and market regulations. Professional inspection services not only effectively identify potential defects but also systematically evaluate packaging, quantity, and labels, thereby avoiding high return costs and reputational risks, and ensuring the smoothness of the supply chain.
What is Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) for Household Textiles?
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a comprehensive inspection and certification activity conducted before the goods leave the port. It is carried out by independent third-party inspection agencies or designated personnel by the buyer. Its core objective is to verify the quality, quantity, packaging, and labeling of household textiles in accordance with purchase orders, industry standards (such as AQL sampling standards ISO 2859-1), and regulatory requirements, ensuring that they meet the shipping qualifications.
Professional textile inspectors will conduct a rigorous assessment of the following key items through random sampling:
Quality compliance: Verify whether the fabric, craftsmanship, size and functionality meet the agreed standards.
Quantity accuracy: Verify the total quantity and the matching of styles to avoid incomplete or mixed shipments.
Packaging robustness: Evaluate whether the inner and outer packaging can withstand transportation tests and comply with environmental protection and safety regulations.
Labels and markings: Verify the accuracy and compliance of labels such as wash labels, box marks, and certification marks.
Through systematic PSI inspection, manufacturers can significantly reduce post-sale disputes, while buyers can obtain reliable quality certification documents to ensure that the delivered products are consistent with expectations.
Detailed Explanation of Pre-shipment Inspection Process for Household Textiles
A professional inspection process forms the basis for reliable results. The following are the core steps of the standardized PSI:
Verification of documents and specifications
The inspector first reviews the purchase order, technical specification sheet, samples and test reports to clearly define the inspection criteria. This step ensures that all subsequent inspections are based on solid grounds.
Statistical sampling and sample extraction
Samples are scientifically selected from the entire batch of goods based on the AQL standard. This method ensures the objectivity of the inspection results and the overall representativeness of the batch.
Comprehensive quality inspection
Fabric and appearance: Check for stains, color differences, warping, holes, and other defects.
Process and manufacturing: Evaluate the precision of stitches, seams, overlock edges, printing/embroidery, etc.
Dimension measurement: Use professional tools to measure each item individually to ensure compliance with tolerance requirements.
Functional testing: Conduct on-site tests to verify the functionality of accessories such as zippers, buttons, and Velcro.
Packaging and Marking Inspection
Evaluate the box specifications, packing method, protective materials, and the accuracy of marking printing according to the packaging inspection list. Simulate the transportation environment to assess their resistance capabilities.
Quantity count and document verification
Count the total number of boxes and total quantity in full or in proportion, ensuring it is consistent with the customs declaration documents.
Detailed report issuance
After the inspection is completed, a comprehensive and illustrated inspection report will be generated, clearly listing the compliant items, defect details (with attached photos), sampling data, and the final determination conclusion (pass/conditionally pass/fail), providing a solid basis for the buyer's decision-making.
Inspect key key areas
To ensure the high-quality delivery of household textiles, the inspection should focus on the following core areas:
Fabric properties and color fastness: Through testing or verification reports, focus on key indicators such as shrinkage rate, color fastness, and pilling.
Safety and Compliance: Thoroughly verify whether the product complies with the safety regulations of the target market (such as flame retardancy, limits on harmful chemicals, etc.), and ensure the compliance of the use of relevant certification marks (such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, etc.).
Process durability: Focus on checking the sewing strength in high-stress areas and the overall workmanship.
Size and specification consistency: Ensure there are no significant deviations between the same batch and the confirmed sample.
Product labels and identifications: Ensure that the information such as ingredient labels, cleansing and care labels, and place of origin labels are permanently, accurately, and in compliance with legal regulations.
Common Challenges and Professional Inspection Solutions
In the production of home textiles, challenges such as fabric fluctuations and unstable processes are often encountered. Professional third-party inspection and factory certification services can systematically provide solutions:
Common Challenges Professional Inspection Solutions
Quality fluctuations and defect missed detection Through independent and objective PSI for final interception, and based on data traceability, identify the root causes of production issues.
Improper packaging leading to transportation damage According to the standard checklist, conduct professional packaging inspections, propose reinforcement suggestions, and ensure loading compliance through supervision services.
Label errors causing compliance risks Verify the compliance of all labels with regulations and buyer requirements to avoid customs clearance or sales obstacles.
Unstable supplier production system Combine regular factory inspection services to review the quality management system and production capacity of suppliers from the source, ensuring their ability to continuously produce qualified products.
Conclusion: Building a foundation of quality trust through professional inspection
For home textiles, pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is far more than a simple final check. It is a professional activity that integrates quality inspection, compliance certification, and supply chain risk management. In a highly competitive market, relying on rigorous PSI processes and professional third-party inspection and factory assessment services (such as TESTCOO), manufacturers can actively control quality and enhance customer trust; while brand owners and buyers can significantly reduce procurement risks and ensure that each batch of products on the market can withstand the test of the market and consumers.
Integrating professional inspection and certification deeply into supply chain management is a strategic choice for home textile enterprises to gain lasting market trust and achieve sustainable development.