Quality control in China: a simple plan

Published 15 September 2025 · ~7 min read · By Middle Earth Consulting AB

A predictable QC process protects your schedule and margins. Here’s a practical baseline using PP, DUPRO, and PSI that you can run on your very first order, then reuse for every repeat.

Quality control in China — PP, DUPRO, PSI

← Back to News & insights

Why QC matters more than price

Price is visible, rework is hidden. Late defects burn freight upgrades, replacements, and reputation. A simple, repeatable QC plan turns unknowns into checkpoints that keep orders moving without drama.

The three checkpoints that catch 95% of issues

Pre-production (PP)

  • Verify materials, finishes, and packaging against the signed spec and golden sample.
  • Confirm tooling readiness and first-article plan with the factory.
  • Lock critical tolerances and test methods (color, load, fit, rub, etc.).

During production (DUPRO)

  • Inspect while 20–50% is made to catch trend defects early.
  • Check process controls, not only finished units (fixtures, jigs, mixing ratios).
  • Verify in-line tests and rework handling.

Pre-shipment (PSI)

  • Random sampling per AQL; confirm labeling, manuals, barcodes, and carton integrity.
  • Open master cartons and function test a sample of units.
  • Shipment approval only after PASS with agreed minor/major limits.

What to prepare before PP

  • Spec pack: drawings/CAD, materials, finishes, packaging dielines, labels.
  • Golden sample: signed and dated, stored at both sides.
  • QC checklist: visuals + measurable criteria for each check.
  • Defect list: define critical/major/minor with examples to align expectations.

AQL basics without the jargon

Use standard tables (ISO 2859) and stick to one sampling level for consistency. Typical consumer goods start at II / 0.65–1.5 depending on risk. The key is consistency: same level, same limits, every order, so trends are obvious.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Approving samples without a written spec → write it, sign it, version it.
  • Skipping DUPRO → issues surface too late. Always check mid-run.
  • Changing finishes mid-order → re-approve with quick lab panels first.
  • Unclear packaging → do a carton drop test and photograph the result.

Who runs the inspections?

Options: your own staff, the factory’s QC (with oversight), or a third-party agency. We typically combine a factory PP with our DUPRO and PSI, plus surprise follow-ups for new suppliers.

Baseline checklist you can copy

  1. Sign spec + golden sample; share a photo log with the factory.
  2. Schedule PP, DUPRO, PSI at order confirmation.
  3. Prepare AQL sheet and defect list; agree pass/fail thresholds.
  4. Run DUPRO when 20–50% is complete; correct at source.
  5. Approve shipment only after PSI PASS with sealed samples.

Want a QC plan you can reuse?

We create the spec pack, checklists, and AQL sheets, then coordinate PP/DUPRO/PSI so each order ships on time, within tolerance.

Request a QC playbook