Pre-shipment QC is the last cheap intervention. After the vessel, rework in Serbia costs multiples: freight, duty, time, buyer reputation. This check list is for commercial importers who want a clear pass/fail before they pay the balance and book transport.
Why QC is not “look at a few pieces”
In a series of 5,000 pcs, looking at 20 pieces is not statistics. Use AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit), a random sample by lot size, with limits for critical / major / minor defects.
Agree AQL in the contract before production, not on loading day.
Before the inspector enters
Prepare a pack:
- Approved gold sample or approved pre-production sample.
- Tech pack / drawing / BOM.
- Packing-list draft plus carton markings.
- A list of defects that always mean fail (sharp edge, wrong voltage, leak).
- PO number, quantities by SKU, warehouse-ready date.
Without references, QC becomes opinion.
Quantity and identity
- Total carton count = packing list
- Pieces per carton correct
- SKU / barcode / batch marks correct
- No mixed lots without a mark
- Spares / manuals counted if contracted
Visual and dimensional
- Dimensions in tolerance (measure on the sample)
- Colour or Pantone / approved sample (same light)
- Surface: scratches, stains, unevenness
- Logo / print: position, sharpness, spelling
- Seams / welds / joints per spec
Function and safety
Adapt to category, typically:
- Power-on / mechanical function
- Fit with complementary part
- Electronics: voltage, connectors, basic burn-in if agreed
- Sharp edges, loose parts, smell (VOC) if relevant
- Match to declared material (for example “stainless” or plain steel)
For regulated categories, QC does not replace certification. It checks that the series looks like what you certified.
Packing and export-ready
- Export carton strength (drop test as agreed)
- Corner and edge protection
- Moisture protection if it goes by sea
- Label: product, qty, NW/GW, made in China, order #
- Palletising / transport marks for LCL/FCL
- Banned packing materials (if the buyer asks)
Bad packing often “passes” visual QC in the plant and arrives damaged in Belgrade.
Documents with the goods
- Commercial invoice draft aligned with goods
- Final packing list
- CO / origin proof status (if FTA), see certificate of origin
- Test reports / DoC if contracted
- Loading photos (FCL) or warehouse handover
A good QC report
You want: sample size, AQL used, defect photos with counts, pass/fail, packing photos, carton weights. A report of “looks OK” is not a report.
If QC fails: rework or partial reject before balance and before booking. Do not sail a known fail hoping Belgrade will sort it.
On Papillon sourcing jobs above 2,000 USD, pre-shipment QC is standard. Sea is about 35–52 days. The FTA from 1 July 2024 still needs HS and COO in the same folder. Contact with SKU, AQL and warehouse-ready date.
Next step
Send the request: category, quantity, and date. You get a reply within 24 hours, with an outline of the total cost to destination where we can price it.
