Criteria · Inspection · Evidence · Decision
China quality control for companies
We define with you what compliant means and coordinate the necessary checks on product, reference sample, packaging and presentation before shipment.
One-off or recurring control · Scope adapted to the operation · Coordination with factories and specialists
When it fits
When you need to check what was agreed before shipment
Quality control adds most value when there is a clear reference and still time to review a deviation at origin.
- 01
First production run
The product is moving from an approved sample to a manufactured batch for the first time.
- 02
New supplier
You want to check how specifications and packaging are transferred to the actual order.
- 03
Product or packaging changes
A material, finish, accessory, marking or presentation has changed.
- 04
Recurring purchasing
We reuse criteria, checklists and issue history so controls stay consistent across orders.
- 05
History of issues
Differences have already appeared and you want stronger checks before the next shipment.
Core principle
Quality is defined before inspection
An inspection does not decide by itself what is right: it compares the order against an agreed reference and criteria understood by all parties. We agree the sampling approach and the acceptance criteria for each product and order.
Approved sample
A physical or visual reference that establishes the expected result where available.
Specifications
Materials, dimensions, finishes, functions and other verifiable requirements.
Packaging and marking
Box, protection, accessories, presentation and marking agreed for the operation.
Quantity and presentation
Units, assortments, packing and preparation for dispatch.
Relevant defects
Deviations to observe and document according to the product and intended use.
Acceptance criteria
Written rules for assessing results; AQL may be used where appropriate, with levels defined for that operation.
What we coordinate
EC HolaHome organises the process and connects criteria, evidence and decisions. Physical checks may be carried out with the factory and, where appropriate, by independent inspectors or laboratories.
- Photographic or documentary evidence
- Results report and review of discrepancies
- Follow-up of corrections or reinspection
Before or alongside the control
If you are still selecting a factory
Supplier sourcing in ChinaTo compare and validate candidates
China suppliers guideIf the sample is not signed off yet
How to approve a sample before manufacturingTo distinguish visits, inspections and audits
Factory audits guideIf the product is a beauty device
Importing beauty devicesIf you manufacture cosmetics
Cosmetics manufacturing in China
The type of control depends on timing and risk
Not every order needs every method. We select the checks that provide useful information for the decision.
- 01
Sample or reference
Comparison with the approved sample, specification or available evidence.
- 02
Pre-production, where applicable
Review of materials, components or readiness before the batch is made.
- 03
During Production Inspection
An intermediate inspection where early detection of a deviation adds value.
- 04
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Review of finished goods prepared before authorising the next step.
- 05
Loading and packaging, where relevant
Checking presentation, packing, quantities or loading when relevant.
Quality-control flow: approved reference, criteria definition, production, inspection or control, issues and corrections, and release or shipment decision.
A supplier visit, a physical inspection and a formal audit are different activities: an audit is arranged as a separate service when its scope requires it.
Commercial quality and regulatory compliance are not the same
Order quality
Checks whether product, finish, function, quantity, packaging and presentation match the commercial agreement.
Regulatory compliance
Reviews legal requirements, testing, documentation, labelling and responsibilities applicable to the product and market. A quality inspection does not replace testing or conformity assessment.
View product compliance and documentationA deviation is documented before a decision is made
The report shows what was observed, against which reference and with what evidence. We then coordinate the information the client needs to choose between these routes.
- 01
Correction
The factory corrects the deviation before continuing where feasible.
- 02
Replacement
Affected units or elements may be replaced according to the agreement with the supplier.
- 03
Conditional acceptance
The client may assess acceptance subject to conditions where the impact allows it.
- 04
Reinspection
The control is repeated on corrections or a new batch where necessary.
The suitable route depends on the deviation, the contract, the order status and the actual ability to correct it. The decision belongs to the client or importer.
Anonymised case
Home and houseware: written criteria and corrections at the factory
A European distributor buying through intermediaries wanted to stabilise quality across orders by working directly with the factory.
- Acceptance criteria agreed in writing for each reference.
- Inspection during production and before shipment.
- Corrections followed up at the factory rather than on arrival.
Real anonymised case. The images on this page are illustrative and do not document a specific operation.
Frequently asked questions about quality control in China
01Who carries out the inspection and what does EC HolaHome coordinate?
We coordinate the process: scope, criteria, evidence and follow-up. Depending on the operation, checks may be carried out with the factory, through remote evidence, or by independent inspectors or laboratories.
02Can AQL be used?
Yes, where it suits the product. We agree the sampling level and defect classification in writing for that operation.
03What is the difference between inspection and a factory audit?
An inspection checks a product or order against specific criteria. A formal audit evaluates processes, facilities or systems within a defined scope and is a separate service.
04Does an inspection replace testing or certification?
No. A commercial quality inspection does not replace laboratory testing, conformity assessment or the regulatory obligations applicable to the product and market.
05What happens if defects are found?
We document the deviation with its evidence and coordinate information about correction, replacement, conditional acceptance or reinspection. The decision belongs to the client or importer.
06How can a pre-shipment inspection relate to the final payment?
Before confirming the order, it is advisable to agree in writing which inspection and acceptance criteria condition the final balance, who authorises payment and how issues will be resolved. Where a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is agreed, its report allows the client to decide under those conditions; it does not by itself establish regulatory conformity.
07What information do you need to assess the service?
Product, supplier, production status, quantity, target date, available sample or specifications, packaging and any previous issues. You do not need everything to begin the review.
Before shipment
Define what should be checked in your next order
Tell us what product is being made, where production stands and which references you have. We will review a reasonable scope for the control.
We normally reply within one business day.