Order Inspection refers to the inspection of the quality, quantity, packaging, specifications, etc. of the goods under an order by the buyer or a third-party inspection agency entrusted by the buyer, either after the seller completes production or before shipment. It is commonly seen under trade terms such as FOB and CIF, and is arranged by the buyer to ensure that the goods comply with contract requirements. Use cases include: mid-production inspection, pre-shipment inspection, inspection before loading, etc. Notes: 1) Inspection costs are usually borne by the buyer, but if the contract stipulates that the seller bears them, that stipulation shall prevail; 2) Inspection standards should be clearly specified in the contract to avoid disputes arising from inconsistent standards; 3) Failure to pass inspection may lead to rework by the seller, price reduction, or rejection by the buyer. Difference from 'Pre-shipment Inspection': Order Inspection has a broader scope and may cover inspection at any stage during production, while Pre-shipment Inspection specifically refers to the final inspection before shipment. It is different from 'Factory Acceptance Test', which is mostly used for large equipment or engineering projects.
📝 Examples
1. According to the contract terms, the buyer will entrust SGS to conduct an Order Inspection of this order before shipment, and shipment may be arranged only after the inspection passes. (Note: The buyer designates a third-party agency to conduct Order Inspection as a precondition for shipment.)
2. The seller shall cooperate with the buyer's Order Inspection and provide necessary samples, technical documents, and site access; otherwise, the seller shall be responsible for delivery delays caused by inspection delays. (Note: This clarifies the seller's obligation to cooperate in Order Inspection and liability for delays.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner