Customer Inspection

Customer Inspection refers to the act by which the buyer or its designated representative inspects the goods for quality, quantity, packaging, etc., at the seller's factory or warehouse after production is completed or before shipment. It is commonly found in the 'inspection clause' of foreign trade contracts and is an important means for the buyer to control risk and ensure the goods meet order requirements. Use cases include: mid-production inspection, pre-shipment inspection, container loading supervision, etc. Precautions: the seller should confirm with the customer in advance the inspection standards, time, and who bears the costs; if the inspection fails, the seller may face rework, delivery delays, or even claims. Unlike 'Factory Inspection,' Customer Inspection emphasizes the buyer's participation in person or through a third party; it overlaps with 'Pre-Shipment Inspection' (PSI), but PSI more often refers to inspection by a statutory or designated agency. The difference is: Customer Inspection is a commercial act with greater flexibility, while PSI may involve compliance. The seller should specify in the contract whether passing inspection is a prerequisite for shipment to avoid being put in a passive position.