Quality control is the difference between a profitable product and a costly return nightmare. Here is a practical checklist for importing small electrical and home products from China.

1. Understand the three QC stages

  • IQC (Incoming Quality Control) — checking raw materials before production
  • IPQC (In-Process Quality Control) — checking during production
  • OQC (Outgoing Quality Control) — checking finished goods before shipment

A reliable factory runs all three. Ask your supplier how each stage is documented.

2. Pre-production checks

  • Confirm the sample matches the approved version
  • Verify all materials and components are in stock
  • Confirm packaging artwork is correct
  • Check that certification marks are on the product and box

3. In-line production checks

  • Function test on each unit — power on, check all modes
  • Safety test — voltage, insulation, grounding
  • Ageing test — run the product for 4–8 hours continuously
  • Visual check — no scratches, no loose parts, no colour mismatch

4. Final inspection (AQL)

Most importers use AQL 2.5 for major defects and AQL 4.0 for minor defects. This means:

  • For a 1,000 pcs order, inspect around 80 pcs randomly
  • Accept if major defects are 5 or fewer
  • Reject and rework if major defects exceed 5

Always request the inspection report with photos before approving shipment.

5. Check certifications and test reports

  • CE, RoHS, FCC, ETL — verify the certificate matches the exact model
  • Test report — check the report number and issuing lab
  • Battery products — UN38.3 for shipping
  • Food-contact products — FDA or LFGB

Do not accept a certificate without a matching test report.

6. Packaging and labeling checks

  • Correct model number and barcode on the box
  • Certification marks printed on the packaging
  • User manual in the correct language
  • Warning labels where required
  • FNSKU labels (for Amazon FBA)

7. Pre-shipment photos and video

Ask for:

  • Photos of the finished cartons
  • Photo of the FNSKU or shipping label
  • Short video of function testing
  • Photo of the loaded container or pallet

This gives you documentation in case of a dispute.

8. Common QC issues to watch for

  • Wrong colour or finish
  • Loose screws or assembly gaps
  • Battery not holding charge
  • LED flickering or dead spots
  • Missing accessories (cable, manual, remote)
  • Packaging damaged in transit

9. Third-party inspection

For large orders, hire a third-party inspector like SGS, Bureau Veritas or QIMA. Cost is usually $200–300 per inspection day and is worth it for orders over $20,000.

We run full IQC, IPQC and OQC on every order, with photo and video reports before shipment. Contact us for a sample QC report.