How QC Works in China
- Nancy Kong
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
How QC Works in China
Quality control (QC) is a critical part of sourcing products from China. While China offers strong manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing, consistent quality cannot be assumed without proper oversight. Understanding how QC works in China helps buyers reduce risk, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure products meet required standards before shipment.
What QC Means in the Chinese Manufacturing Context
In China, QC typically refers to a structured inspection and monitoring process carried out at different stages of production. Rather than relying solely on final checks, effective QC focuses on preventing issues early and maintaining control throughout the manufacturing cycle.
QC can be handled by factory in-house teams, third-party inspection companies, or sourcing agents acting on behalf of overseas buyers.
Pre-Production Quality Control
QC begins before mass production starts. This stage focuses on confirming that all requirements are clearly understood and agreed upon.
Key activities include:
Reviewing product specifications and drawings
Approving pre-production samples
Confirming materials, components, and workmanship standards
Verifying packaging, labeling, and compliance requirements
Pre-production QC is essential because most quality problems originate from unclear or incomplete specifications.
In-Process Quality Control
During production, in-process QC checks help identify issues before they become large-scale problems. Inspectors may visit the factory while goods are being manufactured to verify:
Production processes follow approved samples
Materials and components are consistent
Workmanship and assembly meet quality standards
Production timelines are on track
This stage reduces the risk of discovering major defects only at the end of production, when corrections are more costly.
Final Random Inspection (FRI)
Final QC inspections are conducted when production is completed and goods are packed. In China, this is often referred to as a Final Random Inspection (FRI).
Inspectors typically check:
Quantity and packaging accuracy
Product appearance and functionality
Random samples based on AQL standards
Labeling, cartons, and shipping marks
Only after passing final QC should goods be approved for shipment.
Role of Sourcing Agents in QC
Sourcing agents play an important role in managing QC in China. They act as local representatives who understand factory operations, communicate buyer requirements clearly, and follow up on corrective actions when issues arise.
Unlike one-time inspections, sourcing agents provide continuous oversight, helping buyers maintain stable quality across multiple orders.
QC and DDP Shipping
QC becomes even more important when using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. Under DDP terms, the seller or logistics provider is responsible for customs clearance, duties, and delivery to the final destination.
If QC is insufficient, problems such as incorrect product descriptions, labeling errors, or non-compliance can lead to customs delays, fines, or rejected shipments—directly affecting delivery timelines and costs.
Proper QC ensures that products meet both quality and customs requirements before leaving China.
Common QC Mistakes Buyers Make
Some common QC-related mistakes include:
Relying only on factory self-inspection
Skipping in-process inspections
Approving shipment without final QC
Ignoring packaging and labeling checks
Assuming QC is unnecessary for repeat orders
Each order should be treated as a new production cycle with proper QC oversight.
Contact Information
Whatsapp: +86-18098151030Nancy/+91-9952044576Mallesh Gujjala/+86-181 2571 3582Rose/+86-13416222617Jack/+86-15918480524CC/+86-18125730121Kimi
Email: nancy@gmrglobal.co
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