Product Quality Control & Inspection Services for U.K. Imports
Avoid unpleasant surprises by sending an expert on-site for a full quality control of your products. We ensure that defects are corrected at your supplier’s expense before goods are shipped to the U.K.
One in Five Products Fails International Standards
Are you willing to take the risk?
A quality inspection is designed to confirm that your products are manufactured exactly as specified. At every stage of production, our inspectors verify compliance directly at the supplier’s site, whether in China, Vietnam, Turkey, or Eastern Europe, to ensure that no defective or non-compliant goods are sent to the U.K.
Without quality control
- Defects go unnoticed until it’s too late
- Expensive product returns and customer complaints
- Shipments blocked at customs for non-compliance
- No leverage on suppliers once goods are shipped
With quality control
- Issues identified before shipping
- Suppliers fix problems before final payment
- Products aligned with your standards & destination regulations
- Peace of mind and satisfied customers
Experts on-site to guarantee quality
Our inspectors travel directly to factories worldwide, from Shenzhen to Istanbul, Warsaw to Ho Chi Minh City, to supervise production and verify specifications. You get complete visibility without needing to travel yourself.
We protect your interests, always
If products do not match requirements, we ensure suppliers fix them before shipment. Nothing leaves the factory until it meets your standards.
Inspections aligned with your country’s regulations
With DocShipper U.K., you only pay for products that pass inspection. If defects are found, we coordinate with the supplier until corrections are validated.
Pay only when everything is approved
We apply ISO 2859-1 and ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-2003 inspection standards. Using AQL tables, we classify defects as critical, major, or minor. We also adapt inspections to industry-specific needs, including CE and UKCA markings, electrical safety, or sector-specific compliance.
Let’s make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for.
Ensure the quality of your international orders. Book an on-site inspection today.
Clients Testimonials
We can't make this up, read why businesses are trusting us with their international sourcing every day.
I own a small custom furniture startup. I recently needed to import some materials from China and worked with DocShipper for the first time. Honestly, they made the whole process way simpler than I expected. My contact was super helpful, always checking in and answering my questions. It was my first import, so I was worried things would go wrong, but they handled it all like pros. Highly recommend!
Thomas Brecht
January 9, 2025
My name is Ad Van Den Bosh. I am a Dutch business man cross-trading in the Far East. I reached Robert Houwayek to clear a 40HC of greenhouse equipment from Qingdao, and deliver it to Lan Krabue in no time. He suggested that I request a Form E, which I did from the supplier, and was able to enjoy a preferential tariff treatment. DocShipper, a way to help you save both time and money!
Ad van den Bosch
March 5, 2024
Starting a sound book publishing business wasn’t easy. I had no experience sourcing from China, but Daniel from DocShipper made it possible. He took care of everything, finding a factory, production, quality even negotiating better deals than I imagined!! He explained things clearly and eased my stress. Thanks to DocShipper, the whole process went smoothly. I’m excited to work with them again in the near future!
Grace O’Donnell
October 13, 2024
As a small fashion business owner, I was nervous importing my new collection from a new supplier. I didn’t know what to expect, bu they explained every step and answered all my questions without any condescension. The team was patient, knowledgeable, and efficient. The goods arrived on time and exactly like the sample. I’m so happy with how things went and will definitely rely on them for future imports.
Jasmine Nguyen
January 5, 2025
A vice president caught up in the thick of thin things, an EXW shipment of plumbing supplies for irrigation from Eureka California to Caldera Costa Rica is definitely not what I’d like to have on my agenda. [...]This time he skillfully handled all US export formalities incl. SED/AES filing, pre-pull drayage, not to mention the sea freight from Oakland POL by a 20-footer. Everything ended up working out like a charm!
Dave Sheppard
July 10, 2024
DocShipper shipped a 20- ft Milvan overseas to Laem Chabang for a customer. The team was responsible for shipping the shipping to another country. Having very little knowledge in this area, I didn't know how to organise myself . One week after my arrival on the Asian continent. Marc O. Was available at all times and nearly instant feedback. Made a stressful event much easier and he definitely knows his job.
Anonymous, Indiana
Aug 9, 2023
The 5 Key Steps of our Quality Control Process
We follow a simple and efficient process with clear steps to keep you informed at every moment, ensuring your products meet your expectations before leaving the factory.
Pre-production consultation
We review your specifications and secure supplier commitment with a 30% deposit before production starts.
DPI (During Production Inspection)
Our inspectors visit the factory mid-production to ensure compliance with requirements and detect defects early.
PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection)
Once production is complete, we check product quality, labeling, and packaging before shipment.
Balance payment after PSI validation
You pay the remaining 70% only once the inspection report is approved, no risk of paying for defective goods.
CLS (Container Loading Supervision)
We monitor container loading to ensure goods are correctly packaged, stacked, and secured for transport.
What Will You Find in Your Inspection Report?
The audit report you receive is a detailed document covering all essential aspects of your supplier. It is divided into several key sections to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the supplier’s qualifications and ability to meet your expectations.
The report begins with a complete overview of the inspection. It specifies the product description, the location of the factory or warehouse where the inspection was carried out, and the exact quantity ordered and inspected. It also details the inspection method applied, such as ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 procedures, and concludes with a clear result stating whether the order has passed the inspection or if corrections are required before shipment.
All defects detected during the inspection are classified into three categories: critical, major, or minor. Each defect is described in detail and supported with photos for visual proof. Whether the issue is scratches, marks, assembly errors, or non-compliant labelling, the report outlines exactly what was found. It also provides recommendations for corrective action, whether that involves repairs, rework, or in some cases, complete re-manufacturing.
The inspection includes a series of functional tests to ensure that the product performs according to specifications. Assembly tests verify that items can be put together correctly, while load tests measure resistance and strength under pressure. Functional checks validate essential operations such as switches, lights, and moving parts. When applicable, flow tests simulate real usage conditions to confirm that performance is consistent in practice, not just on paper.
Inspectors verify that the quantities produced match the quantities ordered. This includes checking ordered versus delivered units and reviewing packaging specifications, such as the number of products per carton, carton dimensions, and overall weight. These checks ensure that the order not only meets quality standards but also aligns with logistical requirements for storage, transport, and customs.
The report provides a full visual overview of the inspected products, with photos taken from multiple angles. Images of cartons and their labelling are also included, giving you clear confirmation of compliance with packaging and marking requirements. This is especially important for U.K. and EU-bound goods, where proper labelling and UKCA/CE markings can be decisive for customs clearance.
Precise measurements of products and their packaging are recorded, confirming that items match specifications in terms of size and weight. Both net and gross weights are verified, ensuring accuracy for customs declarations, freight billing, and handling.
To ensure objectivity, inspections are performed according to international AQL standards. The report presents the tolerance levels applied, the number of samples inspected, and the exact number of defects found within those limits. This provides a transparent and unbiased evaluation aligned with international best practices.
The inspection concludes with the inspector’s professional notes and recommendations. These comments may include urgent actions that need to be taken before shipment, as well as guidance to improve future production runs. By including these insights, the report not only gives you a snapshot of your current order but also helps you optimise long-term supplier performance.
Download a Sample Inspection Report
Download a full report sample to see how we analyze and evaluate your suppliers.
FAQ – Quality Control for U.K. Imports
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Sourcing is a big decision that requires careful research and attention to detail. If you’re unsure or have questions, schedule a free consultation with our experts—we’ll provide honest guidance, no commitment needed.
