A failed inspection in China should trigger a structured decision process, not a rushed argument with the supplier. Buyers need to understand the defect pattern, commercial impact, corrective options, and payment exposure before approving shipment.
First response after a failed inspection
- Separate critical, major, and minor defects.
- Compare defects against the RFQ, approved sample, purchase order, and inspection criteria.
- Request supplier explanation, root cause, and corrective-action plan.
- Decide whether rework, sorting, reinspection, discount, or rejection is appropriate.
- Hold final payment or shipment approval until evidence supports the next step.
When should buyers reinspect?
Reinspection is useful when defects can be reworked, when the supplier claims the issue is limited to a batch, or when shipment approval depends on visual or functional confirmation.
How to avoid repeat failures
Future orders should update defect definitions, inspection timing, packaging requirements, sample approval records, and supplier milestone evidence.
This page connects with AQL quality control, product inspection planning, order management, and supplier risk review.