During Production Inspection
What is During Production Inspection (DUPRO)?
During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is a quality control check performed when 20% to 80% of your goods are manufactured. Unlike Pre-Production Inspection that checks readiness before manufacturing starts, DUPRO inspects semi-finished products and the ongoing production process — giving you a mid-course correction opportunity before it is too late.
DUPRO is especially critical for large-quantity shipments, continuous production lines, and orders with strict quality requirements. Any defect or substandard performance detected is documented with photographic evidence, and potential improvements are recommended before the remaining production is completed.
Key Focus: Production progress vs. order quantity, quality of semi-finished goods, materials and components on the production line, defect documentation, and packing readiness — not just the final product.
When Exactly Should You Book DUPRO?
Understanding the production lifecycle helps you choose the right inspection at the right time — and avoid costly quality mistakes.
Equipment verification, tooling check, material inventory. Critial, major and minor defects found early on help prevent delivery of a defective batch.
Semi-finished goods inspection, defect documentation, production progress verification. Mid-course corrections while the line is still running.
Finished goods AQL sampling, packaging check, container loading supervision. random inspection before shipment.
Missing the DUPRO window? If production reaches 80%+ before you book an inspection, DUPRO is no longer effective. A Pre-Shipment Inspection becomes your only option to catch defects before export — with limited recourse for corrections.
Why During Production Inspection Matters
Catching quality issues mid-production prevents costly rework, shipment delays, and defective goods reaching your customers.
During Production Inspection helps identify workmanship defects, dimensional deviations, material inconsistencies, labeling errors, packaging issues, and production delays while there is still time to take corrective action.
Defect Prevention
Detect manufacturing defects on semi-finished goods before they multiply across the entire production run — catching issues while corrections are still possible.
Shipment Protection
Verify production progress against your delivery schedule mid-stream — ensuring your order ships on time with no last-minute quality surprises.
Supplier Accountability
Hold your Chinese supplier accountable mid-production. DUPRO creates documented evidence of quality standards and factory performance in real time.
Documented Evidence
Photo-documented defect reports give you verifiable evidence for supplier negotiations, insurance claims, or trade disputes involving Chinese manufacturers.
How We Classify Defects Found During DUPRO
All defects found during inspection are classified by severity — helping you and your supplier understand exactly what needs to be fixed and in what priority order.
Defects that violate product safety regulations or legal requirements. Products with critical defects cannot be shipped under any circumstances.
- Electrical safety failure
- Toxic material in children’s products
- Structural failure risk
Defects that significantly affect product function, appearance, or marketability. Likely to cause complaints, returns, or reputational damage.
- Product does not perform as specified
- Scratches visible on main surface
- Wrong color or finish
Small deviations from specifications that have negligible impact on product usability or market value. May be accepted as-is or noted in the report.
- Minor scratch on back panel
- Packaging imperfection only
- Label off-center by 2mm
AQL Standards Used in DUPRO
JS Sourcing applies internationally recognized AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards during all inspections. The most commonly used standard for general manufacturing is ISO 2859-1 (ANSI/ASQC Z1.4).
Don’t Let Quality Issues Slip Through
Catch defects before the batch is complete. Request a DUPRO inspection now and get your inspector assigned within 48-72 hours.
Email: info@js-sourcing.com | Phone: +86 150 1258 2569
High-Risk Production Scenarios That Require DUPRO Inspection
During Production Inspection is especially critical in these common sourcing scenarios.
Large Quantity Shipments
High-volume orders where a defect rate of even 2-3% means hundreds of defective units — DUPRO catches issues before the full batch is completed.
Continuous Production Lines
Ongoing manufacturing where products are made in stages — DUPRO provides a mid-production checkpoint before the line moves too far to course-correct.
High-Risk Suppliers
New or previously underperforming suppliers benefit from real-time production monitoring — DUPRO gives you documented evidence of factory performance mid-run.
High-Value Products
Expensive goods where defects are costly to rework or reject — DUPRO provides in-process quality assurance before value is fully added to the product.
New Supplier Relationship
Building a new supplier relationship? DUPRO gives you independent verification of quality consistency as the factory scales into your order.
Post-Pre-Shipment Issues
If a previous order had high defect rates, DUPRO on the next batch provides documented quality trending and supplier improvement evidence.
Which Inspection Do You Need?
Understand how During Production Inspection compares to other quality control services.
| Inspection Type | When to Book | What It Checks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Production Inspection | Before mass production | Equipment, tooling, materials, production readiness | New orders, new suppliers, time-sensitive productions |
| During Production (DUPRO) | 20-80% production completion | Semi-finished goods, production progress, defect documentation | Large orders, continuous production, high-value goods |
| Pre-Shipment Inspection | 100% complete, before shipping | Finished goods, AQL sampling, packaging, labeling | All orders — final quality verification before export |
| Loading Supervision | During container loading | Quantity, packaging condition, loading security | High-value shipments, FOB terms, fragile goods |
| Factory Audit | Any time | Facility, capacity, certifications, social compliance | New supplier vetting, ongoing supplier management |
How Many Units Are Inspected?
DUPRO inspections follow ISO 2859-1 statistical sampling standards. The sample size is determined by your lot size — larger orders require proportionally larger samples for statistically meaningful results.
| Lot Size (pcs) | Sample Size (pcs) | Accept # (AQL 2.5) | Reject # (AQL 2.5) | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 – 90 | 5 | 0 | 1 | G-I |
| 91 – 150 | 8 | 0 | 1 | G-I |
| 151 – 280 | 13 | 1 | 2 | G-I |
| 281 – 500 | 50 | 3 | 4 | G-II |
| 501 – 1,200 | 80 | 5 | 6 | G-II |
| 1,201 – 3,200 | 125 | 7 | 8 | G-II |
| 3,201 – 10,000 | 315 | 14 | 15 | G-III |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 500 | 21 | 22 | G-III |
Sample sizes per ISO 2859-1 / ANSI/ASQC Z1.4. Your lot size determines the applicable sample plan.
Our DUPRO Inspection Process
A systematic 4-step approach to quality verification during production in China.
Booking and Brief
Share your order details, product specifications, supplier information, production schedule, and DUPRO requirements when 20-80% completion is reached.
On-Site Inspection
Our inspector visits the factory to check semi-finished goods, production progress, materials, workmanships, and defect documentation on the current batch.
Inspection Report
You receive a detailed report with photographic evidence, defect classification, production progress assessment, and improvement recommendations.
Decision Support
Use the report to approve continuation, request corrections, add safeguards, or negotiate with your supplier — before the remaining production is completed.
How DUPRO Saved a Medical Wholesaler USD 19,700
A South African medical wholesaler importing medical disposables and devices from China. Multi-supplier FCL order with 20+ SKUs consolidated from 3 factories. FOB order value USD 50,371.
DUPRO at 30% completion found 100% of sampled gauze density subpar to golden sample — yarn count below expected value result in lower product density. 3000 units already cut and folded.
Warning issued within 8 hours from inspection start. JS Sourcing coordinated immediate client-supplier communication. Factory reviewed weaving machine setup, warp and weft density, and packaging stock levels. Original delivery timeline maintained after corrective action implementation.
Remaining 1,560 units produced correctly. Defective gauze batch removed before shipment. Replacement production batch verified compliant. Zero after-sales complaints or returns reported. Estimated savings: USD 11,450 in additional shipping costs, delays, rework, and margin losses.
DUPRO vs. No Inspection
The difference between shipping cargo from China with confidence and discovering defects after delivery.
Without DUPRO Inspection
-
Defects discovered only after arrival — costly rework or returns
-
No documentary evidence for supplier disputes
-
Production problems go undetected until shipment delay
-
Supplier has no accountability mid-production
With DUPRO Inspection
-
Mid-production corrections — fix issues while the line is still running
-
Photo-documented evidence for claims and negotiations
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Production progress verified — shipment schedule protected
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Supplier accountability with independent third-party verification
International Inspection Standards
JS Sourcing’s DUPRO inspections are conducted according to internationally recognized quality control standards — giving your QA program credibility and consistency.
ISO 2859-1
The international standard for attribute sampling inspection. Defines sample sizes based on lot quantity and specifies acceptance/rejection numbers (Ac/Re). The statistical foundation for all JS Sourcing inspection reports.
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4
The American National Standard for inspection sampling, functionally identical to ISO 2859-1. Preferred by U.S.-based importers and buyers requiring ANSI-accredited inspection documentation.
Mil-Std-105E
Originally a U.S. military standard, now widely adopted in commercial manufacturing. JS Sourcing applies Mil-Std principles for clients with high-reliability product requirements or defense-adjacent supply chains.
Client-Specific Criteria
Beyond international standards, JS Sourcing can incorporate your company’s own quality specifications, approved sample references, and defect limits into the inspection checklist — ensuring the inspection matches your actual quality standards.
What You Get With Our DUPRO Service
Detailed Report
Comprehensive DUPRO report with photographic evidence, defect classification, production progress data, and actionable recommendations delivered within 24 hours.
Fast Turnaround
Inspection scheduling within 48-72 hours of your request. Reports available within 24 hours — keeping your production timeline on track.
Expert Inspectors
Qualified quality engineers with industry-specific expertise, dispatched to factories across all major manufacturing hubs in China.
Nationwide Coverage
Inspection services across all major manufacturing regions in China — from Zhejiang to Guangdong, Jiangsu, Fujian, and beyond.
Dedicated Support
Direct point of contact for all your inspection questions — no automated responses, just expert guidance when you need it.
Risk Mitigation
Independent third-party verification protecting your interests — not the factory’s. Make informed decisions with unbiased data.
DUPRO + Laboratory Testing: Complete Coverage
Combine on-site DUPRO inspection with accredited laboratory testing for comprehensive quality assurance — covering both manufacturing process and product compliance.
Why Combine DUPRO + Lab Testing?
DUPRO checks what’s on the production line. Lab testing verifies material composition, safety, and compliance with destination country regulations.
Lab testing provides documented proof of compliance with U.S. CPSC, EU REACH, CPSIA, California Prop 65, and other destination market regulations.
Both DUPRO report and lab certificate together give you the strongest possible evidence package for supplier negotiations, customs clearance, or trade disputes.
Available Lab Tests
What Our Inspectors Check On-Site
What Our Clients Say
“We booked DUPRO on a 40,000-unit order when manufacturing was at 30% mark. They caught a systematic defect with the hinge. The factory corrected their assembly process before the remaining 28,000 units were made. The USD 380 inspection fee saved us an estimated USD 60,000 in rework costs.”
“The DUPRO report photo documentation was the key to negotiating a price adjustment with our supplier. Without it, they would have denied the defect existed before we opened the cartons here in the U.S. The inspector noticed the issue within 2 hours of arriving.”
“We combine DUPRO with lab testing on every order over of steel coils. Our orders are only 40K USD, but the two reports together give our purchasing confidence that we can release balance payment without too many risk.”
Key Terms Explained
Common quality control terminology used throughout the DUPRO inspection process.
Acceptable Quality Limit. The maximum percentage of defective items considered acceptable in a statistical sample. Common levels: 0% for critical, 1.0% for major, 4.0% for minor.
During Production Inspection. QC inspection performed when 20-80% of production is complete. Also known as DPI — checks semi-finished goods and provides mid-course correction opportunity.
Pre-Production Inspection. Quality check performed before mass production begins — verifies equipment, materials, tooling, and production readiness to prevent issues before they start.
Pre-Shipment Inspection. Final quality check when production is 100% complete, before goods are shipped. Uses AQL sampling to verify finished goods against specifications.
General Inspection Levels. Three statistical sampling severity levels under ISO 2859-1. G-I = smallest sample, G-III = largest sample for the most rigorous inspection.
Safety hazard or legal compliance risk. Products with critical defects must not be shipped. Examples: electrical safety failure, toxic materials, structural collapse risk.
Significant impact on product function, appearance, or marketability. Likely to cause customer complaints or returns. Requires supplier rework before acceptance.
Small deviation with negligible usability impact. Cosmetic imperfections, minor packaging flaws. May be accepted as-is or noted for record.
EU chemical and hazardous substance regulations. RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics; REACH regulates chemical substances across all product categories. Required for EU market compliance.
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (U.S.) Mandatory safety standards for children’s products including lead testing, phthalates limits, and third-party laboratory testing requirements.
Ready to Verify Your Production Quality?
Book a During Production Inspection today. Our team responds within 2 hours during business hours and schedules your inspector within 48-72 hours.
Email: info@js-sourcing.com | Phone: +86 150 1258 2569
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) checks finished goods at 100% completion before export. DUPRO (During Production Inspection) checks semi-finished goods at 20-80% completion. DUPRO gives you a mid-course correction opportunity — you can still request changes while the line is running. PSI confirms quality on what has already been fully manufactured.
Book DUPRO when 20% to 80% of your production is complete. This timing gives you the best window to identify defects and request corrections before the remaining goods are manufactured. For large-quantity orders or continuous production lines, DUPRO can be booked multiple times at different production stages.
A typical DUPRO inspection takes 1 to 2 days on-site, depending on order size, production complexity, and the number of SKUs. Reports are delivered within 24 hours of the inspection completion.
Our inspector documents every defect with photographic evidence, classifies them by severity (critical, major, minor), and provides specific recommendations for correction. You can use this report to request immediate factory corrections, negotiate rework terms, or add quality checkpoints for the remaining production.
Yes. Many clients book DUPRO as a mid-production checkpoint combined with a Pre-Shipment Inspection once production is complete. This two-stage approach gives you both in-process and final quality assurance. Contact JS Sourcing to design an inspection package suited to your order.
DUPRO inspections start from USD 250 per day, all-inclusive (inspector travel, accommodation, and report). The final cost depends on factory location, number of SKUs, and inspection complexity. Contact JS Sourcing for a tailored quote.
The report includes: production progress percentage, quantity checked vs. order quantity, detailed defect descriptions with photos, defect classification (critical/major/minor), production line observations, materials and components status, packing readiness, and corrective action recommendations.
No, you do not need to be present. Our qualified quality engineers conduct the inspection independently on your behalf. You receive the full report with photographic evidence regardless of your location. We can arrange a video call during the inspection if you wish to observe in real time.
This works very similarly to our China sourcing service. You do not need to be on the ground in China because our local team handles the coordination, factory communication, inspection follow-up, and reporting for you while keeping you regularly updated throughout the process.
