Quality Control on imported goods

3rd June, 2021

Global travel restrictions are continuing and have presented an increase in quality check challenges for AU importers. The inability to meet with suppliers to perform product or packaging checks prior to shipping is now causing finished goods to arrive in AU in not the desired finished state. We are being advised of importers finished goods arriving with parts missing as shipper’s are under increased pressure to push stock off their docks.

With global supply chains under stress, manufacturers are being rushed to complete goods but they too are at the whim of the global supply chain challenges. The components that go in to your imported complete goods are likely not all produced at the same factory, rather they are sourced from other local suppliers or from overseas suppliers. Either way we are seeing an increase of not fully manufactured goods being shipped as a result of some components not being available.

Most importers have been having to manage QC post import, which is far from ideal and very costly as the import process has been completed. You are left with the decision to correct the goods on arrival or in worse case scenario ship the goods back.

While we recognise that undoubtedly, your team are the best people to conduct these inspections under normal circumstances, we do have an alternative solution that may well help you keep cargo moving during these difficult times.

Our overseas freight and logistics partners are well placed to be able to meet with suppliers on your behalf to review products  based on your specifications. 

This is only a supportive measure and the agent is unable to offer guarantees on behalf of the factory but again, having a neutral party review on your behalf may well allow you to move the goods with more confidence until travel restrictions are lifted.  This is not to replace any Government mandated inspections that may apply to things like electrical goods etc. 

With each customer’s goods and needs being different, we will agree on a scope of work in each instance. The basic scope of services to be provided include:

• Visit the manufacture
• Check quality of manufactured goods against agreed standards
• Take photos and videos to share prior to any approval to ship the goods
• Checking quantity and volume
• Check client specific needs as agreed
• Other tasks as required

To find out more about this service please reach out to our team at sales@sccargo.com.au