QIMA vs SGS: Who’s Better for Pre-Shipment Inspections?
If you’re sourcing products, you already know how important it is to make sure the goods meet your specifications before they leave the factory. That is where a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) comes in. A PSI is the final quality control step, performed when production is nearly complete, to check workmanship, functionality, packaging, labeling, and quantity.
Two of the best-known companies in this space are QIMA, operating in over 100 countries with more than 30,000 businesses using their services worldwide, and SGS, operating 2,500 offices across 115 countries. Both are global leaders in testing, inspection, and certification, and deliver PSIs, but they differ in areas like speed, digital integration, operational consistency, and integrity protocols.
In this article, we compare their PSI services in detail so you can decide which fits your business needs better.
How QIMA’s and SGS’s Pre-Shipment Inspections Compare
Both QIMA and SGS provide structured, on-site final checks to verify product quality, packaging, and compliance against your specifications. While their core methods are aligned, such as utilizing AQL sampling standards and delivering photo-backed inspection reports, they differ in speed, digital tools, industry coverage, and integration with broader services.
Here is a breakdown of their offerings so you can quickly decide which partner best fits your situation.
What it is / when it happens
Both: Offer Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) services whenever clients request them. These inspections are generally conducted when 80-100% of the products are completed and (in the case of packed goods) at least 80% are packed, allowing time to take corrective action before final shipment.
Sampling standard
Both: Using ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) acceptance sampling / AQL. QIMA states this explicitly on its pre-shipment inspection page; SGS states it on its FRI page.
Typical on-site checks
Both providers perform the same comprehensive checks on a random sample of your goods:
Product specifications, colors/styles, labels, artwork
Dimensions, weight, and quantity
Functional and performance testing
Workmanship and defect assessment
Packaging integrity, labeling, and shipping marks
Transportation and drop-test simulations
Speed
QIMA: An inspector on-site within 48 hours of booking and reports provided on the same day as the inspection.
SGS: Global scheduling via local offices; no global 48-hour guarantee stated publicly (you book via regional teams).
Flexibility
QIMA: Book and manage orders online, can modify or cancel up to the day before inspection.
SGS: You can book inspections online, modifications require contacting your SGS account manager or local office. Changes are subject to SGS’s terms and conditions (often requires notice and may incur fees depending on timing).
Report delivery
QIMA: Same-day PSI report accessible online. See QIMA’s Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Sample Report. Delivers a final inspection report the same day as the inspection, with KPIs tracking to 98.3% for same-day reporting.
SGS: Delivers final inspection report within 2 business days; timing not universally promised on site pages (varies by engagement).
Digital tools
QIMA: myQIMA AI-powered platform for booking services online, data & analytics, and tracking progress.
Additionally, QIMA offers QIMAone, a collaborative supply chain quality management platform delivered as a standalone SaaS solution that can be used independently of QIMA’s own inspection teams.
Allows suppliers to conduct their own inspections via mobile app
Can integrate with other systems through APIs
Works whether you use QIMA inspectors or your own team
SGS: SGSonSITE - A paid-access platform designed mainly for storage and retrieval of service documents, with basic visibility metrics like country, pass/fail results, and volume info, but not a comprehensive management system, and SGS OLB - An operational tool for booking and managing product inspections, free for clients using SGS inspection services.
Consistency across geographies
Ensuring uniform service quality worldwide is a challenge for all inspection providers due to varying local teams and processes. Here's how each addresses it:
QIMA: Utilizes centralization of management, reporting, and systems to ensure one process is maintained across any country where inspections are performed.
SGS: Relies on account managers to document standard operating procedures (SOPs) in tools like Word documents, which are shared via email with local supervisors. This decentralized model—spanning different legal entities, management, and P&Ls—can lead to inconsistencies, such as outdated report templates or unmonitored training.
Integrity and anti-bribery measures
QIMA: Maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against bribery, which is clearly communicated and trained to all inspectors. Leverages technology, processes, systems, and financial incentives to minimize bribery incidents in the supply chain.
SGS: Maintains a strong Code of Integrity with comprehensive anti-bribery policies, compliance training, and clear reporting mechanisms. Leverages its organizational scale for oversight, though specific details on proactive, preventative measures are less emphasized publicly.
Government conformity programs (PVoC/CoC)
QIMA: Offers PSI for many consumer categories, and provides selected mandated programs such as SASO (Saudi Arabia) and PEO (Mexico), but does not position itself as a mandated PVoC agency on its main PSI pages.
SGS: Mandated agent for several countries’ PVoC programs where pre-export inspection & testing is legally required for a Certificate of Conformity.[MB1] Very strong for many countries in their relationship with governments, so if the inspection is connected to a certain end shipping country’s customs clearance.
Countries with SGS Mandates for CoC/PVoC Programs
Algeria
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Egypt
Ethiopia
Gabon
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
Kenya
Kuwait
Libya
Madagascar
Mongolia
Morocco
Qatar
Russia (GOST conformity)
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
United Arab Emirates (including Zanzibar)
Industries & global footprint
QIMA: Specialized in consumer-products inspections (apparel, footwear, toys, eyewear, electronics, furniture, etc.) with on-the-ground teams in 100+ countries.
SGS: Serves a wide range of sectors—consumer products plus commodities (minerals, metals), agri/food, industrial, marine, energy, and more—using a single, consolidated inspector pool.
Strengths at a glance
QIMA
Fast, highly customizable consumer-goods PSI with 48-hour on-site availability and same-day reports.
Advanced digital platforms and tools for supplier analytics and cost optimzation
Business intelligence platforms for all clients, platforms like myQIMA to book/manage inspections, store checklists, analyze supplier quality, and more.
Built-in AQL tools and a range of ready-made checklists.
Centralized systems ensure consistent quality across regions.
Robust integrity framework with proactive anti-bribery innovations.
SGS
PSI integrated with cargo/commodity services (minerals, metals, agri) or logistics supervision around loading/unloading.
Government PVoC/CoC certification pathways (where a regulator requires pre-export conformity).
Maintains strong, long-established relationships with governments and customs authorities in numerous countries worldwide. Able to facilitate seamless customs clearance and regulatory compliance for inspections tied to destination-country requirements
What’s the same
AQL/ISO 2859-1 sampling with pass/fail against your acceptance criteria.
Core check families: workmanship/defects, dimensions/weight, functionality, labeling/marking, packaging/carton integrity, and quantity.
Photo-rich reports documenting findings and defects.
Key Factors for Deciding on a Pre-Shipment Provider
Here’s a quick visual summary of the factors that should guide your choice of a pre-shipment inspection partner.
Pre-Shipment Inspection Provider Evaluation Checklist
1. Communication & Language
Are inspection reports and support available in your language(s)?
Can standard checklists be tailored to your product and quality criteria?
Are report formats clear, detailed, and fully customizable?
Do they offer real-time updates or a client dashboard—any extra cost for platform access?
2. Responsiveness & Customer Service
How fast do they respond to inquiries and booking requests?
What is the typical lead time to get an inspector on-site?
Can they handle last-minute or same-day bookings?
Do they provide 24/7 support or dedicated account managers?
Do they have escalation processes for urgent issues?
3. Service Coverage & Availability
Do they have inspectors in all your production regions?
Can they cover multiple factories or locations simultaneously?
Are they available during weekends or local holidays if needed?
Do they use only in-house auditors or subcontractors as well?
4. Turnaround Time & Lead Times
How long after the on-site check will you receive the full report?
Do they offer expedited reporting if you need results sooner?
Is same-day or next-day report delivery standard or extra?
5. Pricing and value
What is their fee structure—per inspection
Is the online platform included or an additional subscription cost?
Are there hidden or add-on charges, i.e., transportation, communication, or report writing fees?
6. Scalability & Peak Capacity
Can they scale up during peak production seasons?
Do they have staffing flexibility to handle sudden increases?
Do they guarantee availability if booked in advance?
Do they share capacity forecasts during busy periods (e.g., Q4 shipping rush)?
7. Technical Capability & Expertise
Do they have experience with your product category?
Are inspectors trained to relevant international standards (AQL, ISO, etc.)?
Do they offer photos, videos, or digital measurement tools in reports?
Can they handle specialized or regulated products (electronics, food, toys, etc.)?[MB1]
8. Integrity & Quality Assurance
What anti-bribery and conflict-of-interest policies safeguard report accuracy?
Are there any integrity measures in place?
Is there a zero-tolerance integrity policy?
Is there training for inspectors on integrity and ethics?
Which Provider to Choose for Your Pre-Shipment Inspection
If you’re sourcing products and need a reliable partner to check their quality, whether softlines, toys, home goods, small electronics, or other consumer products, QIMA offers experienced inspectors who ensure that your shipments meet your specifications and international standards before leaving the factory.
QIMA’s team of highly trained inspectors is equipped with expertise across various industries and product categories.
Fast Response Times: Inspectors onsite within 48 hours of your request, with same-day detailed reports for timely decision-making.
Unparalleled Expertise: Product specialists with deep knowledge of local regulations, backed by continuous training to ensure accurate assessments and recommendations.
Proven Industry Experience: Trusted worldwide by businesses of all sizes to ensure compliance and quality.
Comprehensive Online Platform: An intelligent quality control system that lets you schedule inspections, track results, and access reports with ease.
Proactive Approach: Inspections designed to identify and prevent issues early, protecting product integrity and your brand reputation.
Flexibility: Modify or cancel up to the day before inspection.
Customization: Customized to client's needs.
Accuracy: Assurance to minimize bribery so results are accurate
Global Coverage: Spanning 100+ countries, QIMA serves the consumer products, food and life sciences industries.
Contact QIMA today to discuss your pre-shipment inspection and ship with confidence.
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