Factory audit checklist for first-time importers

A factory audit is the identity and capacity check before a deposit. It is not a pre-shipment inspection. Sourcing Center walks license, lines, capacity, quality system, and commercial terms from the China desk in Xiamen. Pair it with on-the-ground inspection at USD 110 per inspector day when the lot is running. Canonical service: factory verification.

Importer checklist

• Legal name on the quotation matches the business license on the wall and the GSXT-style credit record.
• You know whether you are depositing with a factory or a trading company.
• Production lines for your SKU are running, not a showroom of someone else’s goods.
• Capacity and lead time match the quantity you will actually buy.
• Incoming material and packing checks exist; ask to see the last defect record.
• Payment terms and Incoterms are in writing. This page does not publish deposit percentages.
• Photo/video pack from the walkthrough so your team can reject without a second flight.

Fly a hosted Visit China trip when the first commitment is large. Lot-level gates: inspection guide. Factory vs trader: comparison note.