FAQ
What services do you offer ?
HK & Southern Invest LLC is a quality control services company performing on-site Product Inspections and product testing in greater Asia, above all in China, for importers worldwide. We guarantee to have one of our trained inspectors at any factory in Asia within 72 hours. Create your free account to schedule your Product Inspections and secure your imports.
We are capable to ensure:
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
An Inspection to guarantee the conformity of production to your specifications.
Production Monitoring (PM)
Constant oversight in your factory with daily reports on quality and production status.
During Production Check (DUPRO)
Control and recommendations for production processes and capacity.
Initial Production Check (IPC)
Inspection of machinery and materials to be used for your order prior to production.
Container Loading Check (CLC)
Guarantee the finished and packed goods meet your specifications (product type and quantity) and are securely loaded for shipment.
Laboratory testing services
Guarantee of local independent laboratories to products, components & raw materials certifying conformity to industry standards.
Marketing
we are able to assist companies search for new potential products for their market.
Trade services
We can effectively follow up entire business transactions.
We can also help you research potential suppliers (through factory audits, social accountability audits, C-TPAT audits, RoHS checks etc. as well as follow up on new programs or suppliers. We offer dispute resolution / negotiations, tooling progress reports, first article reports, and initial production checks.
A new service that we are excited about, is our marine and cargo inspections services.
Please contact us for more details about our unique process.
We currently offer sourcing in every country that we service and are expanding into additional geographic locations on a regular basis. Please forward your electronic files and contact us to get started. We will save your money on your purchases, smooth out your processes and improve the quality of your goods.
What is a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)?
A Pre-Shipment Inspection is a systematic inspection of units selected at random from all batches of your order, conducted when your production is at least 80% complete. This is your final opportunity to take corrective action before your production is finished and packed; making it an effective tool to safeguard your product against costly import risks.
For all inspections, HK & Southern Invest LLC uses the standard internationally recognized ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure. These comprehensive criteria cover: functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimension. Inspection certificates are issued if stipulated in the order.
Who is responsible for arranging the pre-shipment inspection and what is the process ?
Although the importer is responsible for arranging the pre-shipment inspection, the exporter must make the goods available for inspection at the country of origin.
Generally, the inspection company starts the inspection process once it receives a copy of the inspection order from the importing country. An inspection order states the value of goods, the name and address of the importer and the exporter, the country of supply and the importer's declaration of customs code. The inspection company then contacts the exporter to arrange an inspection site and time.
Who pay for inspection ?
Typically an exporter does not pay for inspections, although it is possible that exporters may incur costs associated with inspection.
What steps are necessary to be done ?
The steps of the inspection process are usually as follows:
- The importer informs the inspection service in the country of import of a pending shipment, and either pays for the inspection up front or pays a percentage based on the value of the commercial invoice, depending on the terms of the importing country's inspection contract.
- An inspection order is forwarded to the inspection company office in the country of export.
- The inspection company contacts the exporter to arrange date, time and location for inspection.
- The inspection is carried out, and a "Clean Report of Findings" is issued confirming the shipment's value, customs classification and that it can be cleared.
- The goods are shipped onward to the importing country, and the importer uses the inspection report to get the imported goods released from customs.
If goods should reach the border of the importing country without inspection, they usually have to be re-exported to a nearby country for inspection prior to re-entry.
Why do I need quality assurance services ?
Quality control is a key success factor for companies dealing with Asian suppliers.
HK & Southern Invest LLC´ on-site Quality Inspections and Factory Audit services throughout Asia help businesses to:
- reduce risks associated with poor quality, loading, storage, transportation and non-compliance with regulatory requirements
- get informed in advance about production problems and shipping delays,
- ensure that contractual obligations are met: specifications, packaging, marking and delivery,
- identify problems before products are shipped or distributed,
- establish and maintain a high-performance vendor base throughout Asia and lower costs.
What kind of testing you offer ?
If certifications and/or testing are required, we can manage these requirements through our association with local independent laboratories. Products, components & raw materials at times can require certification to conform to industry standards. The laboratory or test center is chosen based on variables including type of certificate required, lead time and price (Electrical Safety, EMC, RoHS, CE, EN71, REACH, etc.).
Can you help us to find a reliable producer in Asia ?
If you are currently sourcing product in Asia we should beat your current prices 9 out of 10 times!!!! Let us prove it to you. We have many instruments such as:
- professional dedicated purchasing groups
- current database of qualified suppliers
- research, locate and short list potential suppliers
- pre-quality & visit (supplier profile)
- capable of sourcing all product categories and types
- factory direct prices - you will see the actual quote from the factory
- we negotiate pricing with "in country", local professionals to save you money
- quality engineers track and inspect orders in-process
- customer support
- logistics (delivery, consolidation, LCL, FOB points, etc....)
- complete transparency throughout supplier selection, bidding and purchase process
Why choose HK & Southern Invest LLC ?
HK & Southern Invest LLC makes your imports from in Asia safer while saving your time and money. We offer quality control services and inspections by our experienced inspectors on all products and imports, including:
- Chemical products
- Batteries of all kinds
- Home appliances
- Horticultural products & appliances for home use
- Light & lighting
- Luggage, bags & cases
- Plastic products for home use
- Textiles and Leather products
- Tools for home use
- Lighters & tobacco products
- Body care
with the exception of medical products, building materials, software & hardware, office supplies, shoes & accessories, furniture & furnishings.
How much shall we pay for your services ?
The table bellow indicates HK & Southern Invest LLC standard, all-inclusive fees for quality control and factory audits in Asia. If any inspection require more than one man/day to be completed, you will be notified online when booking. Of course, in case of long-time cooperation our prices will be stipulated on agreement to be very friendly.
| Prices per Man/Day | |||
| Within China | Outside China | Remarks | |
| Product Inspection | US$ 275 | US$ 327 | + US$ 15 for extra report |
| Factory / Social Audit | US$ 588 | US$ 732 | 2 Man-Days necessary if Factory employs more than 350 workers |
Other costs and costs for other Asian countries will be stipulated on your detailed request depending on volume of required services and place where the services are required.
Our all-inclusive fees include:
- Inspector transportation, meals and overtime
- Protocol and Inspection
- Report review, inssurance and posting online
- Online service including Archiving, search engine, access to our Checklist database
- Online Approval / Rejection and Inspection Certificate issuance to your Vendor
Billing and payment: All inspections, audits and testing are billed on a monthly basis, at the end of the month.
Orders are usually paid in partial payments whereas 30 % of agreed sum is payable in advance and the rest is payable after finishing Protocol upon booking (details please see our Terms and Conditions).