Factory Audit & Inspection Services
China Sourcing Intl.

Factory audit and inspection is the most important aspect of qualifying an overseas factory for use with China Sourcing International (CSI). Every factory operates differently, but at CSI we make sure to only work with overseas suppliers and factories that employ the highest quality production standards. This involves ethical workplace practices, safe working environments, and total factory compliance.

What are Factory Compliance Audits? 

A factory audit and compliance inspection or supplier audit (sometimes also referred to as simply a compliance audit) evaluates the systematic processes and compliance levels of suppliers.

CSI has a team of compliance auditors who conduct factory audits plus inspection and quality control services in every factory we work in within China, Hong Kong, or Asia. During a factory audit we check for health, safety, ethical operations, government compliance, and overall legitimacy. We abide by a strict code of conduct and a series of government-regulated standards to ensure that every factory and supplier we work with is who they say they are.

Our global sourcing agency is adamant about only working with suppliers and factories that we deem clean, professional, organized, and ethical. This involves practices in the backend workplace as well as on the manufacturing floor.

CSI Approach to Factory Audit Inspections

The factory audit process with China Sourcing International is rather involved; we don’t partner with just anyone.

After gaining a solid understanding of what a client is looking for with regards to sourcing and manufucturing products, our team gets to work finding the best prospective factories for the project. Not every factory will be a good fit for every industry.

It is only through our over 60 years of experience and exclusive network of connections that we have been able to identify the best geographical locations for manufacturing certain products as well as the best factories within those locations.

Finding the Right Factory for Your Product

Any factory that claims to have the ability to do it all is one to be wary of. While some cases will be suitable for more generalized production, others require a niche factory’s specialization.

China Sourcing International has sourced countless factories in China throughout the years, making us more than well equipped to find the right one for your project. Plus, we know what to look out for.

We know what product manufacturing in each industry should cost and can spot when a supplier or factory may be lowballing a client or offering them a suspiciously low price.

• Our factory compliance auditors and project management team looks for an average of 10 factories for each project before contacting every one of them.
• We then narrow down the list to our top 2-3 factories and send our team to do a factory audit on each of them.

It’s a common misconception that more ethical factories will be more expensive. You won’t have to worry about this when working with China Sourcing International. We are dedicated to getting our clients the best rates and the best quality. Our expert terms and cost negotiation skills come in quite handy here. 

Benefits of CSI’s Ethical Factory Compliance Auditing 

Employing an ethical code of conduct will always be at the forefront of our global sourcing practices here at China Sourcing International. Not only is this important on a humanistic level, but it also translates to better quality and overall improved product production on all fronts.

Clients trust that by working with CSI for sourcing and manufacturing, they will only be involved with suppliers and factories that prioritize safety. Just some of the benefits our clients count on include:

• Safe supply chain working conditions that adhere to international human rights standards.
• Total compliance with statutory requirements.
• No risk of unauthorized subcontracting.
• Strong relationships and positive rapport with suppliers.
• Improved brand image and customer loyalty. 
• …and so many more!

Why Choose CSI for Factory Audits?

Companies that manufacture sustainable products must commit to social accountability. China Sourcing International understands the importance of remaining compliant with the latest labor practices and labor laws. That’s why we source factories in China and Hong Kong that provide safe, healthy, and ethical workplace environments.

Our sourcing experts are trained to conduct ethical compliance audits to ensure fair working conditions and pay. We can audit factories based on client-specific requirements as well as international standards. At the end of the day, our goal is aways to not only meet but exceed our your expectations.

For more information on our factory audit services in China, Hong Kong, and Asia, please feel free to contact us today or call us at (628) 222-5510

Factory Audit FAQs

Below are FAQs that businesses, corporations, and entrepreneurs ask when seeking to qualify and evaluate factories and manufacturers in China and Hong Kong.

These questions focus on factory compliance audits, ethical practices, safe work environments, facility inspections, and production quality, reflecting the latest industry concerns and standards.

Factory Compliance & Ethical Practices

How do you verify that a Chinese factory complies with international labor standards?

At China Sourcing International (CSI), we request documentation such as labor contracts, payroll records, and records of working hours. Our sourcing agents also conduct interviews with workers to assess compliance with local labor laws and international standards.

What steps do you take to ensure a factory does not engage in forced or child labor?

CSI implements regular social compliance audits, review hiring practices, and verify the ages and employment terms of workers. Our auditors also conduct unannounced inspections.

How do you assess a factory’s commitment to environmental sustainability?

CSI examines the factory’s waste management practices, energy consumption, and adherence to environmental regulations. We also check for certifications like ISO 14001 and review records of emissions and waste disposal.

What do you look for to confirm a factory’s ethical sourcing practices?

We review the factory’s supply chain transparency, supplier audits, and adherence to ethical sourcing codes and ensure they have policies against bribery, corruption, and exploitation.

How do you ensure a factory complies with local and international safety regulations?

Our China sourcing agents inspect the safety protocols, emergency procedures, and accident records of the factories we use. We verify compliance with local occupational health and safety laws and international standards.

Evaluating Systemic Processes & Compliance Levels

How do you verify the authenticity of a factory’s certifications?

CSI contacts the issuing organizations directly to confirm the validity of certifications. Our sourcing agents also use online databases and resources to cross-check certification details.

How do you assess the effectiveness of a factory’s internal compliance programs?

We review the factory’s internal audit reports, employee feedback, and corrective action records. CSI sourcing agents also conduct interviews with staff to gauge awareness and adherence to compliance programs.

What are the risks of partnering with a non-compliant factory?

Partnering with a non-compliant factory in China can lead to legal liabilities, damage to brand reputation, and disruptions in supply chains. It may also result in financial losses due to fines and penalties.

How do you ensure ongoing compliance after the initial factory audit?

CSI establishes regular follow-up audits, maintains open communication with the factory, and monitors compliance through performance metrics. We implement a corrective action plan for any identified issues.

Facility Inspections & Production Quality

What aspects of a factory’s infrastructure do you evaluate during an audit?

We assess the condition of production lines, machinery, storage facilities, and overall cleanliness and look for signs of maintenance practices and organizational standards.

How do you determine a factory’s production capacity and scalability?

CSI reviews production schedules, equipment capabilities, and workforce availability. We conduct interviews with management to understand their ability to scale operations.

What quality control measures should a factory have in place?

For quality control, CSI ensures the factory has documented quality control procedures, conducts regular inspections, and maintains records of non-conformities. We also verify the training and qualifications of the quality control personnel.

How do you assess a factory’s ability to handle production delays or issues?

Our sourcing agents evaluate the factory’s problem-solving processes, communication channels, and contingency planning. We review past instances of delays and how they were managed.

What documentation should a factory provide to demonstrate compliance?

CSI requests copies of certifications, audit reports, environmental impact assessments, and records of employee training. We ensure all documents are up-to-date and verifiable.

Please call our sourcing agents at China Sourcing International at 1-888-915-1060 if you still have questions about our factory audit processes. Request a Quote.