Quality inspection of pet products is of utmost importance when it comes to safeguarding the health of pets.
The global pet products market has seen a huge rise in recent times, especially in countries like UK, USA, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Japan, China and others. Pet products include pet food, different kinds of toys, grooming essentials (like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste), clothes, bedding, and muzzle, collars, harnesses. However, this growth has also brought concerns over product quality.
There have been several high-profile recalls, including pet food contaminated with melamine and toys made from hazardous materials. Quality inspection is a fundamental pillar of responsible pet product manufacturing, directly impacting the health and well-being of beloved pets and the trust of their owners.
GIS Inspection provides expert third-party pet product inspection services across Asia, including China, Vietnam, India, and Malaysia. Our comprehensive quality control solutions help pet food and pet accessories importers, wholesalers, and retailers ensure meet quality requirement and compliance with industry safety regulations and standards.
Common Quality Issues in Pet Products
Material safety
One of the most serious quality issues in pet products is the use of unsafe or non-compliant materials. Pets often chew, lick, or sleep on their products, making material safety a top priority.
Many countries, including the U.S. and those in the EU, have strict regulations regarding pet product materials (e.g., CPSIA, REACH, RoHS). Failure to meet these standards can result in legal consequences and product recalls.
Poor Workmanship and Construction
Defective craftsmanship can lead to product failures and safety hazards. Whether it's stitching, molding, or assembly, workmanship is a key factor in product quality. These issues not only reduce product lifespan but can cause injury to pets or damage customer trust.
Durability and Reliability
Pet products, especially accessories like leashes, collars, and beds, should be durable enough to withstand regular use. This ensures they are reliable and won’t fail when needed most. Chew-resistant materials are vital for items like chew toys, which are designed for prolonged interaction.
To mitigate the risks, partnering with a professional third-party inspection agency like GIS Inspection ensures your pet products meet the expectations of global markets and modern pet owners.
The Importance of Pet Products Quality Inspection
Confirm product safety
Ensure your pet products are safe with our extensive testing services, covering hazards from choking, cuts and suffocation to toxicological and microbiological contamination.
Comply with international standards
Navigate the complex regulatory landscape confidently with our expertise in global regulations and standards.
Validate product quality
GIS customized quality assurance offers tailored solutions to your specific needs – from durability, performance, chemical, to label reviews and packaging tests.
Regulations and Standards for Pet Products Quality Control
Pet toys and accessories imported and manufactured are subject to various consumer product regulations and standards.
Pet Product Regulations in the EU
To ensure pet products meet European standards, compliance with the following is required:
- REACH Compliance: Ensures pet products are free from harmful chemicals.
- CE Marking: Required for pet electronics to meet safety and environmental protection standards.
- EN 71: Safety of Toys.
- EN ISO 12952: Textiles. Assessment of the ignitability of bedding items Ignition source – Shouldering cigarette.
- GPSD: Requires all consumer products, including pet goods, to be safe under normal use.
Pet Product Regulations in the US
Pet products entering the American market must adhere to:
- CPSIA Guidelines: Ensuring pet toys, feeders are safe and non-toxic.
- FDA Regulations: Required for Pet food, feeders, and water.
- ASTM Standards: Covering mechanical safety for pet accessories.
Different Types of Pet Products We Inspect
At General Inspection Service, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who specialize in inspecting a wide range of pet products, including:
- Pet food: dry food, wet food, freeze-dried food.
- Pet bedding and furniture: pet beds & cushions, blankets & mats, cat trees & climbing towers, kennels & crates, hammocks.
- Pet toys and accessories: chew toys (rubber, rope, plush), , interactive toys (treat-dispensing, puzzles), squeaky toys, balls, discs, and fetch toys, catnip toys
- Pet grooming, and hygiene products: shampoos, conditioners, pet hair repair knife, pet shaver, pet nail clippers, pet glove brush, pet bath, pet hairbrush.
- Pet apparel and accessories: pet clothing (jackets, raincoats, sweaters), shoes & paw protectors, collars, harnesses, leashes, id tags, pet costumes.
- Pet houseware products: pet bowls, elevated feeders, food storage containers, pet carriers, strollers, cat litter.
Types of Third-party Pet Products Quality Control Inspection
For many people, pets are considered part of the family, and pet products are expected to be safe for use and of high quality. Pet product brands and manufacturers should undergo strict quality control inspection for their products.
Our comprehensive pet product testing services enable pet product brands and manufacturers to ensure quality and safety.
Audits for Pet Products Industry
Factory Audit: An independent assessment of the manufacturing facility’s capacity, machinery, and workforce to determine if they can meet production demands while maintaining product quality.
Supplier Audit: Checking the company’s legal information, bank information, human resources, export capabilities, and more. The inspectors perform supplier verification audit, evaluating
Pre-Production Inspection(PPI)
The first stage of the sporting goods inspection process takes place before the actual production begins or the first 10%-30% units produced. During Initial Production Inspection, inspectors work closely with manufacturers to review design specifications, verify material samples, and ensure that the factory has the capabilities to produce the sports equipment to the desired quality standards.
During Production Inspection (DUPRO)
Inspectors closely check the performance of sporting goods to identify any workmanship defects or deviations from the approved design. Inspectors identify and rectify any defects, irregularities, or deviations from quality standards that may arise during production.
If issues are identified, inspectors collaborate with manufacturers to promptly implement corrective actions, preventing the production of substandard sports goods.
Pre-Shipment Inspection(PSI)
The pre-shipment inspection takes place when the merchandise is completed, packed and ready for shipment. Our inspectors pull a random sample of finished pet products, based on internationally recognized statistical random sampling techniques.
Pre-shipment inspection covers the quality (product appearance, performance, function, color, size specifications, workmanship), quantity, packaging, labeling and shipping mark.
It helps to identify any defects or non-conformities in the batch, allowing for corrections before the products reach the customer, thereby safeguarding the buyer’s reputation and minimizing the risk of costly returns or complaints.
Loading Supervision (LS)
The final but crucial step in the quality control process is properly preparing batches for shipping to destination markets. Loading Supervision (LS) is usually performed at the factory, forwarders warehouse, or port to verify count, confirm load, and seal the container.
Assessing manufacturing sites before initiating mass production and checking product quality prior to shipment are key parts of the quality control process, and vital to ensure that production is carried out according to the quality standards and expectations of destination markets.
Pet Products Pre-shipment Inspection Checklist
At GIS, we specialize in providing third-party inspection services for pet food, pet care products, pet grooming products, pet toys, and more at every stage: from supplier evaluation, audit to the quality control, final delivery of shipments during the process and supplier management.
Pre-shipment inspections are crucial steps in ensuring that pet products meet quality requirements and international standards before reaching consumers. At GIS Inspection, our pre-shipment inspection checklist covers the following criteria:
- Quantity Verification
- Workmanship Inspection
- Product Description Verification
- Onsite-Test
- Packaging Inspection
1. Quantity Verification
The first step in pre-shipment inspection is the verification of the quantity. By comparing booking and actual quantities, GIS inspectors check products and shipping cartons to verify that total quantity matches the order confirm the total quantity matches the quantity indicated in the purchase order (PO).
2. Workmanship Inspection
If no specific requirement from applicant, the inspector will visually inspect the exterior and interior parts of the pet products using inspection sampling plan, General Inspection Level II, AQL 2.5. 4.0.
Our inspector will check for the following aspects, including: scratches, stains, poor stitching, broken parts, sharp edges.
Learn more about AQL Sampling: https://www.gis-inspection.com/post/how-to-use-aql-for-quality-control-inspection
3. Product Description, Style and Color Verification
In this section, we verify if the style and construction of the pet suppliers match the approval sample and the client’s file.
- Verifying if the product matches the same style and materials as the approval sample.
- Inspecting if the same materials as the sample have been used which prevents discrepancies in quality, feel, and overall appearance.
- Checking if the actual products match the client’s technical file. It ensures that the final product adheres to the specific design, quality, and material requirements set by the client.
4. On-site Test for Pet Products
The selected sample will undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it functions properly and meets safety standards.
The essential inspection checklists for pre-shipment inspections to manage pet products quality:
- Carton size and weight check
- Carton assortment and quantity check
- Product size check
- Product weight check
- Barcode check
- Carton drop test
- Full Assembly Test
- Smell test
- Color Fastness Check
- Coating adhesive Tape Test
- Color shade check
- Tension test
Check an inspection report sample: https://www.gis-inspection.com/resource/sample-report
GIS Professional Inspection Services for Pet Products
Pet owners prioritize safety and seek reliable products, making it essential to demonstrate quality and safety when marketing pet products. At GIS, our comprehensive pet product quality control solutions cover all aspects – from durability and performance to regulatory compliance that give you the confidence to bring your pet products to market.
Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized quality control plan that addresses your specific needs and requirements. We'll provide you with detailed reports and recommendations to help you identify and address any potential issues, ensuring that your pet products meet or exceed industry standards and regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about how our services can be tailored to your specific needs and take the first step towards ensuring the quality of your pet products.
