A pre-shipment inspection should check the order against an agreed reference, not a general idea of how a sheet should look. For importers and distributors, the purpose is to find differences while they can still be identified, documented and resolved. This checklist organizes the review from the approved sample through shipment release.
This guide does not replace the order specification, agreed sampling plan, applicable test methods or destination-market rules. Tolerances and acceptance criteria must be confirmed in writing. Where laboratory testing is required, use the method and laboratory accepted for the project.
1. Define the inspection basis before checking
Gather the order, final specification, approved sample, décor references, tolerances, label artwork and packing plan. If a requirement appears only in an email or photograph, bring it into the control document before inspection begins.
Agreeing the method is as important as agreeing the value. Define sample size and selection, instruments, lighting, viewing distance and decision owner. A difference can then be evaluated against a common criterion.
- Order and final specification
- Approved sample and décor
- Written tolerances
- Sampling plan
- Instruments and conditions
- Release authority
2. Confirm identity, quantity and traceability
Split the order by reference, décor, format, thickness and finish. Compare available quantities with the order and preliminary packing list; a correct total can still contain the wrong mix by reference.
Select pieces from identified packs and preserve the link between result, pack and available lot. Record what was opened, how many pieces were checked and how they were returned to packing.
- Reference and décor
- Format, thickness and finish
- Quantity by reference
- Identified pack and lot
- Traceable sample
- Opening and repacking record
3. Check dimensions, flatness and edges
Measure length, width and thickness at the defined points. Where required by the order, check squareness, diagonals, flatness, edge condition and any machining. Support the sheet as the method requires so handling deflection is not confused with a product deviation.
Do not copy a tolerance from another data sheet or supplier. Record the instrument, calibration where applicable, measured points and actual results; compare only with the limit confirmed for this order.
- Length, width and thickness
- Squareness or diagonals
- Flatness with defined support
- Edges and corners
- Cutting or machining
- Recorded data and equipment
4. Inspect surface, gloss and protective film
View the decorative face under consistent lighting. Check scratches, contamination, pressure marks, spots, gloss variation and visible damage against the agreed criterion. Tilt the sheet where needed to reveal changes in reflection.
Confirm that the protective film matches the approval, is properly applied and can be removed from a sample without an unacceptable result. Also inspect the back, edges and corners because damage may be concealed inside the pack.
- Clean decorative face
- Compared gloss and texture
- Scratches, marks and spots
- Properly applied film
- Agreed removal trial
- Back, edges and corners
5. Compare décor, colour and overall appearance
Compare pieces with the physical sample and exact reference, not only with screen images. Use consistent lighting and record any difference in tone, contrast, vein scale, direction, repeat, gloss or texture.
Where visual continuity matters, stage several sheets in the intended orientation and simulate joints. This trial helps review vein transitions and the order mix, but it does not turn a random décor into a continuous pattern unless that was specified.
- Physical sample present
- Consistent lighting
- Tone and contrast
- Vein scale and direction
- Gloss and texture
- Joint trial where applicable
6. Verify packing, labels and logistics data
Check quantity per pack, interleaving, face, edge and corner protection, straps, frame and forklift access. Open and close a pack under the procedure to confirm that protection works through the intended handling steps.
Compare labels with approved artwork and record finished dimensions, net weight and gross weight. Confirm wood or IPPC requirements, handling marks, packing list and loading estimate from the actual order data.
- Quantity per pack
- Protection and frame
- Correct labels
- Finished dimensions
- Net and gross weight
- Updated list and loading
7. Document deviations and release shipment
Every deviation should state the requirement, result, affected reference, known extent, photographs and material status. Segregate pieces or packs where necessary and extend the review under the agreed plan; do not hide a difference inside an overall average.
Before shipment, close every item through verified correction, replacement, written acceptance or rejection. The final report should match the packing list and show who inspected, who decided and what evidence supports release.
- Clear requirement and result
- Identified affected material
- Confirmed extent
- Action and owner
- Documented closure
- Authorization before loading
UV marble sheet inspection FAQ
What documents are needed to inspect UV marble sheets?
Use the order or contract, confirmed specification, approved sample, décor references, label artwork, packing plan and acceptance criteria. The agreed sampling plan and any reports required for the destination should also be available.
How should dimensions and flatness be checked?
Define the instrument, support condition, measurement points, sample size and tolerance before inspection. Record length, width, thickness, squareness or flatness as specified, without applying generic limits from another product.
Is an approved sample enough to accept the complete order?
Not by itself. The sample supports comparison of décor, colour, gloss, texture and construction, but quantity, dimensions, damage, film, packing, labels and all written order criteria must also be checked.
How should colour, surface and protective film be inspected?
Compare identified pieces with the approved reference under consistent lighting and from an agreed viewing distance. Check contamination, scratches, marks, gloss, veining, edges and film. Record photographs with the relevant lot or pack reference.
What happens if an inspection finds a deviation?
Segregate and identify the affected material, describe the requirement and result, and confirm the extent under the agreed sampling plan. Buyer and supplier should document correction, replacement, acceptance or rejection before shipment is released.