Correcting a furniture packaging problem before export

The brief

The importer needed confirmation that finished furniture matched the approved construction, finish and packaging instructions before the remaining balance and shipment release.

The challenge

The products appeared acceptable when unpacked, but inconsistent corner protection and movement inside several cartons increased the risk of damage during handling and sea freight. The commercial decision depended on separating product quality from pack-out quality.

Work completed

• Checked quantity, assortment, dimensions, finish and assembly against the approved information.
• Opened selected cartons and compared the internal protection with the agreed pack-out.
• Recorded carton condition, movement inside the carton and vulnerable contact points.
• Separated workmanship findings from packaging findings in the report.
• Returned after corrective packing work to verify the revised pack-out.

Evidence and findings

• Finished product appearance and dimensions were broadly aligned with the approved requirements.
• Protective materials were not applied consistently across the inspected cartons.
• Movement inside selected cartons created avoidable contact between finished surfaces and hardware.
• The revised pack-out reduced movement and made the protection method consistent.

The outcome

The importer held shipment release while the factory corrected the packaging, then used re-inspection evidence to make the final decision. The issue was addressed in China rather than discovered after delivery.