Third-party inspection at your vendors in China
We attend the manufacturer's works at every hold and witness point in your ITP, for valves, pressure vessels, piping and packaged equipment, and report in English the same day.
- Based in Qingdao
- Named inspector on every quote
- Reports on your forms
Inspection and test plan API 6D ball valves
- RMaterial certificates reviewed
- WHeat numbers matched to castings
- HHydrostatic shell test
- WSeat tests, leakage recorded
- HFinal release
What we do at the vendor's works
All services- Vendor inspectionVendor inspection, also called source inspection or third-party inspection, means our inspector attends the manufacturer's works on your behalf at the hold and witness points in your inspection and test plan.
- Resident inspectionA resident inspector works at the vendor's factory every day for the length of the fabrication, so every hold and witness point is covered without call-out delays.
- ExpeditingExpediting means checking the real progress of your order at the manufacturer, against the agreed schedule, and raising delays early enough to act on them.
- Vendor auditA vendor audit checks whether a manufacturer in China can actually build what you plan to order, before you place the purchase order.
- NDT and test witnessingWe witness non-destructive testing, PMI and mechanical tests at manufacturers and laboratories in China, and review results against the acceptance criteria in your specification.
Equipment we inspect
All equipmentEach page lists the standards we inspect against, a typical inspection and test plan, and the non-conformances we find most often.
ValvesAPI 6D pipeline valves, API 598 inspection and testing
Pressure vessels and heat exchangersASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1 and Div. 2, ASME Section IX welding qualifications
Pipe fittings and flangesASME B16.5 and B16.47 flanges, ASME B16.9 butt-weld fittings, ASME B16.11 forged fittings
Line pipeAPI 5L PSL1 / PSL2 and ISO 3183, DNV-ST-F101 for offshore pipelines
Structural steelAWS D1.1 structural welding, EN 1090-2 and ISO 3834 welding quality
Rotating equipmentAPI 610 centrifugal pumps, API 617 centrifugal compressors, API 618 reciprocating compressors
Electrical and instrumentationIEC 60076 power transformers, IEC 62271 high-voltage switchgear, IEC 61439 low-voltage assemblies
Skids and modulesASME B31.3 process piping, AWS D1.1 structural welding
From RFQ to release note
- Send the PO and ITPNo ITP yet? We draft one for your approval.
- Get a quote and the inspector’s CVWe reply within one business day.
- The vendor notifies each inspectionWe confirm the date and attend every hold and witness point.
- Read the flash report the same dayFull report with photos and test records follows.
- Receive the release noteIssued once every hold point is cleared.
Based in Qingdao, at the vendor's door
Most oil & gas equipment made in China comes from a few industrial clusters along the east coast. From Qingdao our inspectors reach the Shandong, Hebei and Tianjin plants within hours, and the Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang plants within a day.
- Valves Wenzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin
- Fittings and flanges Cangzhou, Dingxiang
- Vessels and exchangers Zhangjiagang, Wuxi, Nanjing
- Steel and modules Qingdao, Tianjin, Nantong
Who we work for
EPC contractors and package vendors
Buying equipment and bulk materials from Chinese manufacturers for projects in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Traders and distributors
Of valves, pipe, fittings and flanges, who need independent inspection reports for their end clients.
International inspection agencies
That need qualified local inspectors in China, working on the agency's forms and procedures.
Common questions
What does Vendor Witness do?
Vendor Witness is a third-party inspection company based in Qingdao, China. Our inspectors attend manufacturers on behalf of buyers, EPC contractors and inspection agencies to witness tests, review records and release equipment for shipment.
Which equipment do you inspect?
Valves, pressure vessels and heat exchangers, pipe fittings and flanges, line pipe, structural steel, pumps and compressors, electrical and instrumentation equipment, and skid-mounted packages for oil & gas, petrochemical and power projects.
Who are your clients?
Buyers who purchase from Chinese manufacturers but have no inspectors in China: EPC contractors, equipment traders and distributors, operators, and international inspection agencies that need local inspectors.
How much does third-party inspection in China cost?
We quote per inspector-day based on the vendor location, the equipment and the inspection plan. Send the PO and ITP and we reply within one business day with a fixed man-day rate and any travel costs itemised.
How fast can an inspector reach the factory?
Typically 48–72 hours in most of eastern China, depending on the vendor location. Book three to five working days ahead for planned hold and witness points.
Do you work for other inspection agencies?
Yes. International inspection agencies use us as their local inspection partner in China, with reports issued on their forms and under their procedures.
Send us the PO and ITP. We will reply with a quote.
Tell us the equipment, the vendor's city and the inspection dates. We reply within one business day with a man-day quote and the inspector's CV.