Customer Witness Inspection Workflow for Stainless Steel Export Orders

Shaanxi Shangyou Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. supports customer witness inspection when the purchase order and approved ITP define the activity. The plan identifies hold, witness and review points; the required notice period; the acceptance basis; and the person authorized to release the order. Attendance can be on site, through a nominated independent representative or by an approved remote-witness method. Planning before production is essential because material, instruments, personnel and documents must all be available at the scheduled point.

The witness can review material certificates and heat identity, observe dimensional measurements and verify quantity, surface, manufacturing route, marking or packing. Depending on the project, witness points may include PMI, NDT, hydrostatic testing, mechanical testing, corrosion testing or final load preparation. Results are recorded against the order line and acceptance criteria. If an item requires correction, it is segregated, the action is documented and the item is re-presented when the ITP requires it. The final release status is retained with the inspection record.

Purchasers should state who will attend, which activities are hold or witness points, sampling level, acceptance criteria, notice period, language, photography rules, report format and release authority. The order should also define what happens if the representative cannot attend: proceed after notice, reschedule or use remote witness. Customer-witnessed inspection confirms only the activities and items recorded. It does not replace the original MTC or create broader certification beyond the approved scope.