Check the cabinets
Compare finished cabinets with the latest drawings, finish choices, hardware list and agreed measurements.
ARCAYA / THE CABINETRY BUYER’S GUIDE
How Custom Cabinets Are Checked, Packed and Shipped from China
Know what should be checked, photographed, labelled and handed over before your cabinetry leaves the factory.
Build my evidence brief See the short answer
THE SHORT ANSWER
A safe shipment needs proof at every stage.
A last-minute photo of wrapped cartons cannot show what is inside. Start with approved project information, record the factory checks and packing, then count and photograph the closed packages when they arrive.
Protect and label them
Protect the surfaces and corners. Label every package with its room, cabinet and package number.
Record each handover
State who handles loading, shipping documents, arrival checks and reports of visible damage.
Keep three records: cabinet quality, packing quality and transport condition. They are connected, but different people may be responsible for each one.
01 / FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Six checkpoints from approval to arrival.
At each stage, record what was checked, which approved document was used, what proof was saved and who makes the next decision.
Approved project information
Confirm the latest drawings, room list, finish sample and hardware list before production begins.
KEEP THIS RECORDDated approval
Checks during production
Check key sizes, finishes and selected fittings early enough for the factory to correct them.
KEEP THIS RECORDResults + open issues
Final cabinet check
Compare each finished cabinet with the approved list. Test doors and drawers, and check surfaces and loose parts.
KEEP THIS RECORDPhotos + results by unit
Packing and labels
Protect every cabinet and label each package with its room, cabinet and package number.
KEEP THIS RECORDPacking list + photos
Container loading
Record the container condition, package count, how the load is secured, the closed doors and seal number.
KEEP THIS RECORDLoading photos + seal
Arrival check
Before opening boxes, the receiver checks the package count and visible condition.
KEEP THIS RECORDArrival count + photos
02 / CHECK THE FINISHED ORDER
Check every cabinet against the latest approved documents.
The buyer, factory and inspector should all use the same dated cabinet list, drawings, finish choices and hardware list. Record anything that does not match and agree what happens next.
01
Sizes & right angles
Measure the agreed points and compare them with the latest drawing. Record the actual sizes and check that cabinet corners are square.
02
Visible finishes
Under good light, check colour, sheen, grain direction, edges, chips, scratches, dents and marks.
03
Doors, drawers & hardware
Confirm the selected hardware model where needed. Open and close sample doors, drawers and special storage fittings.
04
Parts & fit with other products
Count panels, shelves, fillers, plinths, handles and loose fittings. Check that cabinets will fit the listed appliances, sink, plumbing and electrical points.
WHAT A USEFUL QC RECORD SHOWS
What was checked, what it was compared with and what did not match.
Result: what the inspector saw or measured. Approved reference: the drawing, sample or model used for comparison. Problem and next step: what does not match, who decides and whether it will be corrected or accepted.
03 / PACK FOR THE ITEM AND ROUTE
Protect every piece. Label every package.
Protect finished surfaces and corners, then keep the label visible. The packing list should also state whether each cabinet is assembled, partly assembled or flat-packed.
CABINET
COMPONENT
COMPONENT
- Surface protectionKeep finished faces from rubbing or marking.
- Edge & corner protectionProtect the points most exposed to impact.
- Secure inner packingStop parts and loose fittings from moving inside.
- Outer carton or crateChoose protection strong enough for the item and route.
- Clear package labelConnect the package to its room, cabinet and packing list.
A LABEL PEOPLE CAN USEKITCHEN · K–03 · LEFT SIDE
KITCHEN · K–03 · LEFT SIDE
BOX 12 OF 18
Match the drawing: room and cabinet reference
Place correctly: side or position when helpful
Count easily: package number and total
Trace the order: project or shipment reference
04 / LOAD WHAT THE PACKING LIST DESCRIBES
Inspect the container before the first package goes in.
Check that the container is clean, dry and suitable. Plan where each package goes, keep cabinets away from wet materials, secure everything against movement and photograph the finished load.
Before loading
Record the container number and check its visible condition, cleanliness, dryness, smell and suitability.
During loading
Record the package count, position of heavy items, how everything is secured and the order needed for unloading.
Before closing
Photograph the secured load and closed doors. Record the seal number and agreed shipping documents.
The IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code is an international guide for packing cargo containers. It covers container suitability, load planning, securing and moisture risks.
Read the UNECE CTU Code overview ↗ISPM 15 applies to certain solid-wood packaging used in international trade. Confirm destination rules when solid-wood pallets, crates or packing blocks are used.
Read the IPPC ISPM 15 FAQ ↗Incoterms® rules explain certain delivery duties, costs and risks. They do not replace the sale contract, cabinet specification, inspection plan or arrival process.
Read the ICC overview ↗WHO CHECKS WHAT
Decide who checks each stage—and who receives each record.
Write down who completes each factory, packing, loading and arrival check. The people may differ by project, so confirm their names and responsibilities in the proposal.
ROLEWHAT THEY CHECKRECORD TO KEEP
Factory production teamWere the cabinets made to the latest approved drawings and specifications?Production notes and correction records
QC inspectorDo the agreed checks pass, and are problems clearly recorded?Dated report with photos and results
Packing and loading teamAre the packages protected, labelled, counted and secured?Packing list, loading photos and seal number
Freight and customs teamWho handles each transport stage, document, customs step and insurance requirement?Bookings and shipping documents
Local receiver or installerDid the correct packages arrive without visible damage?Arrival count, photos and issue list
Client or project leadWhich open issues have been corrected, accepted or kept open before release?Written approvals and decisions
05 / RECEIVE BEFORE YOU INSTALL
Count the shipment while the packages are still closed.
Check and photograph the closed packages as soon as they arrive. Record visible transport damage before unpacking, then follow the reporting deadlines in the carrier, insurance and sales documents.
- 01
Photograph the load and packages
Before moving anything, photograph the vehicle or container, seal number and any water marks, impact damage or crushed corners.
- 02
Count against the packing list
Check package numbers by room and cabinet. Record anything missing, extra or without a clear label.
- 03
Move boxes to a dry area
Keep packages secure and grouped by room. Follow any handling and orientation labels.
- 04
Record problems while unpacking
Photograph the packaging and contents when a problem is found. Include the package number in every report.
TURN THE GUIDE INTO A PROJECT BRIEF
Choose the records your project should hand over.
6 of 8 items selected. Use this checklist to prepare the project conversation, then agree the final inspection and delivery responsibilities in writing.
ARCAYA / WHOLE-HOME COORDINATION
Coordinate every room before production begins.
Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, vanities and a media wall can share finishes, hardware choices, drawing records and one shipment plan. Each package still needs a clear room and cabinet number. Arcaya can coordinate this information from design review through production and shipment preparation.
Discuss my whole-home projectThe proposal will state which design, inspection, purchasing, shipping and local-site services are included.
QUESTIONS BUYERS ASK
Custom cabinet QC, packing and shipping FAQs
What should be checked before custom cabinets leave China?＋
Check the approved cabinet list, key sizes, visible finishes, edges, hardware models, door and drawer movement, loose parts and package count. The project inspection plan should state what will be checked, what proof will be provided and who decides how to handle anything that does not match.
Is a final inspection enough?＋
A final inspection is useful, but some checks need to happen earlier. Confirm the latest drawings and finish sample before production. Review the first completed pieces while changes are still possible. The final check then confirms the finished cabinets and packing records.
Should cabinets ship assembled or flat-packed?＋
Either can work. The right choice depends on cabinet construction, finish, shipment volume, site access and installation plan. The quotation and packing list should state which units are assembled, which are flat-packed and where loose hardware is packed.
What photos should a buyer receive before shipment?＋
A useful evidence set normally shows the unit identification, measured checkpoints, visible finish, working doors and drawers, loose hardware, protection layers, package labels, package count, container condition, secured load and seal number. Agree the exact evidence list before production.
What is ISPM 15?＋
ISPM 15 is an international rule for certain solid-wood packaging used in global trade. If the shipment uses solid-wood pallets, crates or packing blocks, ask the exporter or logistics provider whether treatment and official marks are required for the destination.
Do Incoterms decide who checks the cabinets?＋
No. Incoterms explain certain delivery duties, costs and risks between buyer and seller. They do not define cabinet quality or replace an inspection plan. State who handles inspection, packing, insurance, unloading and installation in separate written documents.
Who checks the shipment when it arrives?＋
The receiving plan should name a local person to photograph the closed packages, count them against the packing list and record visible damage before unpacking. The carrier and insurance documents will state how quickly any transport problem must be reported.
Can Arcaya coordinate cabinetry for more than one room?＋
Yes. Arcaya’s whole-home coordination approach can connect kitchen, wardrobe, vanity and other built-in cabinetry to one room list, one drawing record and one packing logic. The agreed proposal should still state the exact service scope for your project.
Research sources, evidence limits and image disclosure ＋
This guide combines buyer questions from public Chinese community sources with primary technical references. Community sources help identify what buyers worry about; they are not treated as technical or legal standards.
- Zhihu / 工厂出货的基本流程看这篇就够了！ — used for common export workflow questions: shipping list, inspection, photographs, packing and loading coordination.
- Zhihu / 全屋定制橱柜避坑指南 — used for buyer questions about detailed specifications, hardware, drawings, delivery, installation and after-sales scope.
- Xiaohongshu / 商品发布基本规则 — supports complete, consistent and truthful product information.
- Xiaohongshu / 第三方商家售后服务管理规则 — used only to identify public categories of appearance, mismatch, missing-item and logistics disputes.
- UNECE / CTU Code — official overview of the global non-mandatory code of practice for packing cargo transport units.
- IPPC / ISPM 15 FAQ — official reference for regulated wood packaging material.
- ICC / Incoterms® rules — official overview of delivery obligations, costs and risk allocation.
- Pexels license and photo credits — real photographs by Mandiri Abadi, Julio Muebles, Karolina Grabowska, Damian Apanasowicz, Curtis Adams, Tiger Lily, Elements Interactive, Tima Miroshnichenko and Ivan S; individual source links are included in the downloadable research notes.
The page uses licensed real photographs from Pexels. They provide visual context and do not depict Arcaya staff, factories, clients or completed projects. The page provides educational questions and examples, not a guaranteed QC result, legal advice, transport instruction or contract. Full photo credits and source adoption notes are included with the downloadable site files.
YOUR ROOMS / YOUR CABINETS / YOUR DESTINATION
Plan the evidence before production starts.
Send your room list, current drawings and destination. Tell us what is being supplied, how it will be packed and which local team will receive and install it.
support@arcayaliving.comUseful files: room list, cabinet drawings, finish and hardware schedule, quotation, destination and any existing packing or delivery requirements.