With a split shipment, each part is effectively a different set of goods produced at a different time. One inspection on the first part does not tell you much about the second, which may use different fabric lots, run on different lines, or be finished in a rush. The usual practice is to treat each shipment as its own inspection lot and to inspect it when it is finished and mostly packed, before it leaves the factory.

Define the inspection lots

Sampling plans such as ISO 2859-1 work by drawing a sample from a defined lot. The lot should be goods produced under the same conditions and offered together. For a split shipment, define each shipment as a lot, and if a shipment mixes styles, decide whether each style is a separate lot. Write this into the inspection booking so the inspector samples the right cartons. Note that ISO 2859-1 was revised in 2026, so name the edition you are using.

Time each inspection

Schedule a final inspection for each part when at least most of it is finished and packed. If the first container ships early, a during-production check on the second part can catch problems while there is still time to fix them. Ask the factory for a packing list per shipment before each inspection.

Check your delivery terms

Under the ICC Incoterms 2020 rules, the delivery term sets where the seller delivers and when risk passes to the buyer. Under FOB, for example, the seller delivers when the goods are on board the vessel at the named port. ICC explanatory notes point out that FOB may not be appropriate for goods handed over before they are on board, as with containers, where FCA is often suggested. Know where risk passes, so your inspection happens before then.

Paying the balance

Link each payment to the inspection result for the corresponding shipment, so a failed second lot is not already paid for.

Keep the inspection reports with the shipping documents for each container, so any later claim can be matched to the right lot. If the factory asks to combine both parts into a single inspection for cost reasons, agree it in writing only if both parts are finished and available to sample at the same time.