Advice on why and how a shipment inspection should take place.

Governments or buyers demand inspection reports for a number of reasons:

• To ensure shipments do not contain illegal or low-quality merchandise
  
  
• To make sure importers are properly declaring their goods
  
  
• To ensure they have received what they have paid for or are about to pay for (usually by independent inspection)
  
  The process typically starts with the buyer. Once a contract between a buyer and seller has been established, the importer or buyer will arrange with their favorite inspection company a pre-shipment inspection. Although some countries require a specific company to perform the inspection, others have opened it up to a variety of competitors.
  
  Upon requesting an inspection, the following information needs to be given to the inspecting company:
  
  
  
• Company name and contact name of the exporter and the type and location of the goods to be inspected
  
  Note: Regarding the time of the inspection, inspectors have busy schedules and need a five to seven day window to schedule a visit. Once you have a tentative date for inspection you need to have the goods ready for inspection. This may mean opening the shipping unit or having the container staged and ready to load.
  
  Some other advice:
  
  
• Many "Less than Container Load (LCL)" shipments can be inspected at the port of export.
  
  
• It is recommended that the inspection take place where you can supervise and answer questions the inspector might have.
  
  
• You may also need to close up a crate or box following the inspection so it is best that you are or your forwarder is available to assist during the examination.
  
  
• Following the inspection, a "Clean Report of Findings" (or something similar) will be issued. This is usually required at the time of import. Most reports are issued following proof of export and usually can be completed by fax.
  

The importer pays usual costs for such examinations; however, delays can be invoiced directly to the exporter.


The inspector will look at the following aspects of the products in the shipment:

• Safety
  Are the products compliant with applicable safety regulations?
  
  
  
• Performance
  Does the product function properly, and as intended?
  
  
  
• Appearance
  What is the condition of the finish, printing and marking?
  
  
  
• Packaging
  Is the condition of packing, marking and accessories appropriate?