Shipping Documents
Inspection Certificate – Purpose & Key Fields
Document confirming goods have been inspected and meet specified standards.
- Document
- Inspection Certificate
- Transport modes
- Sea, Air, Road, Rail, Multimodal
- Issued by
- Independent inspection companies, SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, Government agencies
An Inspection Certificate is issued by an authorized inspection company confirming that goods have been examined and meet specified standards for quality, quantity, condition, or compliance. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is required by some countries before goods can be imported. The certificate protects buyers and ensures goods match contract specifications.
Purpose of the Inspection Certificate
- Confirms goods meet quality standards
- Verifies quantity and condition
- Required by some importing countries
- Protects buyer against non-conforming goods
- May be required for LC payment
Who issues the Inspection Certificate
- Independent inspection companies
- SGS
- Bureau Veritas
- Intertek
- Government agencies
When the Inspection Certificate is required
- Pre-shipment inspection countries
- Quality-sensitive imports
- LC requirements
- Buyer protection
Key fields on the Inspection Certificate
- Inspection Company (required): Party conducting inspection
- Exporter/Importer (required): Parties to transaction
- Description of Goods (required): Items inspected
- Inspection Results (required): Findings and compliance status
- Inspection Date (required): When inspection occurred
- Standards Applied (required): Quality standards used
Tips for the Inspection Certificate
- Schedule inspection with enough time before shipment
- Check destination country PSI requirements
- Ensure certificate meets LC specifications
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Inspection Certificate?
Document confirming goods have been inspected and meet specified standards.
What is the purpose of the Inspection Certificate?
Confirms goods meet quality standards. Verifies quantity and condition. Required by some importing countries. Protects buyer against non-conforming goods. May be required for LC payment
Who issues the Inspection Certificate?
The Inspection Certificate is issued by: Independent inspection companies, SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, Government agencies.