Pre-shipment Inspection
Pre-shipment inspections (PSI) are required by several countries in order to ensure that the imported goods are in conformity with the standards and impede the inadequate products to enter the country. The PSI is also necessary to make sure that the price imposed by the exporter reflects the true value of the products and to reduce attempts to avoid the payment of customs duties. In some cases, a country may require PSIs only for certain types of goods.
The Pre-Shipment Inspection is usually performed following these steps:
- the importer opens an import license
- he informs the inspection service in the country of import of a pending shipment and pays for the inspection according to the terms of the importing country's inspection contract
- an inspection order is sent to the inspection company's office in the country of destination
- the inspection company contacts the exporter to schedule the date, time, and location for inspection. At this step the importer has to present all required shipping documents and invoices.
- the inspection is performed
- if the products respect all the standards a “Clean Report of Findings” is issued confirming the shipment’s value, customs classification, and clearance.
- the goods are shipped to the importing country
- the importer uses the inspection report to get the imported goods released from customs
Who pays for the inspection?
The inspection cost is paid by the importer or by the government of the importing country. Other costs as those related to unpacking, handling, testing and repackaging are entirely paid by the importer (the seller).
What are the countries requiring a PSI?
The following countries require a Pre-shipment inspection: Mauritania, Angola, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Burundi, Niger, Cambodia, Mozambique, Cameroon, Mexico, Central African Republic, Mali, Comoros, Malawi, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Ecuador, Kuwait, Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran.
