Inspection
Physical inspection of goods in the country of origin or supply, before they are shipped.
What it involves
An inspector examines the consignment at the supplier’s premises or wherever the goods are held. The goods are checked against the request for certification, the pro-forma invoice and the supporting documents, and the findings are recorded in an inspection report.
Where there are no valid test reports, the inspector draws samples so they can be tested by an accredited or recognised laboratory.
Why it matters
Problems found at the supplier can still be corrected. Problems found at the port of entry usually mean storage while tests are run, demurrage charges, re-export or destruction.
Who may need it
- Exporters and consolidators
- Importers whose goods must arrive with a CoC
- Manufacturers of regulated products
How an inspection works
Request received
The request arrives with the location of the supplier or factory.
Documentary check
The request and attachments are reviewed and the inspection is scheduled.
Inspection at the supplier
The inspector examines the goods and records the findings.
Sampling, if needed
Without valid test reports, samples are drawn for laboratory testing.
Review
The inspection report is reviewed with any test results.
What you provide
- Accurate details from the pro-forma invoice
- Location of the supplier or factory
- Access to the goods for inspection
What the inspector records
- Whether the goods match the request and invoice
- Product description and quantity
- Samples drawn, where testing is needed
Outcome
An inspection report, which is reviewed with the test results before a Certificate of Conformity or Non-Conformity Report is issued.
Inspection as conformity assessment
Inspection is one of the recognised conformity assessment activities, alongside testing and certification. It examines the product itself, rather than relying on documents alone.
General industry context. It describes the standard or term, not a CERTECH accreditation.
Questions
Where does the inspection take place?
In the country of origin or supply, at the supplier’s premises or wherever the goods are held.
Is inspection the same as testing?
No. Inspection is a physical check of the consignment. Testing is carried out by a laboratory on samples, and only where valid test reports are not available.
What happens after the inspection?
The inspection report is reviewed together with any test results, and a CoC or an NCR is issued.
Related services
Testing coordination
Review of existing test reports, and testing by accredited or recognised ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories.
Document verification
A documentary check of the request, invoice, test reports and quality documents before inspection.
Certification
A Certificate of Conformity for goods that meet requirements, or a Non-Conformity Report where they do not.
