Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)
Verification by an independent organization of the quality, quantity and value of the goods before shipment to the importing country.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Pre-shipment inspection is a check carried out by an independent inspection body in the exporting country, before the goods are loaded, on behalf of the importing country.
Objective
Check the quality and quantity of goods, confirm the declared value to avoid leakage of customs revenue, ensure compliance with destination country standards and prevent over- and under-invoicing.
Inspection bodies
The main inspection companies are SGS, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna, Intertek and BIVAC. They are mandated by the governments of importing countries.
Document issued
At the end of the inspection, a certificate of conformity (Certificate of Verification, Certificate of Conformity) is issued. This document is essential for customs clearance in the country of destination.
Countries practicing PSI
Many African countries and some Asian and Latin American countries maintain PSI programs. Some are moving towards Verification of Conformity (VOC) programs with standards.
Cost
The cost of inspection is generally borne by the importing country (financed by a customs levy) or directly by the importer.