Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) – Frequently Asked Questions

You can find the answers to frequently asked questions on pre-shipment inspections (PSI) here.

What is a pre-shipment inspection?

During this pre-loading inspection, goods are examined before they are loaded into the container or packing crate. In addition, the inspections include checking whether the packaging is appropriate, the papers are complete, the goods are CE-compliant, any certificates are required etc. The pre-shipment inspection includes all checks which are not usually conducted until the goods arrive at your company. One of the main differences for the customers is that they are informed about any defects relatively quickly, long before the container reaches their premises. This means that any required changes can be made.

Back to overview

I trust my suppliers. Why do I need a pre-shipment inspection?

Trust is good, monitoring is better. Even, or indeed especially, in a long-standing business relationship, it is important to make sure quality does not slip so that you can maintain a good relationship with your suppliers. In a way, pre-shipment inspections are like “training”. Regular checks automatically ensure that more attention than usual is paid to quality.

 

Back to overview

 

As an exporter, how do I benefit from pre-shipment inspections?

Instead of supplier credit (which is often not paid until very late), you can arrange a letter of credit system with your customer. A small discount usually helps, and the shorter interim financing and higher liquidity soon compensate. TÜV Hessen then conducts the pre-shipment inspection before the goods are sent and transmits the documentation to the bank issuing the letter of credit. You receive the purchase price straight away. A simple solution that also ensures a better relationship with the customer, as fewer reminders have to be sent.

 

Back to overview

TÜV Hessen is a regional organization. Why should I choose TÜV Hessen over one of the other inspection companies?

TÜV Hessen might still refer to the region in its name (in part because the state holds shares in the company), but we have been active internationally for a long time. Many of our experts speak another language in addition to English, and we have a wide network of branches on every continent.<br/> We also bill our services fairly by effort, not as a percentage of the order value, which provides a significant benefit for you, especially in the case of large, high-value orders.

Back to overview

 

My customer’s letter of credit specifies a different inspection company. Do I have to use them?

Just talk to your customer. They need to inform their bank that TÜV is conducting the inspection instead of another inspection company. It makes no difference to the bank, while TÜV Hessen’s cost-based billing saves you money.

Back to overview

 

Can I incorporate pre-shipment inspections into an existing framework agreement?

Of course, just like expediting. Simply get in touch with us.

Back to overview

 

Can you help with foreign regulations?

We provide advice on a huge range of standards and regulations. Be it GOST-R, the “Certificat de contrôle de qualité de la marchandise”, PED, CE or ASME, we have specialists for each country.

Back to overview

 

I want to import a complete production line. How can you support me?

Our expediters regularly check up on the project’s progress and examine the goods before shipping. Find out more under the Expediting service.

 

Back to overview

 

Is it possible to check the quality in addition to checks for completeness?

Our international network of branches and laboratories can also check quality, content of hazardous substances, electromagnetic compatibility etc. We will be happy to prepare an individual quote.

Back to overview

 

The first deliveries were excellent, but the quality is now slipping. What can I do?

Slipping quality standards are a common problem as a business relationship continues, and not just with deliveries from the Far East. You should take immediate action and have us inspect deliveries regularly.

Back to overview

You say that the TÜV seal helps in customs clearing. Why?

TÜV is well-known not just in Germany, but worldwide. It represents reliability and German thoroughness. As a result, when a box or container is marked with the TÜV seal, customs officials abroad trust that the contents match the delivery note. This has been observed particularly in Russia and the CIS, where our TÜV seal considerably shortens processing times at border checkpoints.

Back to overview