A generic statement that “SGS inspection is available” does not define what will be inspected or whether the result controls payment and claims. The parties should issue a written inspection instruction linked to the sale contract.
Typical scope modules
- Seller, facility and stock-location verification.
- Lot identification and segregation before sampling.
- Visual grade, preparation and prohibited-material checks.
- Sampling, moisture, chemistry, recovery or contamination testing.
- Scale verification, tare and net-weight witnessing.
- Packing, container condition, loading sequence and seal witnessing.
- Photographic records and certificate wording.
Inspection limitations
An inspector can only report the agreed scope and accessible material. Dense bales, opaque bags, preloaded containers, non-representative stock presentation and restricted sampling can materially reduce assurance. The certificate should disclose limitations rather than imply full-lot certainty.
Contract effect
State whether the certificate is a condition for payment, final at origin, provisional pending destination analysis, or one item of evidence. Define who appoints and pays the inspector, rights of attendance, retest procedure, retained samples and the hierarchy between conflicting results.
General commercial guidance only. Grade nomenclature and market practice vary. The signed contract, current official specifications and transaction-specific professional advice control.