An Inspection Report is a document issued by a third-party inspection agency (such as SGS, BV, Intertek) or an inspection party recognized by both buyer and seller in foreign trade, used to certify that the quality, quantity, packaging, specifications, etc. of the goods comply with contract or letter of credit requirements. It is commonly used in pre-shipment inspection, arrival inspection, and other stages, and serves as an important basis for buyer payment, seller document presentation, customs clearance, and claims. Usage scenarios include: letters of credit requiring submission of an inspection report as a negotiation document; the buyer designating the inspection agency and bearing the costs; and serving as evidence when quality disputes arise over the goods. Notes: The inspection standards, sampling methods, inspection time, and location should be clearly specified, and it should not be confused with an 'Inspection Certificate'—the latter is usually issued by an official or designated authority and has stronger legal effect, while an inspection report focuses more on specific test data. In addition, the inspection report must be consistent with the inspection clauses stipulated in the contract; otherwise, payment may be refused. Compared with a 'Certificate of Quality,' an inspection report has a broader scope and may cover indicators such as safety and environmental protection.
📝 Examples
1. According to the requirements of the letter of credit, the seller must obtain an inspection report issued by SGS before shipment and submit it to the bank for negotiation together with other documents. (Note: The inspection report is one of the documents required for negotiation under the letter of credit and must comply with the specific provisions of the letter of credit.)
2. After receiving the goods, the buyer commissioned a third party to conduct an inspection and found that the composition did not conform to the contract, and therefore filed a claim with the seller based on the inspection report. (Note: The inspection report serves as key evidence in quality disputes and claims.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
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