Inspection Report

An Inspection Report is a written document issued by an independent inspection agency, manufacturer, or buyer's representative in foreign trade, used to certify whether the quality, quantity, packaging, specifications, etc. of goods comply with contract or letter of credit requirements before shipment or after arrival. It is commonly used in pre-shipment inspection (PSI) under terms such as FOB and CIF, or for conformity assessment required for customs clearance in the importing country. Usage scenarios include: a letter of credit requiring an inspection report as a negotiation document; the buyer entrusting a third party such as SGS or BV to conduct pre-shipment inspection; or serving as the basis for claims when there is a quality dispute between buyer and seller. Notes: the type of inspection report (e.g., factory inspection, pre-shipment inspection, arrival inspection) must be consistent with the contract; the issuing institution must be recognized by both parties; the report date should be before shipment or within the period specified in the letter of credit; if the letter of credit requires an 'inspection report issued by the beneficiary,' a third-party report cannot be submitted. Difference from an 'Inspection Certificate': an inspection report focuses more on detailed data and conclusions, while an inspection certificate is usually in a standardized format and may be issued by an official institution, carrying stronger legal effect. In addition, an inspection report is not equivalent to a certificate of origin or a quality inspection sheet and must be distinguished according to the specific purpose.