In this issue’s question and answer column SITPRO’s Helpdesk Manager, Aileen Prendergast, shares a question that SITPRO has received about pre-shipment inspection.
Q. I have recently received interest in my products from a potential customer in Benin. I understand that goods exported to Benin are subject to pre-shipment inspection. Please can you explain what this is and how we arrange for the goods to be inspected?
A. Pre-shipment inspection is required for a number of countries, including Benin. The government of the overseas country appoints an agency in the UK to inspect the goods prior to export for the purposes of ascertaining that the goods conform to the description on the invoice and that the price is the true market value. Each agency operates in a broadly similar way and it is the importer who initiates the process.
In the case of Benin, pre-shipment inspection is carried out in the UK by Bureau Veritas (BIVAC International) tel: 020 7550 8900. Inspection is required for orders above a certain monetary value and some products are exempt. On receipt of the proforma invoice the importer will contact the local BIVAC Liason Office in Cotonou to lodge a Pre-Shipment Inspection Order. Details of the intended import are emailed to the UK office - the Centre of Relations with Exporters (CRE) and they in turn contact the UK exporter. The CRE will ask the seller to provide technical details of the goods, a copy of the proforma invoice, the location and date when the goods will be available for inspection. A physical inspection of the goods is then carried out. Once the inspection has taken place the CRE needs a copy of the final invoice and Bill of Lading in order to issue the Clean Report of Findings (CRF) This is emailed to the BIVAC Liaison Office which delivers the printed documents to the importer, thus allowing presentation to the local authorities for Customs clearance and delivery of the goods.
If the goods are used clothes, shoes and bags, a weighbridge ticket will also have to be supplied. Where an exporter needs their invoice to be stamped for letter of credit purposes, Bureau Veritas require two original invoices to be sent to them by post which will then be returned. Pre-shipment inspection requirements are subject to change and exporters should check the details with their customer or with the relevant agency.
If you need help with a trade procedures query, call Aileen at the SITPRO Helpdesk on
020 7215 8150 or email aileen.prendergast@sitpro.org.uk 
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Return to SITPRO News: Issue 51, Winter 2004/2005