What are the differences between pre-shipment inspection and container loading supervision?

The practice of employing independent companies to control and certify shipment details such as price, quantity and quality of goods ordered overseas, before the goods are dispatched from the seller's promises, is known as 3rd party inspection.

These kinds of inspection services are very beneficial to importers and exporters for various reasons. It is also supported by WTO (World Trade Organization) because 3rd party inspection services are also protect importing counties' interests by prevention of capital flight and commercial fraud as well as customs duty evasion.

Pre-shipment inspection and container loading supervision are types of surveillance audits that are frequently used in international trade transactions.

There are some similarities exist between these two inspection types such as :
  • both of them are conducted by independent audit companies in order to prevent shipment of poor quality goods.
  • both of them are conducted before goods are dispatched from the exporter's factory
  • both of them are conducted at the exporter's premises.

Apart from above mentioned familiarities, there are certain core differences exist between pre-shipment inspection and container loading supervision that I would like to explain them in detail today's post.

What is container loading supervision (CLS)?

On my previous article I have explained pre-shipment inspection in detail, by replying the fundamental questions in regards to pre-shipment inspection.

We have covered following questions so far:
  • When should the pre-shipment inspection be conducted? 
  • What are the benefits of a pre-shipment inspection? 
  • How much does it cost to have a pre-shipment inspection?
  • How does a pre-shipment inspection work?
But one of the main questions is left unanswered. 

How can we as an importer make sure that the inspected goods will be shipped to us? 

How can we as an importer make sure that the loading process is fine and the package as per conditions stated on the sales contract?


One of the correct answer of above questions is Container Loading Supervision (CLS) and today I would like to explain this inspection type in detail.