Puntos clave
- The report is only as good as the scope you commissioned.
- Sampling methodology must be described, not merely mentioned.
- Photographs and seal records make a report defensible.
Writing the scope
Specify what to inspect, when, using which sampling standard, how many increments, how samples are to be sealed and split, and what to photograph. A scope reading 'inspect the cargo' produces a report of no evidential weight.
Reading the report
Check that observations are factual and dated, that sampling is described in enough detail to be reproduced, that seal numbers are recorded, and that any deviation is described rather than characterised.
When to commission one
New suppliers, high-value cargo, cargo where the risk transfer point is remote from you, contested previous shipments and any lot where you expect a dispute is realistic.
Qué verificar
- Scope of instruction attached to or referenced in the report
- Sampling method, increment count and seal numbers documented
- Photographic annex with dated images
Riesgos a gestionar
- Generic report unusable as evidence in a dispute
- Inspection performed too late in the process to matter
- Surveyor appointed by the counterparty only
Errores frecuentes
- Commissioning inspection without a written scope
- Skipping pre-loading inspection to save cost
- Not retaining the sealed samples referenced in the report
Preguntas frecuentes
Who should appoint the surveyor?
Ideally jointly, or by the party carrying risk at that point. Joint appointment substantially reduces argument about the report's neutrality.
Is an inspection report a quality guarantee?
No. It records observations at one point in time on the material sampled; it does not warrant the entire cargo.
Lectura relacionada
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