Third-party inspection for chemicals covers every stage from choosing a plant to loading the ship. The most common services are factory audits, pre-shipment inspection with sampling, testing at an independent lab, and supervision of loading.
In India, international inspection firms and local inspection companies offer these services around the main chemical clusters. What matters is choosing the checks that match your real risks, and making sure the inspector works to your instructions.
Inspection services by stage
- A factory audit checks that the plant exists, makes your product, and has the equipment, quality control and permits to do so. See what a factory audit should contain.
- A pre-production check confirms raw materials and the process before a large run starts.
- During-production inspection checks a batch while it is being made, useful for long or custom runs.
- Pre-shipment inspection counts packages, checks weights, packaging, labels and marks, and draws and seals samples.
- Laboratory testing analyses the sample against your specification, ideally at a lab accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. In India, accreditation is given by NABL.
- Loading supervision watches the goods go into the container, ISO tank or ship and records seal numbers.
- Bulk surveys measure quantity and check tank or hold cleanliness, covered in a loading survey for bulk chemicals.
What the inspector's report should show
- The packages counted and those opened, with batch numbers.
- Photos of packaging, labels, UN marks and the loaded container.
- Sample details, seal numbers and the chain of custody.
- Lab results with methods used and the lab's accreditation.
- Any deviation from your specification or instructions, stated plainly.
Limits of inspection
Inspection checks the lot on the day. It does not make the supplier reliable. An inspector can only test what your instructions ask for, so a vague brief gives a vague report. A pass on one shipment says little about the next, which is why buyers who inspect only the first order often see quality slip later.
Be clear about who appoints and pays the inspector. An inspector appointed by the supplier reports to the supplier.
How to brief an inspector
A good brief is short and specific. It turns a general visit into a check of the things that would hurt you most.
- Give the inspector your specification, the agreed packaging and label artwork, and the purchase order.
- State the sampling plan, the number of sample sets and who keeps each one.
- Name the tests, methods and lab, and the limits that decide pass or fail.
- Say what the inspector should do if something is wrong: stop loading, photograph and report, or continue and record.
Next step
We audit manufacturers, draw and seal samples, have lots tested and supervise loading, all for you. See our services, or book a free sourcing review.