Inspections

We carry out inspections in The Netherlands and Belgium, but also carry out international inspections world wide. Our surveyors are certified as "Surveyor Consumer Products and Cigarettes", our surveyor Mr. Richard Peeters is also generally certified as "General Cargo Surveyor" according to the NEN-45013 standard, which has the same status as a Sworn Surveyor.

Our inspections can be sorted in 3 different categories:

Warehouse-inspection:

This is an inspection of goods that are stored in a (bonded) warehouse. Usually these inspections are ordered by a potential buyer or the owner of the goods. During a warehouse-inspection we check the goods on quantity, specifications, condition and possible damages. During cigarette inspections we also check the brand genuineness. We do not test quality of the products, or use technical product analyses for the goods.

Pre-shipment Survey:

This inspection is same as a warehouse-inspection, only we watch the goods during loading into a container or truck. We check if the container / truck is clean and undamaged, how many goods are loaded, in which order goods are loaded and for possible damages arising during loading and stowing. After loading the container / truck will be sealed with our seal.

Sample Inspection:

During a Sample Inspection we check a sample for specifications, condition and genuineness (cigarettes). On the inspection reports is clearly mentioned that there is no guarantee that the samples are from the same lot and that one sample does not represent a complete lot.

Liability:

During all our inspections we check the product at random, unless we have an explicit request from our customer to check the product case by case. The inspection details given in our certificates are based on this random check. In case of a undisputed failure by PCS International B.V. our maximum liability is 100% of the fee paid by our client (excluding made expenses), with a maximum compensation of EUR. 1000.00 per inspection.
The undisputed failure by PCS International has to be proven by the customer in a detailed specified report with mentioning of identification number(s) (warehouse cargo survey) or container number(s) including PCS International seal numbers (Pre-Shipment Survey). In case of a pre-shipment survey the receiving warehouse also has to certify that the container has been received undamaged and that the PCS International seal was unbroken at the time of unloading at the warehouse. The original seal has to be presented.