Pre-shipment inspections (PSI) are required when mandated by the government of the importing country. Governments impose pre-shipment inspections to ensure that the price charged by the exporter reflects the true value of the goods, prevent substandard goods from entering their country, and mitigate attempts to avoid the payment of customs duties.

Contracts for pre-shipment inspections are usually reviewed on an annual basis and exporters may contact the local Chamber of Commerce, inspection companies, or freight forwarders for up-dated information.

Kindly note that many aid and charity organisations are exempt from the inspection procedure, since the vehicle importation is not a commercial transaction but a donation from the NGOs head office to their country office. This should be checked with the local authorities.

Pre-shipment inspections are performed by contracted private organisations. In most cases, importers can select from a short list of these organizations when planning inspections. Occasionally, however, one firm is appointed to carry out inspections for a specific country.

Typically an exporter does not pay for inspections, although it is possible that exporters may incur costs associated with inspection.

Although the importer is responsible for arranging the pre-shipment inspection, the exporter must make the goods available for inspection at the country of origin.

Generally, the inspection company starts the inspection process once it receives a copy of the inspection order from the importing country. An inspection order states the value of goods, the name and address of the importer and the exporter, the country of supply and the importer's declaration of customs code. The inspection company then contacts the exporter to arrange an inspection site and time.

The steps of the inspection process are usually as follows:

1) The importer opens an import license.

2) The importer informs the inspection service in the country of import of a pending shipment, and either pays for the inspection up front or pays a percentage based on the value of the commercial invoice, depending on the terms of the importing country's inspection contract.

3) An inspection order is forwarded to the inspection company office in the country of export.

4) The inspection company contacts the exporter to arrange date, time and location for inspection.

5) The inspection is carried out, and a "Clean Report of Findings" is issued confirming the shipment's value, customs classification and that it can be cleared.

6) The goods are shipped onward to the importing country, and the importer uses the inspection report to get the imported goods released from customs.

If goods should reach the border of the importing country without inspection, they usually have to be re-exported to a nearby country for inspection prior to re-entry.

Preparation of your vehicle(s) will not start until you advise us whether or not an inspection is required, given that this process can take time and we do not have the facilities to store completed vehicles.

The shipping dates we give on order confirmations are indicative only and are subject to confirmation of whether or not an inspection is required. It is in your interest to establish this quickly, to avoid unnecessary delays. These measures are taken in your interest, as you could be liable to a heavy fine on the arrival of goods, if local regulations are not adhered to.