PSI
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is the practice of inspecting goods before they are shipped, in the country of export, on behalf of the importing country's authorities. Traditionally its purpose was customs-focused: verifying the price (to prevent under- or over-invoicing and capital flight), the quantity, the quality, and the correct HS classification and duty. It is carried out by appointed inspection companies and is governed internationally by the WTO Agreement on Preshipment Inspection.
PSI is broader than PVOC: PVOC focuses specifically on standards conformity and issues a Certificate of Conformity, whereas PSI historically centred on customs valuation and revenue protection. Many countries have shifted from general PSI toward destination inspection or conformity programmes like PVOC, but PSI regimes still operate in a number of markets.
PSI exists to protect the importing country's revenue and its buyers — catching mis-declared value, short quantity or wrong tariff classification before the goods leave the exporter. For traders it is a checkpoint that can hold a shipment if the invoice, quantity or classification does not stand up.
qty, HS code
report
valuation
How is PSI different from PVOC?
PSI is customs-focused — verifying price, quantity, quality and HS classification; PVOC is standards-focused — verifying conformity to technical regulations and issuing a Certificate of Conformity.
Who governs Pre-Shipment Inspection?
Internationally, the WTO Agreement on Preshipment Inspection sets the rules; inspection is carried out by appointed companies on behalf of the importing country.