DASH International

COMPLETE TRUST
DASH International is the worlds leading Pre-Shipment
inspection, verification, testing and certification company.
Recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integ-
rity, we employ more than 300 people and operate a net-
work of over 15 offices and laboratories around the
world. We are constantly looking beyond customers and
societys expectations in order to deliver market
leading services wherever they are needed.
As the leader in providing specialized business solutions
that improve quality, safety and productivity and reduce
risk, we help customers navigate an increasingly regulated
world.
Our independent services add significant value to our cus-
tomers operations and ensure business sustainability.

GUIDELINES FOR EXPORTER

PRE SHIPMENT INSPECTION

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Pre-Shipment Inspection offering
The PSI offer, designed by DASH to efficiently support Cus- Tariff classification assistance to detect misclassification of
toms operations, is proven goods and provide Customs with an independent opinion on the
to be comprehensive, modular, flexible and fully customizable declared tariff codes thus indicating which duties and taxes should
in order to: be paid.

Meet the specific objectives of Customs Valuation assistance to provide Customs with an independent
Take into account local parameters and prevailing regula- opinion on prices on the commercial invoices. The various price
tions components are examined in order to ensure they correspond to
Adapt to evolving needs those prevailing in the country of origin or on the international mar-
ket
Detailed physical inspection of goods to verify that the and take into account commercial agreements.
goods:
Duties and taxes calculation based on the assessed dutiable
Conform to the relevant agreed contractual specifications value and appropriate Customs classification, in accordance with
Meet the relevant quality and quantity requirements the tariff rates applicable under the local Customs tariff code.
Are adequately and accurately described all along the invoic- DASH can be mandated to monitor exemptions which have been
ing control process granted by authorities.

FCL (Full Container Load) container inspection to guarantee Added value reporting on operations to regularly provide Cus-
that the goods loaded are safely stored and remain unham- toms with essential data for statistical interpretation and reconcilia-
pered with during travel including loading / discharge services: tion purposes. These reports serve as management tools and al-
low a performance review of systems and processes.
Empty container integrity checking
Stuffing witnessing Training and capacity building based on practical training meth-
Sealing with tamper-resistant devices ods to increase Customs monitoring ability, practices and empow-
erment that results in concrete and tangible enhancements.
Documentary check and investigation to control transaction
legality, contractual specifications of goods and document cer-
tification.
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A. INTRODUCTION
1. SCOPE
Depending upon the requirements
of the user government, the scope of
inspection may include the verification
Of the goods in respect of quality,
quantity, export market price, value for
Customs purposes, Customs classifica-
tion and import eligibility.
The quality and quantity inspection
may be for the purpose of verifying: a)
that the goods conform to contractual
specifications, and/or b) the value
and Customs tariff code for Customs
purposes.
The result of the inspection is confirmed
in a Report of Findings.
2. OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of PSI include:
2.1. CORRECT ASSESSMENT OF IMPORT DUTIES AND
TAXES
(based on DASH technical advice/opinions relating
to value and classification of goods)
2.2. TRADE FACILITATION TO:
Enhance Customs clearance proce-
dures (in speed and efficiency);
Minimize unfair competition to local
industry and between other importers or
exporters (by uniform application of im-
port regulations, Customs value and
classification); Encourage foreign invest-
ment (by transparency and predictability
of procedures).
2.3. FOREIGN EXCHANGE Conservation
AND/OR PROTECTION OF IMPORTERS
INTERESTS
(by minimization of over invoicing and detection of
quality and quantity discrepancies and/or
non-
compliance with health/safety regulations).
3. WTO AGREEMENTS 4. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF INSPECTION AGEN-
CIES (IFIA)
3.1. WTO AGREEMENT ON PRE-SHIPMENTINSPECTION
DASH is a member of the International Fed-
The World Trade Organization (WTO)
eration of Inspection Agencies (IFIA) and
Agreement on Pre-shipment Inspection
abides by the IFIA Code of Practice for Gov-
requires inspection companies engaged in
ernment Mandated Pre-shipment Inspec-
Pre-shipment inspection activities, con-
tions which is based on the WTO Agreement
tracted or mandated by Governments, to
on PSI. A copy of the IFIA Code of Practice is
follow certain procedures when inspecting
available on the IFIA website (www.ifia-
goods in the WTO Member countries
federation.org) or upon request from the
which are destined to WTO Member
DASH office in your country.
countries.
5. DASH CODE OF INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONAL CON-
DASH is committed to carrying out inspec- DUCT
tion in accordance with this Agreement
To assure the integrity of DASH services and
which relates to: execution of inspections
practices, which is the cornerstone of the
in a non-discriminatory and transparent
reputation of DASH, all employees are re-
manner, site of inspection, inspection stan-
quired to comply with the DASH Code of
dards, protection of confidential business
Integrity and Professional Conduct which
information, avoidance of conflicts of in-
stipulates rules of professional behavior in all
terest, avoidance of delays, price verifica-
dealings for the DASH Group.
tion procedures for establishing the export
market price and appeals procedures.
Details are available at the DASH website
Exporters who feel that DASH has not
complied with this Agreement are invited
www.dashinspectorate.com
to complain or appeal to the DASH.
office which carried out the inspection. 6. INSPECTION FEES
After appeal to DASH, the exporter is also
DASH fees for carrying out the inspection
entitled to refer the matter to an Inde-
are borne either by the Government of the
pendent Review. Further information may
importing country or the importer or the
be found in Section B.11.
exporter. Nevertheless, DASH reserves the
3.2. WTO AGREEMENT ON CUSTOMS VALUATION right to invoice the seller in the following
situations:
WTO Member countries are required to a. in the event of abortive inspection visits,
implement the WTO Agreement on Cus- idle time or prolonged duration of in-
toms Valuation, ACV, (officially enti- spection due to non standard process of
tled the Agreement on Implementation of container vanning; or
Article VII of GATT 1994), although devel- b. if, by agreement with the seller, DASH
oping country members may postpone carries out inspection but does not sub-
implementation for the first few years after sequently receive a valid Service re-
becoming a WTO member. Whenever the quest/Import License from the country
importing country has implemented ACV, of importation or
DASH carries out its price verification for c. if the exporter agrees to settle the inspec-
Customs purposes based on the ACV tion fee on behalf of the importer and
Methodology outlined in detail under Sec- obtain subsequent reimbursement.
tion D of this brochure. For information on
whether ACV, or another valuation
method, is in force in a particular country,
please refer to the DASH country Data
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PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION PROGRAMME
DASH
Receives Service Request from importing country
Sends Request for Detailed Information to seller
Commences preliminary price verification

SELLER
Completes Request for Detailed Information and returns to
DASH together with relevant documents.

DASH
Reviews documents
As applicable:
Fixes inspection date or confirm nos of inspection required
Carries out physical inspection
Provides supplier and/or seller with the physical inspection
result.

SELLER
If the inspection result is satisfactory (or if no inspection is
required) seller proceed with shipment (may check with DASH
if any doubts concerning issuance Clean Report of Findings)

Submits to DASH the final documents required (see DASH

Country Data Sheets the Trade).

DASH
Finalizes price verification, customs classification and verifica-
tion of import Prepares Clean Report of Findings, provided
documents and all aspects of inspection
are satisfactory
Issues Clean Report of Findings and, where applicable,
 B. PHYSICAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES
1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PHYSICAL INSPECTION
1.1. INSPECTION REQUEST FROM THE SELLER
Upon receipt from the seller of the RDI form a. The goods are presented to DASH in a
or advice providing details of the location of satisfactory location to facilitate a proper
the goods and date on which the inspection inspection and, where applicable, sampling
is required, DASH contacts the person indi- or testing. Goods should be presented in
cated by the seller in order to finalize the
inspection arrangements. If the DASH office
receiving the RDI form or inspection request b. Reasonable facilities and assistance are
provided to the DASH inspector (s), where
is not the country
of inspection of the goods, it will be trans-
ferred to the office in the country of in-
spection.
Note: Some importing countries appoint different inspection
companies for different geographical areas. In such cases it
may be necessary to transfer the file to another inspection
company responsible for the country in which the goods will
be inspected.
1.2. PLACE OF INSPECTION
The physical inspection is normally carried
out by the DASH office in the Country of
exportation/supply of the goods and,
whenever possible, in the manufacturers
or suppliers premises. Inspection of bulk
cargoes is usually undertaken at time of
loading of the ocean vessel. Occasionally, it
may be necessary for DASH to carry out
inspections during production or witness
tests at the manufacturers premises. Sell-
ers should liaise with DASH in advance if
there is any doubt concerning the suitability
of the proposed inspection location.
1.3. DATE OF INSPECTION
In order to facilitate inspection planning
DASH normally requests sellers to give,
whenever possible, 3 working days 'advance
notice of the date on which the wish the
inspection to be carried out. Nevertheless,
in cases of emergencies, every effort will be
made by DASH to undertake the inspection
earlier. Once an inspection date has been
agreed by DASH and the seller, DASH un-
dertakes to carry out the inspection on that
date unless the inspection is rescheduled by
mutual agreement, or the inspector is pre-
vented from carrying out the inspection by
the seller/inspection site, or by force ma-
jeure.
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2. PRESENTATION OF GOODS FOR INSPECTION scheduled to coincide with the container
Sellers are responsible for ensuring that:
stuffing. For advice on applicability, please
consult the DASH country Data Sheets for
the Trade.
7. CAPITAL PROJECTS
operational condition where functional test- For capital projects, it may be necessary for
ing is relevant. DASH to carry out inspections during pro-
duction and to witness the manufacturers
tests. In such cases, DASH will liaise with
applicable, such as sufficient sellers so that the inspections can be
labour to handle the goods including un- planned to fit-in with the manufacturers
packing or repacking, facilities to weigh the schedules.
goods, witness manufacturers tests, con- 8. SECOND-HAND GOODS
duct DASH tests, etc. Some countries do not allow imports of
second-hand goods, reconditioned goods
3. INSPECTION STANDARDS
or goods which are in a not new condi-
Unless the government of the importing
country stipulates to the contrary, DASH will tion without a special license or permission:
execute quality and quantity inspections in please refer to the DASH country Data
accordance with the standards defined by sheets for the Trade for further information.
the seller and the buyer in the purchase In any case, DASH cannot accept goods in a
agreement or, in the absence of such stan- not new condition unless Indicated in the
dards, relevant international standards. Service Request and/or preformed invoice
and/or contract, or unless the importer
4. LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND TESTING
subsequently confirms in writing his accep-
In addition to witnessing manufacturers
tance of the goods. Where appropriate,
tests, where applicable, DASH may request
DASH may be required to see The goods in
from sellers copies of the manufacturers
running condition and, consequently, sell-
or independent test/laboratory analysis
ers are advised to check with DASH, where
certificates. DASH may also, where appro-
applicable, Before dismantling and packing.
priate, submit samples to a DASH or inde-
pendent laboratory for analysis or testing. 9. PHYSICAL INSPECTION RESULTS
When the physical inspection is completed,
5. SAMPLES
the inspector submits his report to the
Samples will only be taken and retained in
DASH office, then the result of inspection
accordance with customary quality control
will be communicated to the seller and,
procedures, it being the sellers responsi-
where applicable, at the place of inspection.
bility to replace any samples drawn. DASH
The result will state: satisfactory, conditional
will store samples for three months; thereaf-
or unsatisfactory. The seller is welcome to
ter they will be disposed of unless the seller
present his views I writing to DASH, in the
requests in writing that they be returned.
event of any query regarding the issuance
6. INSPECTION AND SEALING OF FULL CONTAINER of a conditional or unsatisfactory inspection
LOADS (FCL)
result.
The authorities of some countries require
that DASH witness the stuffing and carry
out the sealing of Full Container Loads
(FCL). In such cases, sellers may be re-
quired to give advance notice to DASH of
container stuffing arrangements. Where
appropriate, the date of inspection will be
 FOOD STUFF

CHEMICALS GOODS

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, CARS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES

TEXTILE AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS

TOYS

FEED STUFF

AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL FEED

MINERALS

SCRAP

LOADING AND DISCHARGING OF SEAGOING VESSEL

ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

ELECTRONICS

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Inspection of Commodities:

FOOD STUFF

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Inspection of Commodities:
CHEMICAL GOODS

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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, CARS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES
 TEXTILE AND
TEXTILE PRODUCTS

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TOYS

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 FEED STUFF

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AGRICULTURE

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ANIMAL FEED

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MINERALS

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 SCRAP

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PETROLEUMN AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

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LOADING AND DISCHARGING OF SEAGOING VESSEL

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ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS

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DASH
INSPECTORATE
World wide
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DASH International