From the February 2001 edition of Managing Exports

The requirement that export goods to certain nations undergo preshipment inspection continues to be a fact of life for export professionals (see, ÏPreshipment Inspection: Know Your Rights to Avoid Delays & Costs,Ó in November 2000 ME). Adding to the burden, the list of nations requiring preshipment inspectionÛand the circumstances under which they require itÛchanges regularly. To make matters even more complicated, not all published lists of nations requiring such inspections are accurate. To make sure we Ïget it right,Ó ME turns to Robert Abrahams, manager of the Toledo, Ohio Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Don't Believe Everything You Read

Abrahams emphasizes that many trade magazines have published inaccurate or misleading information for countries that require pre-shipment inspection. In fact, some lists still contain several countries that have dropped the requirement Û as far back as 1996. To make matters worse, many countries that do require pre-shipment inspection are omitted from those lists.

Since our November ME article reproduced the Commerce Department's Trade Information Center (TIC) list, which includes a number of such inaccuracies, we alert our readers not to use it. As a substitute, accompanying this article readers will find a list Abrahams provides to his exporter clients Ûupdated as of December 22, 2000. It includes not only the countries requiring preshipment inspection, but the U.S. dollar value threshold and inspection agency each nation designates.

Not All Goods Always Subject

For many countries, explains Abrahams, Ïnot all goods are subject to preshipment inspection requirements.Ó In certain cases, he adds, Ïa letter of credit may call for preshipment inspection, even if there is no country requirement per se.Ó Therefore, export professionals should always check with their foreign buyers regarding documentation requirements before shipment.

Mexico Doesn't Belong on List

Abrahams believes it is misleading to list Mexico as a nation requiring preshipment inspection, although this nation often finds its way onto such lists without any further explanation. ÏMexico,Ó Abrahams explains, Ïonly requires preshipment inspection for non-NAFTA goods that are subject to antidumping and countervailing duties in Mexico. NAFTA-qualified goods, as well as non-NAFTA goods made in, e.g, Germany, do not require preshipment inspection,Ó he notes.

BSI Agency Contact List: SGS, Miami: 305- 592-0410; Intertek (3), Miami: 305-513-3000; Intertek (4), Pasadena, TX: 713-475-2082; Cotecna (5), Chantilly, VA: 703-814-3000; Cotecna (6), Miami Lakes, FL: 305-828-8141; Inchcape, Miami: 305-593-7455; Bureau Veritas: 305-593- 7878; Control Union, Gretna, LA: 504-227-2025; Inspectorate America, Miami: 305-599-1124.

(Note: data updated Dec. 22, 2000; . = equal to or greater than; > = greater than; $ values reflect current exchange rates; where no FOB or CIF Incoterm given, assume Ex Works price.)

* See list of Inspection Agency phone numbers at end of accompanying article. (Source: Prepared by Robert Abrahams, from data in BNA International Trade Reporter Export Reference Manual)