Pre-Shipment Inspection of Steel

What Is Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) for Steel?

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is an independent, third-party examination of goods carried out at the exporter’s premises, at a warehouse, or at the port of loading — before the goods are loaded onto the vessel. For steel rebar, PSI typically covers three dimensions: quality conformity, quantity verification, and condition of packaging.

PSI is arranged either by the buyer (who appoints an inspection agency of their choice) or, in some countries, is mandated by the importing country’s government as a condition of customs clearance. Several African and Middle Eastern countries have government-mandated PSI regimes for imported steel products. Buyers should verify the requirements of their destination country before dispatch.

What Does a Pre-Shipment Inspection Cover for Rebar?

A comprehensive PSI report for reinforcing steel will typically address the following areas:

• Grade and standard conformity: Verification that the material description matches the purchase order — correct grade (e.g. B500B), standard (DIN 488 / EN 10080), and specification. The inspector checks the physical rib pattern and rolling marks on the bar surface, which encode grade and manufacturer information per DIN 488-2.
• Mill Test Certificate review: Examination and cross-referencing of the EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC against the purchase order. Key parameters verified include: yield strength ReH (≥ 500 MPa for B500B), tensile/yield ratio k (≥ 1.08 for B500B), uniform elongation Agt (≥ 5.0% for B500B), and carbon equivalent values relevant to weldability under DIN EN ISO 17660.
• Dimensional check: Measurement of bar diameters and verification of nominal cross-sectional area against the DIN 488 tolerance table. The weight formula d²(mm) × 0.00617 = kg/m provides a cross-check against bundle weights. For example, a 16 mm bar should weigh 1.58 kg/m; a 20 mm bar 2.47 kg/m.
• Quantity verification: Counting of bundles and re-weighing of a sample to confirm net weight aligns with the packing list and commercial invoice.
• Packaging and marking: Inspection of bundle strapping condition, end protection, and legibility of tags (heat number, diameter, length, weight) — critical for traceability at the destination port.
• Visual condition: Assessment of surface condition. Some surface rust (red oxide) is normal and acceptable for reinforcing steel. Pitting, delamination, or heavy scale that affects dimensional tolerances would be noted as a finding.

Key Mechanical Properties Checked Against DIN 488 / EN 10080

These are the minimum requirements for each ductility class. The MTC will state the actual tested values for each heat, which the PSI inspector verifies are at least equal to the above minima.

Inspection Agencies and Mandated PSI Regimes

Well-known international inspection bodies that conduct pre-shipment inspection of steel include Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, and COTECNA, among others. These agencies are accredited to ISO 17020 (conformity assessment — requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection).

Several importing countries mandate PSI for steel and construction materials as a condition of clearance. Requirements, fees, and approved inspection bodies vary. Buyers importing into countries with mandated PSI should confirm current requirements with their freight forwarder or customs broker before the order is finalised.

PSI and Letters of Credit

When a transaction is settled under a Letter of Credit (LC), the LC terms often specify a Clean Inspection Certificate as one of the documents required for payment. In this case, PSI is not optional — it is a contractual and banking requirement. The inspection certificate, confirming that the goods correspond to the order description and are in satisfactory condition, is presented to the negotiating bank alongside the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and other documents. A non-conforming or missing inspection certificate can delay or prevent payment.

Buyers working under LC terms should confirm with their bank exactly what format and which inspection agency’s certificates are acceptable before nominating an inspector.

How PSI Integrates with the Export Documentation Package

PSI results complement, rather than replace, the standard export document package for German-standard rebar. The full package typically comprises:

• EN 10204 Type 3.1 Mill Test Certificate (from the mill)
• Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (from the independent agency)
• Certificate of Origin
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• CE Declaration of Performance / DoP (where applicable)

For further detail on the full documentation chain, see our guide to export and delivery documentation.