© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.
Cargo inspection in Rwanda involves physical verification at inland logistics hubs like DP World Kigali (Masaka), Gikondo Magerwa, or private bonded warehouses. Observater Rwanda verifies quantity, quality, and packaging integrity before transport via the Central or Northern Corridors.
Book Cargo InspectionPSI is a quality control procedure conducted when 80-100% of an export order is packed. We use the ISO 2859-1 (AQL Level II) standard to randomly sample goods at factories in Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), Bugesera, or Nhimbi, ensuring compliance with RSB (PVoC) standards.
Request PSI QuoteAlso known as “Stuffing Supervision,” this process witnesses the entire loading of goods. Observater inspectors verify the container’s condition (7-Point Check), ensure equal weight distribution, and apply a high-security seal to prevent theft during the transit to Dar es Salaam or Mombasa ports.
Secure Your LoadingRequired by insurers and banks, a Warehouse Audit evaluates physical security. We check for roof leaks, ventilation, fire suppression systems, and perimeter security in warehouses in Prime Economic Zone, Gikondo, or Rwamagana to mitigate risks.
Audit Your WarehouseSupplier Verification confirms a potential partner is a legitimate legal entity. We physically visit premises to verify RDB (Rwanda Development Board) registration, RRA TIN/VAT status, machinery, and production capacity, protecting international buyers from scams.
Verify a SupplierUsed Beverage Cans (UBC) and scrap exports require strict contamination controls. We inspect loads against ISRI Codes to ensure moisture, plastic, and iron content are within permissible limits, ensuring compliance with REMA environmental regulations.
Inspect Scrap MetalRwanda’s “Green Gold”. Operating in Mulindi, Rubavu, and Kitabi, we provide independent quality analysis for Tea and Coffee. We perform moisture checks, grading, and supervise stuffing to ensure NAEB standards are met.
Tea InspectionFor Arabica Bourbon exports from **Huye** and **Nyamasheke**, quality control is critical. We use calibrated moisture meters and screen analysis to ensure beans meet Buyer/NAEB standards. We verify the condition of GrainPro/Jute bags during stuffing at Kigali.
Coffee ChecksFor exports of Tin, Tantalum, and Tungsten from Rwamagana or Muhanga, we verify tagging (ITSCI) and supervise drum sealing. We ensure high-value mineral concentrates are securely packed to prevent tampering during transit.
Mineral SurveyAt Kigali International Airport (KGL), we inspect export vegetables (French Beans/Chili) and flowers. We supervise pallet building to prevent box crushing and install data loggers to monitor temperature spikes during air freight to Europe.
Air Freight AuditWe inspect high-value extracts from Musanze (Northern Province). Verification of drum seals, labelling compliance, and sampling for active ingredient analysis to ensure safe export of Rwanda’s natural insecticides.
Quality AuditWe verify quantity and quality of cement and steel imports/exports at CIMERWA or distribution centers. Checks include bag count, weight verification, and breakage assessment.
Material AuditFor garments exporting to the USA/EU from Kigali SEZ. We perform Final Random Inspections (FRI) at factories like C&H Garments. We check stitch counts, labeling, and conduct mandatory needle detection.
Textile InspectionWe support PVoC compliance by inspecting imported electronics and consumer goods. Our surveyors verify visual quality, markings, and quantity to ensure goods meet RSB (Rwanda Standards Board) requirements.
General Cargo CheckSince Rwanda is landlocked, we perform rigorous tallying of bulk cargo (Fertilizer, Sugar, Rice) arriving at DP World Kigali via truck. We ensure the quantity received matches the manifest from Dar/Mombasa, preventing loss in transit.
Bulk TallyFor banks providing trade finance, we act as independent custodians of the pledged stock. We perform stock monitoring, control inventory release, and hold the keys to the warehouse to prevent unauthorized removal of collateral.
Finance SupportFor high-value cargo like Electronics or Minerals, we provide security escort services. This includes physical riders and GPS tracking along the Rusumo – Kigali highway to ensure safe arrival.
Security EscortWhen cargo arrives damaged, insurers need an independent assessment. We determine the Cause (water, impact, contamination), Extent (percentage loss), and Salvage Value, providing a comprehensive report for claims adjustment.
Report DamageMandatory for all scrap metal and mineral exports. We use calibrated Geiger counters to scan loads for radioactive sources. We issue a Non-Radioactivity Certificate to ensure safe entry into destination ports.
Geiger TestTo meet Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, Rwandan Coffee and Timber exports must prove they are deforestation-free. We verify GPS Polygon mapping data to ensure cargo complies with new EU rules.
EUDR CheckFor exports to the USA, we conduct rigorous C-TPAT compliant inspections. This includes a 7-Point Container Check, agricultural validation (no soil/seeds), and high-security seal verification to prevent smuggling and terrorism risks.
USA Security CheckIn international trade, a Bill of Lading or a Warehouse Receipt is only as good as the physical reality backing it. Observater Rwanda exists to eliminate the “trust gap” in the supply chain. When you are thousands of miles away, you cannot verify if the warehouse in Rwamagana actually holds your stock, or if the container in Masaka (DP World) was sealed properly.
Whether it’s a “Phantom Warehouse” scam where collateral doesn’t exist, scrap metal shipments loaded with concrete blocks to cheat weight, or Coffee beans arriving in Europe with moisture damage due to poor stuffing—we catch it before you pay for it. Our role is to act as your unbiased eyes and ears on the ground.
Avoid “Quality Fade” and scams. Know exactly what is in the container before it leaves Rwanda. We verify supplier capability and product specs.
Don’t insure empty air. We verify risk existence, fire safety systems, flood zones, and actual stock levels before you underwrite the policy.
The gold standard for export compliance. We visit the factory in Kigali SEZ, Bugesera, or Muhanga when 80-100% of your order is packed. This ensures that the goods leaving the factory match your Purchase Order exactly.
We count cartons/bales to ensure no short-shipping. We verify gross and net weights against the packing list.
Checking for scratches, dents, painting errors, or stitching defects based on AQL Limits (Critical: 0, Major: 2.5, Minor: 4.0).
On-site testing of electronics (Hi-Pot, Power on), mechanical parts assembly, and dimensional checks.
Barcode scanning, shipping mark verification, and Carton Drop Tests to ensure transit durability.
“What is on the Invoice is What is in the Truck.” We witness the stuffing process 24/7 at DP World Kigali or private godowns to ensure security.
Securing your supply chain begins long before the vessel departs Mombasa or Dar. In Rwanda’s critical logistics nodes—including the DP World Masaka, Gikondo, and warehouses along the bypass road—container stuffing is the moment of truth. For international stakeholders, this stage presents the highest risk of “dead freight”, moisture damage, and pilferage.
Our Container Loading Supervision (CLS) acts as your independent guarantee on the ground. We go beyond simple tallying; our surveyors actively monitor the condition of the container (checking for roadworthiness, odors, and structural integrity), ensure professional lashing and dunnage are applied to prevent shifting during the rugged road transport to the port, and verify equal weight distribution. By documenting the stuffing process with timestamped photos from the first carton to the final high-security seal, Observater Rwanda provides the evidence insurers and banks require.
We rigorously inspect the Front wall, Left/Right sides, Floor (for splinters/nails), Ceiling, Doors, and Undercarriage.
Light leak detection (standing inside with doors closed) to prevent water ingress and cargo damage at sea.
For insurers writing property risk. We evaluate the physical condition of the godown.
Assessing the risk of theft or unauthorized access.
Confirming the existence of pledged collateral.
Don’t get scammed. Many “manufacturers” listed on Alibaba or directories in Rwanda are actually small traders operating out of a briefcase. Before you deposit money, let us visit them physically.
A rapid 1-day check to confirm existence, basic capacity, and take photos of the facility. Best for low-risk initial checks.
Detailed 2-day audit covering ISO 9001 quality systems, social compliance (labor laws/safety), and deep production capability assessment.
When cargo arrives damaged, the first 24 hours are critical. We provide forensic assessment to determine the Cause, Extent, and Salvage Value. Our independent surveyors attend Joint Surveys with shipping lines and insurance adjusters to protect your interests.
Documenting condition of goods “ex-tackle” or “ex-gate” to pinpoint where damage occurred in the chain of custody.
Investigating seal tampering, pilferage, and hijacking incidents. We work with local police and security firms.
Assisting in the valuation and disposal of damaged goods to minimize total financial loss.
We draw samples per GAFTA/ISO standards and coordinate analysis with ISO 17025 accredited labs for Aflatoxin, Moisture, and Purity testing.
High-precision tally and weight verification for bulk cargo (Fertilizer, Sugar, Rice) arriving at DP World Kigali via truck.
Daily or weekly Collateral Management Agreements (CMA) for banks. We act as custodians to ensure pledged stock remains secure.
Security escort services for high-value transit cargo from Rusumo/Gatuna to Kigali.
Scrap metal exports are subject to rigorous controls by both Rwandan authorities (REMA) and destination markets like China and India. The risk of contamination, radioactive material, and misdeclaration is immense.
We provide specialized Pre-shipment Inspection for Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Scrap Metal to ensure compliance with ISRI Codes and environmental regulations. Our inspection certificate serves as your protection against heavy fines and rejection.
“Importers in India can face bans and fines of up to $50,000 if scrap cargo is found to contain ‘municipal waste’ or radioactive elements. Our report is your defense.”
Request Scrap InspectionRwanda’s strategic exports. We operate in Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Huye.
Quality control for extracts from Musanze.
Flowers and Chili requiring cold chain care.
Auditing mixed loads for prohibited items.
Ensuring security for high-value mineral exports.
Bulk cargo inspection at Cimerwa/Kigali.
Operating in Kigali Special Economic Zone. We perform in-line (DUPRO) and final random inspections (FRI) for garments destined for the USA/EU.
Inspection of imported electronics, machinery, and FMCG to ensure they meet Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) requirements.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 requires mandatory Deforestation verification for Coffee and Timber. We help verify GPS Polygon mapping data to prove land compliance.
Europe has the strictest Maximum Residue Levels for pesticides in horticulture. We draw samples for accredited lab testing to ensure your Roses/Veg aren’t rejected.
Compliance with EU plastic waste directives and ISPM 15 wood pallet fumigation. We verify stamps and plastic gauges.
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism requires a rigorous 7-Point Container inspection. Our reports include specific C-TPAT checklists and seal verification photos.
We verify Rules of Origin documentation and quality standards for duty-free apparel entering under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Supporting Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for food exports. We audit facilities for HACCP and food safety hygiene standards.
China and India impose strict bans on scrap metal with impurities (often >0.5%). We perform rigorous sorting supervision to prevent rejection.
Mandatory non-radioactive certification for minerals and metals. We use calibrated Geiger counters for every shipment.
For Tea exports to Pakistan/Middle East, we ensure quality meets buyer specs. Our independent analysis ensures you get paid fairly.
Navigating the complex logistics landscape of the Great Lakes Region requires deep local expertise. Whether you are dealing with the congestion at DP World Masaka, the logistics of the Central Corridor, or the specific regulations of factories in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, you need a partner who understands the local context but works exclusively for you.
Many global importers rely on generic testing reports provided by the supplier. However, the real risk often lies in the loading process. Issues like “wet damage” (from container sweat condensation), “pilferage” (theft during road transport to Mombasa/Dar), or “dead freight” (inefficient loading leaving empty space) can only be prevented by physical supervision. A supplier may produce a perfect product but load it into a container with a hole in the roof, ruining the cargo before it reaches you.
Observater Rwanda offers a nimble, cost-effective alternative to multinational inspection agencies. We provide the same ISO-standard inspections but with faster deployment times (often within 24 hours) and more personalized reporting. We are your “boots on the ground,” ensuring that the cargo leaving Rwanda matches the quality you paid for, sealed with our security tags that cannot be tampered with.
We act as the technical arm of your underwriting team. Observater Rwanda prevents fraudulent claims and reckless risk exposure.
Before writing a policy, we survey the asset. Is the warehouse actually fire-safe? Is it located in a known flood zone? Are the hydrants functional? We give you the technical data to price the risk accurately.
For banks financing inventory: We perform surprise spot-checks to ensure pledged stock exists and hasn’t been sold off. We act as independent custodians holding the keys to the warehouse.
Ensure cargo is loaded in sound condition. Our reports certify that goods were “Clean on Board,” facilitating faster bank payments via Letter of Credit (LC).
We verify container volume is maximized so you don’t pay to ship air. We advise on optimal stacking patterns to use every cubic meter.
In case of disputes, our independent, timestamped report serves as valid legal evidence in international courts and arbitration.
We don’t just send a PDF. We provide a digital audit trail that proves the inspector was on-site.
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For Kigali/Masaka, we require 24 hours notice. For remote areas (Rusumo/Rubavu), 48 hours.
We specialize in Point of Loading (POL) and Point of Discharge (POD). Once sealed, we cannot inspect. However, we offer “Cargo Escort” to follow the truck to the border.
Yes, our certificates are valid for Letter of Credit (LC) negotiations worldwide.
Secure, Independent, Professional.
When precision matters, Observater Surveys Group is your Partner of Choice
© 2026 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.