© 2025 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.
Cargo inspection in Tanzania involves physical verification at inland depots like Ubungo, Ilala, or private godowns in Kurasini. Observater Tanzania verifies quantity, quality, and packaging integrity before rail (TRC) or road transport, acting as the primary firewall against short-shipping.
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 Benjamin Mkapa SEZ or Pugu Road Industrial Area, ensuring compliance with PVoC standards and buyer requirements.
Request PSI QuoteAlso known as “Stuffing Supervision,” this process witnesses the entire loading of goods. Observater Tanzania inspectors verify the container’s condition (7-Point Check), ensure equal weight distribution, and apply a high-security seal to prevent theft during transit from the hinterland to Dar es Salaam Port.
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 godowns in Kigamboni or Mbagala to mitigate risks of water damage or theft before stock is stored.
Audit Your WarehouseSupplier Verification confirms a potential partner is a legitimate legal entity. We physically visit premises to verify BRELA registration, TIN/VRN 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, preventing rejection at recycling plants in India or Europe.
Inspect Scrap MetalOperating in Mtwara and Lindi, we provide independent quality analysis for Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN). We perform Outturn (KOR) testing, verify nut count, and inspect for moisture/foreign matter before export to Vietnam or India.
Cashew InspectionFor Arabica and Robusta exports from **Mbeya** and **Kilimanjaro**, moisture control is critical. We use calibrated moisture meters to ensure beans meet standards. We also verify the condition of GrainPro/Jute bags and supervise loading to ensure no hooks are used.
Coffee ChecksBefore loading reefers in Njombe or Arusha, we inspect Avocados (Hass/Fuerte) for maturity using dry matter analysis. Crucially, we use pulp thermometers to verify pre-cooling temperature has been reached, preventing ripening during transit.
Avocado QAAt JNIA (Dar) and KIA (Kilimanjaro), we inspect cut flowers and vegetables. We supervise pallet building to prevent box crushing and install data loggers to monitor temperature spikes during air freight to Europe.
Air Freight AuditFor exports from Geita or Ruvuma (Coal), we perform TML moisture sampling and supervise loading. We verify the sealing of high-value mineral concentrates to ensure integrity until discharge at the port.
Mineral SurveyWe inspect cotton bales from the Lake Zone and Sisal from Tanga. Key checks include moisture verification, contamination (polypropylene) checks, and verifying bale condition before stuffing into containers.
Fiber AuditFor garments exporting to the USA under AGOA, we perform Final Random Inspections (FRI) in Benjamin Mkapa SEZ. We check stitch counts, labeling, and conduct mandatory needle detection to ensure safety and compliance.
Textile InspectionWe support PVoC compliance by inspecting imported electronics and consumer goods. Our surveyors verify visual quality, markings, and quantity to ensure goods meet Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements.
General Cargo CheckA Draft Survey determines the weight of bulk cargo loaded or discharged. Observater Tanzania’s marine surveyors perform this high-precision calculation at Dar es Salaam and Tanga Ports for commodities like Grain, Fertilizer, and Coal.
Marine SurveyFor 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 Copper from Zambia or DRC, we provide security escort services. This includes physical riders and GPS tracking along the Central Corridor highway to Dar es Salaam.
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 exports. We use calibrated Geiger counters to scan loads for radioactive sources (like medical waste or industrial gauges). We issue a Non-Radioactivity Certificate to ensure safe entry into destination ports.
Geiger TestTo meet Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, Tanzanian Coffee, Cocoa, 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 Tanzania exists to eliminate the “trust gap” in the supply chain. When you are thousands of miles away, you cannot verify if the warehouse in Pugu Road actually holds your stock, or if the container in Dar es Salaam 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 Cashew Nuts arriving in Vietnam 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 Dar es Salaam. 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 Dar es Salaam Industrial Area, Arusha or Mwanza 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 Ubungo ICD or private godowns to ensure security.
Securing your supply chain begins long before the vessel departs. In Tanzania’s critical logistics nodes—including the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Ubungo, Kurasini, and warehouses along Nyerere 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 seaworthiness, 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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania 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 weight determination for bulk cargo (Grain, Fertilizer, Coal) at Dar es Salaam Port via Archimedes’ principle water displacement.
Daily or weekly Collateral Management Agreements (CMA) for banks. We act as custodians to ensure pledged stock remains secure and is released only upon bank instruction.
Security escort services for high-value transit cargo (Copper, Cobalt, Electronics) from Tunduma/Rusumo to Dar es Salaam.
Scrap metal exports are subject to rigorous controls by both Tanzanian authorities 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 at the discharge port.
“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 InspectionTanzania’s strategic exports. We operate in Mtwara, Lindi, and Mbeya.
Fiber quality control from the Lake Zone and Tanga.
Avocados and Flowers requiring cold chain care.
Auditing mixed loads for prohibited items.
Ensuring security for high-value mineral exports.
Bulk cargo inspection at Mtwara and Tanga.
Operating in Benjamin Mkapa SEZ and other zones. We perform in-line (DUPRO) and final random inspections (FRI) for garments destined for the USA.
Inspection of imported electronics, machinery, and FMCG to ensure they meet Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 requires mandatory Deforestation verification for Coffee, Cocoa, 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 Avocados 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 raw cashew nuts to Vietnam/India, Outturn (KOR) determines the price. Our independent analysis ensures you get paid fairly.
Navigating the complex logistics landscape of East Africa requires deep local expertise. Whether you are dealing with the congestion at Dar es Salaam Port, the logistics of the Central Corridor, or the specific regulations of factories in the Benjamin Mkapa SEZ, 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 from the hinterland), 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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania 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 Dar es Salaam/Tanga, we require 24 hours notice. For remote areas (Mtwara/Mwanza), 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.
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
© 2025 Observater Surveys and Services Group. All rights reserved.