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Tanzania Quality Control | Cashew, Factory Audits & PSI Services
Tanzania Sourcing & Due Diligence

Tanzania Quality Control
& Factory Audits

Observater is Tanzania’s premier independent Third-Party Inspection (TPI) agency. Operating from Dar es Salaam with port presence in Tanga and Mtwara, we deploy expert surveyors nationwide to verify suppliers and inspect goods before shipment.

Comprehensive Third-Party Quality Control Services in Tanzania

Sourcing from Tanzania offers incredible opportunities in Agricultural Commodities (Cashew Nuts, Cotton, Coffee, Sisal), Mining (Gold, Gemstones), and Manufacturing. However, sourcing remotely from East Africa poses significant risks: logistics delays, quality fade, quantity shortages, and verification of suppliers.

Observater Tanzania eliminates these risks. We are locally rooted with a comprehensive nationwide network. Our Tanzania Quality Control Inspections are strictly governed by ISO 2859-1 (AQL) standards. Whether you are importing Cashews from Mtwara, Cotton from Mwanza, Scrap Metal from Dar es Salaam, or Coffee from Arusha, our certified inspectors ensure your goods meet every specification before the container is sealed.

Inspector examining commodity quality in Tanzania
Our surveyors conducting an on-site commodity inspection at a Dar es Salaam warehouse.

Legitimacy Check

We verify Business Licenses, TIN Registration, and Export Permits with BRELA and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

Capacity Audit

Assessment of factories in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha to confirm production output and machinery.

Quality Control

Inspections to TBS (Tanzania Bureau of Standards) requirements and ISO standards before goods leave the port.

Ethical Sourcing

Social audits ensuring compliance with Tanzanian Labor Laws and international human rights standards.

Our Core Services

Inspection & Audit Solutions

A complete lifecycle of quality assurance, from initial supplier vetting in Dar es Salaam to final container sealing at the port.

Supplier Verification (SVA)

We visit the facility to verify legal existence (BRELA/TRA), production lines, and machinery to ensure they can meet your capacity.

Full Audit Details →

Pre-Production (PPI)

Identify risks before mass production starts. We inspect raw materials (raw cashew nuts, cotton bales, components) against your specifications.

During Production (DUPRO)

Inspection when 20-50% of goods are ready. We catch defects on the assembly line, allowing for immediate corrective action.

Pre-Shipment (PSI)

The industry standard. Final Random Inspection (FRI) of 100% produced goods to verify quality, quantity, and packing before shipment.

Methodology →

Container Loading (CLS)

We witness the stuffing of the container at Dar es Salaam Port, ICDs, or the supplier’s warehouse to ensure security and proper sealing.

Lab Testing Coordination

We draw samples and submit them to ISO 17025 accredited labs (e.g., TBS Labs) for chemical and physical testing.

Tanzania Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) in Detail

The Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is the critical quality firewall. It is the final opportunity to catch defects before your goods leave Tanzania via Dar es Salaam or other ports. Observater’s PSI services are conducted strictly according to the international standard ISO 2859-1 (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4), determining the statistically valid sample size based on your total order volume.

Close up of inspector checking dimensions
Inspector verifying product dimensions against technical drawings.

Our 7-Point Inspection Protocol:

  • Quantity Verification: Rigorous tally of cartons/sacks to ensure shipment accuracy.
  • Workmanship Analysis: Detailed check for visual defects (grading nuts, stains, stitching errors).
  • Style & Color: Comparison against the approved “Golden Sample” and specifications.
  • Functional Testing: On-site performance checks (e.g., moisture for cashews/coffee, weight checks).
  • Packaging Integrity: Barcode scanning, shipping mark verification, and Carton Drop Tests.
  • Data Measurement: Weight, size, and dimension checks against the Packing List.
  • Marking & Labeling: Ensuring compliance with destination market regulations (e.g., CE, FCC, Made in Tanzania labels).

Supplier Verification & Factory Audits

Sourcing from a distance requires trust, but trust must be verified. Our Factory Audit services provide a transparent, detailed profile of your supplier. We travel to the facility—whether in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, or Arusha—to confirm they are who they claim to be.

Factory Audit of machinery in industrial zone
Technical audit of production machinery in Dar es Salaam Industrial Area.

Audit Scope:

  • Legal Legitimacy: We check the BRELA Registration, Tax Clearance (TIN), and Export License to prevent fraud.
  • Production Capabilities: Inventory of machinery, maintenance logs, and production line capacity.
  • Quality Management (QMS): Audit of ISO 9001 certifications and internal QC processes.
  • Social Compliance (SA8000): Checking for child labor, forced labor, and health & safety violations.
  • Environmental Audit: Basic check of waste disposal and chemical storage practices (NEMC compliance).

Our Inspection Methodology: Understanding AQL

We utilize the Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) standard to determine the number of samples inspected and the threshold for acceptance or rejection. This ensures a statistically accurate representation of the total shipment quality without opening every single box.

Defect Classification System:

  • Critical Defects (0 Allowed): Hazardous conditions or non-compliance with safety regulations. Automatic failure.
  • Major Defects (AQL 2.5): Functional issues or cosmetic damage that would cause the customer to return the product.
  • Minor Defects (AQL 4.0): Slight deviations from the standard that do not affect the product’s usability.
Inspector analyzing data on tablet
Real-time data entry of defect findings into our reporting system.
Commodity Inspection

Cashew Nut & Commodity Inspection

Tanzania is a global leader in Cashew Nut exports. We provide specialized inspection services for Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) in Mtwara and Lindi, ensuring grading meets international standards (Outturn calculation). We also inspect Scrap Metal, Copper, and Minerals for export.

Inspection Protocols:

  • Cashew Nut Grading (Outturn) Cutting tests to determine kernel quality, moisture content, and nut count per kg.
  • Scrap Metal & Recycling Radiation testing and impurity checks for UBC Aluminium, Copper, and Ferrous scrap.
  • Weight & Loading Supervision Witnessing weighbridge tickets and ensuring full container utilization during loading.
Cashew Nut and Commodity Inspection in Tanzania
Visual inspection of commodities and scrap metal purity before loading.
Logistics Readiness

Final Pre-Shipment Inspection (FPSI)

Beyond the factory floor, the final hurdle is export readiness. Our FPSI focuses on the logistics conformity of the consignment before it is handed over to the forwarder. We ensure your documentation matches the physical cargo to prevent customs delays at Dar es Salaam Port, ICDs, and Across Tanzania.

Export Readiness Checks:

  • Final Quantity Verification: 100% tally of cartons/sacks against the Commercial Invoice.
  • Shipping Marks & Labeling: Verifying conformity with Letter of Credit (LC) requirements.
  • Weight Verification: Gross vs. Net weight checks to avoid weighbridge fines.
  • Palletization Quality: Inspecting ISPM 15 markings on wood packaging and pallet stability.
Pre-Shipment Logistics Check
Secure Loading Operations

Container Stuffing & Loading Supervision

The most critical moment for cargo safety. We oversee the transfer of goods from the warehouse floor into the container at the Dar es Salaam Port, Tanga Port, or the exporter’s facility. We prevent bad stowage, theft, and damage before the journey.

1. Container Fitness

We reject unfit containers before loading begins. Our 7-point inspection checks for holes, odors, wet floors, and defective locking gear.

  • • Light Leak Test
  • • Floor Moisture Check
  • • Taint/Odor Inspection

2. Stowage & Securing

Maximizing space while ensuring safety. We supervise stacking patterns to prevent crushing and verify lashing/dunnage to stop movement.

  • • Weight Distribution
  • • Dunnage Bag Installation
  • • Space Utilization Check

3. Sealing & Handover

The final chain of custody. We witness the door closing and apply high-security bolt seals. We record seal numbers immediately.

  • • High-Security Bolt Seal
  • • Electronic Seal (GPS)
  • • Container Handover Form
Our Operational Advantage

Strategic Presence: The Dar-Lake Zone Axis

Our structure ensures we cover the entire supply chain lifecycle, from raw material sourcing in the interior to final export at the port.

Central Hub

Dar es Salaam (HQ)

Dar es Salaam is our headquarters and command center. From here, we coordinate Factory Audits and Port Operations. We have rapid access to major industrial areas like Pugu, Mikocheni, and the port zones.

  • Factory Verification & Audits
  • Container Loading Supervision
  • Scrap Metal Inspections
Regional Operations

Mtwara, Mwanza & Arusha

We operate at the source. Our surveyors in Mtwara cover the Cashew trade. Teams in Mwanza handle Cotton and Lake Zone logistics. Arusha is our base for Coffee and Gemstone inspections.

  • Raw Cashew Nut Grading
  • Cotton Bale Inspection
  • Mineral & Gemstone verification

End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility

We don’t just inspect; we connect the dots. Our integrated approach ensures that quality is maintained from the moment raw materials enter the warehouse until the container seal is locked.

01. Source

Raw Material Check

Verifying inputs at farms or mines in the interior.

02. Processing

In-Line Inspection

Monitoring processing (e.g., cashew shelling) and sorting.

03. Packaging

Final Random Inspection

AQL statistical checks on finished, packed goods.

04. Exit

Loading at Port

Final supervision and sealing at Dar/Mtwara Port.

What We Inspect

Diverse Industry Expertise

Cashews & Agriculture

Specialized grading for Cashews (Mtwara), Coffee (Arusha), and Sisal (Tanga).

  • • Raw Cashew Nut (Outturn)
  • • Coffee & Tea Grading
  • • Sisal & Spices (Cloves)

Minerals & Mining

Verification of mineral shipments, gold purity, and gemstone consignments.

  • • Gold & Precious Metals
  • • Gemstones (Tanzanite)
  • • Industrial Minerals

Construction & Hardlines

Verifying building materials for local infrastructure projects.

  • • Cement & Steel Bars
  • • Ceramics & Sanitary ware
  • • Glass & Aluminum

Manufacturing & Textiles

Inspecting manufactured goods, including textiles, plastics, and beverages.

  • • Cotton & Textiles
  • • Plastic Goods
  • • Food & Beverages
National Network

Rapid Deployment Nationwide

Headquartered in Dar es Salaam, our strategic positioning allows us to cover key industrial, agricultural, and mining zones efficiently.

Interactive Map: Click markers for location details. Zoom to explore.

Dar es Salaam (HQ)

Headquarters & Main Port

Central Command. Operations for Port, ICDs, and Industrial areas.

Mtwara & Lindi

Cashew Zone

Key hub for Raw Cashew Nut inspection and port loading.

Mwanza (Lake Zone)

Cotton & Mining

Cotton, Fish, and Gold Mining logistics support.

Arusha & Tanga

Northern Corridor

Coffee, Gemstones (Mererani), and Sisal exports via Tanga.

Sourcing Advisory & FAQs

Common questions about verifying suppliers and ensuring quality in Tanzania.

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Email Operations ops@observater.com
Head Office Dar es Salaam, Tanzania