Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Zimbabwe | Harare, Tobacco, Lithium & Transit
Beira & North-South Corridors

ZIMBABWE & TRANSIT
PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION

Securing the logistics chain from Harare and Bulawayo to the Ports of Beira and Durban. From Tobacco & Lithium Exports to Mining Project Cargo. We provide end-to-end quality assurance within Zimbabwe and at the border posts.

What is PSI in Zimbabwe?

PSI in Zimbabwe ensures goods meet Commercial & Regulatory Standards before crossing borders. While the government mandates CBCA (Consignment Based Conformity Assessment) for imports, our independent inspections focus on Export Readiness (Tobacco, Lithium, Granite) and Pre-CBCA Compliance. We verify quantity, quality, and condition to prevent customs delays at Beitbridge or Forbes, and satisfy trade finance requirements.

From Mine/Farm to Global Markets

Supporting Zimbabwean Exporters

Zimbabwe’s minerals and agricultural products power the economy. We help exporters meet strict international standards (China/EU/SA) by implementing quality control at every stage of the supply chain.

1. Mine & Farm

Ensuring raw material quality at the source.

  • Lithium Assay: Spodumene grade verification.
  • Tobacco Curing: Monitoring barn conditions.
  • Stockpile Survey: Volume estimation.

2. Processing & Packing

Value addition in Harare, Bulawayo, or Kwekwe.

  • Grading: Tobacco leaf classification.
  • Crushing: Mineral size verification.
  • Packaging: 1-Ton bag integrity checks.

3. Stuffing & Transit

Loading for Beira or Durban corridors.

  • Lashing: Securing Granite/Minerals.
  • Moisture Control: Tobacco container lining.
  • ZIMRA Seal: Witnessing official sealing.
Mining & Energy

Project Cargo Surveys

Zimbabwe’s Mining Expansion (Platinum, Lithium) and Energy projects (Hwange, Kariba) require the movement of massive equipment. We provide technical supervision for Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo arriving via Beira, Maputo, or Durban.

Key Projects Served

  • Hwange Thermal Power Expansion
  • Zimplats & Mimosa Expansions
  • Arcadia/Bikita Lithium Mines
  • Manhize Steel Plant

Border & Arrival Surveys

Inspecting high-value equipment upon arrival at Beitbridge or Forbes borders, and at project sites. We document any damage occurred during the long road transit to establish liability.

Offloading Supervision

Direct supervision of crane lifts at mine sites. Verifying lifting plans and gear to prevent accidents during the final placement of crushers, mills, and transformers.

Zimbabwe’s Export Wealth

Tobacco & Mineral Services

Zimbabwe is a top global producer of Flue-Cured Tobacco and high-grade Minerals. We inspect these goods at auction floors and mine gates before they begin their journey to the port.

Tobacco (Golden Leaf)

Harare / Marondera

  • Moisture: Strict controls for sea transit.
  • Grading: Leaf quality verification.
  • Beetle Trap: Pest control checks.

Lithium (Spodumene)

Bikita / Goromonzi

  • Grade: Li2O % sampling.
  • Radiation: NORM safety checks.
  • Packing: Bulk bag integrity.

Chrome & Granite

Midlands / Mutoko

  • Dimension: Block measurement.
  • Lashing: Heavy load securing.
  • Weight: Axle load compliance.

Cotton & Sugar

Gokwe / Chiredzi

  • Lint Quality: Trash content check.
  • Sugar: ICUMSA color check.
  • Loading: Water-tight trucks.
Economic Backbone

Strategic Mining & Tobacco Logistics

We specialize in the high-stakes logistics of Zimbabwe’s top exports. From the Tobacco Auction Floors to the Lithium Mines, we ensure quality and quantity are preserved during the critical journey to Beira or Durban.

Tobacco Container Dressing

Supervising the installation of liner bags and desiccants to prevent “container sweat” and mold during the voyage to Asia/Europe.

Mineral Sampling

Representative sampling of Lithium, Chrome, and Manganese piles for laboratory analysis to determine grade before transport costs are incurred.

Transit Security

Applying high-security seals and tracking devices for high-value loads (Copper/Cobalt transit) crossing Zimbabwe.

Tobacco

Lithium

Platinum

Granite

Precious Metals

Gold & PGM Exports

Zimbabwe holds the second largest Platinum reserves in the world. We provide high-security inspection services for Fidelity Printers (Gold) and PGM producers.

Weight & Assay

Precision weighing of Bullion. Witnessing fire assay or laboratory analysis to certify purity before export via RGM Airport.

Packing & Sealing

Supervising packing into secure metal boxes. Applying tamper-evident seals to ensure chain of custody to the refinery.

Export Compliance

Verifying MMCZ (Minerals Marketing Corporation) documentation and RBC (Royalties) clearance.

Asset & Cargo Protection

Container Inspections & Cross-Stuffing

For a landlocked country, the container is the warehouse. We ensure container integrity from the point of stuffing in Harare/Bulawayo to the port, preventing claims.

Stuffing Supervision (Harare)

Witnessing the loading of Tobacco, Minerals, or Cotton. Ensuring “First In, First Out”, space utilization, and checking for damp floors.

  • 7-Point Check: Structural integrity verification.
  • Tally Count: Verifying quantity against invoice.
  • Sealing: High-security bolt seals.

Fumigation Supervision

Mandatory for Tobacco and Timber. We verify the process to prevent beetle infestation claims at destination.

  • Dosage Check: Verifying gas concentration.
  • Sealing Vents: Ensuring gas retention.
  • Safety: Gas-free certification.
Granite Lashing

Securing heavy blocks in open-top/flat-rack containers.

On-Hire / Off-Hire

Condition surveys for shipping lines (MSC/Maersk).

Reefer PTI

Pre-Trip Inspection for Citrus/Blueberry exports.

VGM Verification

Certified weighing for SOLAS compliance.

The 7-Point Container Check

Every container we inspect undergoes a rigorous structural integrity check to prevent damage claims.

Book Inspection
1. Undercarriage
2. Doors & Seals
3. Right Side
4. Left Side
5. Front Wall
6. Ceiling (Holes)
7. Floor (Clean/Dry)
REJECT IF FAILED
Import & Transit

Import Verification & CBCA

Ensuring goods destined for Zimbabwe meet ZIMRA/CBCA standards. We focus on commercial quality assurance and risk mitigation at border posts.

Pre-CBCA / Readiness Check

Fail-proof your official CBCA inspection. We conduct a rigorous “Mock Inspection” to identify non-conformities (labeling, shelf life) before the official inspector arrives.

Arrival Verification (Beitbridge/Forbes)

Witnessing seal breaking and unloading at bonded warehouses (Manica, Bak Logistics). Verifying quantity against packing list.

Used Vehicle Checks

Verifying condition and accessories of imported vehicles upon arrival to support insurance claims for transit damage.

Logistics Hubs We Cover

  • Harare / Msasa Industrial Main hub for manufacturing and warehousing.
  • Bulawayo / Belmont Heavy industry and rail hub.
  • Beitbridge Border Post Transit integrity checks from South Africa.
  • Forbes Border Post (Mutare) Gateway to Beira Corridor.

SME & Groupage Services

For cross-border traders and “Runners”. You don’t need a full container to get professional inspection.

Get a Quote

LCL / Consolidated Cargo

We inspect individual pallets or boxes within a shared container. Perfect for spare parts, electronics, and mixed retail goods.

Supplier Verification (SA/China)

Before you pay your supplier in Johannesburg or Guangzhou, our partners verify they exist and check the goods before shipping to Zimbabwe.

Regional Manufacturing Support

Zimbabwean Factory Audits

Before sourcing from Zimbabwe’s revived industrial sector, verify your supplier. We cover industrial hubs in Harare, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, and Mutare to ensure production capacity and quality.

Level 1

Basic Verification (KYC)

Verifying the legal existence of the supplier to prevent fraud.

  • Companies Registry Check.
  • Physical Office/Factory Visit.
  • ZIMRA Tax Clearance.
  • Banking details match.
Level 2 (Recommended)

Technical Factory Audit

Assessing production capacity for Agro-processing, Textiles, and Manufacturing.

  • Machinery Inventory.
  • Quality Management (SAZ/ISO).
  • Raw Material Sourcing.
  • Production Line Capacity.
Level 3

Social Compliance

Mandatory for ethical sourcing of Tobacco, Minerals, and Textiles.

  • Labor standards verification.
  • OSHA Compliance (NSSA).
  • Waste Management (EMA).
  • Ethical Business Practices.
For Banks & Lenders

Stock Verification &
Collateral Management (CMA)

Banks financing trade in Zimbabwe face risks when lending against physical commodities (Tobacco, Grain, Minerals). We provide the boots on the ground to secure these assets in Warehouses and Depots.

Spot Stock Verification

A one-time unannounced visit to verify that the goods funded by the bank actually exist in the warehouse and haven’t been sold.

Stock Monitoring Agreement (SMA)

Periodic (Weekly/Monthly) reporting on stock levels, movement, and condition. We act as the independent third party reporter.

Collateral Management (CMA)

Full Legal Control. We take possession of the warehouse keys. We place our own padlocks and security guards. Goods are only released upon written instruction from the Bank.

Why Banks Choose Us

  • Fraud Prevention: We check for “Sandwich Stacking” and Mineral grade fraud.
  • Insurance Validity: We verify that the warehouse meets the stipulations of the insurance policy (fire sprinklers, security perimeter).
  • Nationwide Reach: We operate in remote locations like Chinhoyi (Farming), Bindura (Mining), and Mutare.
Claims & Recovery

Damage Surveys & Loss Adjusting

The long transit corridors from Beira and Durban are fraught with risks. From truck accidents on the Beitbridge road to rail derailments and warehouse fires. We provide the technical evidence required to settle insurance claims fast.

Goods In Transit (GIT)

Immediate attendance at accident scenes (Chirundu/Beitbridge highways). Supervising transshipment to rescue cargo and prevent looting.

Joint Surveys

Meeting with the Transporter’s insurer to agree on the extent of loss without admitting liability. Establishing a factual baseline.

Cause Investigation

Did the damage happen due to rain (torn tarpaulin), poor handling, or pre-existing defects? We determine the proximate cause.

Salvage Disposal

Organizing competitive tenders for damaged goods (e.g., wet fertilizer/grain) to minimize the final claim amount for underwriters.

Preventing Trade Fraud

Transit and export trade has specific risks. We have developed protocols to counter the most common fraudulent practices in the region.

1. Mineral Adulteration

Swapping high grade Lithium/Copper with waste rock during transit. Our Solution: Continuous supervision and immediate sealing.

2. Tobacco Grade Fraud

Mixing lower grades into high-value bales. Our Solution: Expert grading and sampling at stuffing.

3. Empty Container Export

Shipping empty containers to claim export incentives or move capital. Our Solution: We seal the container and record the seal number on the spot.

The Digital Advantage

Speed

Preliminary reports issued within 24 hours of inspection completion. No waiting for paper trails.

Visual Proof

Every report includes high-resolution, time-stamped photos of the cargo, defects, and sealing process.

Verification

Secure digital certificates with QR codes to prevent forgery and speed up banking/LC processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you issue the CBCA Certificate?

We provide Pre-CBCA Readiness Inspections. While the final certificate is issued by government-appointed agents, our “Mock Inspection” ensures your cargo meets all standards before the official audit. This prevents costly rejections and delays.

Which ports does Zimbabwe use?

Zimbabwe is landlocked and relies on Beira (Mozambique) for bulk/fuel and Durban (South Africa) for containers and vehicles. We have teams at both ports to ensure seamless transit monitoring.

Do you inspect Lithium exports?

Yes. We provide comprehensive inspection for Lithium (Spodumene/Petalite) exports, including sampling, radiation checks, and weight verification to meet international buyer standards.

Request a PSI Inspection

Please specify if this is for Export (Tobacco/Minerals), Import, or Transit.