16.10.2026
Quality and quantity inspection of diesel cargoes: what SGS-type inspectors check and which documents you get
In a physical diesel deal neither side has to take the other's word about what is in the tank. An independent inspection company, often called an "SGS inspection" after one of the best-known firms, measures and tests the cargo and issues certificates that the bank and both parties rely on. Other widely used inspectors include Intertek, Bureau Veritas, Saybolt and AmSpec.
What the inspector does at the loading port
- Shore tank measurement and sampling. Before loading, the inspector gauges the shore tanks, takes temperatures and draws samples.
- Vessel inspection. The ship's cargo tanks are checked for cleanliness and suitability for the product, and any remaining quantities on board are measured.
- Loading supervision. The inspector monitors the transfer and the lines between shore and ship.
- After-loading measurement. The ship's tanks are gauged again to calculate the quantity loaded, often adjusted with the vessel's historical experience factor.
- Laboratory analysis. Composite samples are tested against the contractual specification, for example the EN 590 parameters. Reference samples are retained for possible disputes.
Documents you should receive
What the SPA must say about inspection
- Who appoints the inspector and from which list of acceptable companies.
- Where inspection is final: at the loading port, at the discharge port, or a combination with an agreed procedure for differences.
- Which test methods and specification apply, for example EN 590 with stated test methods.
- Quantity basis: shore figures or ship figures, and the tolerance.
- Who pays for inspection. Practice varies: costs can be split or each party pays for inspection at its own end. Whatever is agreed should be written down.
- Dispute procedure using the retained samples.
How to avoid fake inspection reports
Inspection certificates are among the most frequently forged documents in fake fuel offers. Check the certificate number, date, vessel and terminal directly with the inspection company's local office, using contact details from the company's official website. A genuine inspector will confirm whether it issued the document. More checks are in how to verify an EN590 seller.
FAQ
What does Q&Q mean?
Quality and quantity: the independent inspection of a cargo's specification and the amount loaded or discharged.
Is SGS the only accepted inspector?
No. SGS is well known, but Intertek, Bureau Veritas, Saybolt, AmSpec and other recognised companies are commonly accepted. The SPA should name the acceptable inspectors.
Whose inspection results are final?
That depends on the contract. Many deals treat the loading port results as final for payment, while others use discharge port results or an agreed procedure for differences.