To qualify crude palm oil or TSR20 from a new origin, start with a sample, test it in your own laboratory and use the results to agree a contract specification. A sample shows what a seller can produce. It does not prove what will be in your container. That is the job of a pre-shipment inspection, where an independent surveyor tests the actual cargo before it is loaded.
This guide covers both steps and how they fit before a first order. When you are ready, you can request a quote for samples or a trial shipment.
Ordering a sample
Tell us:
- The product and grade, and the specification you need
- What you will test, so we send enough material
- Delivery address and import contact
- Whether you need a certificate of analysis with the sample
| Item | TSR20 | Crude palm oil |
|---|---|---|
| Typical sample | One bale or a cut portion | Sealed bottles |
| Shipping | Courier | Courier, packed for liquids |
| Comes with | Certificate of analysis for the source lot | Certificate of analysis for the source tank |
Some countries need import permits or declarations for agricultural samples. Check before dispatch to avoid samples being held at customs.
What a sample can tell you
- Whether the material meets your specification under your test methods
- How it processes in your mixer or refinery
- How results compare with the seller's certificate
What a sample cannot tell you
- Whether a full container will be the same
- How consistent the seller is between lots
- Whether the seller can deliver on time and with correct documents
That is why the next step is a trial shipment with inspection, not a large contract.
When you test a sample, use the same methods your contract will name, and compare your results with the certificate that came with it. Small differences are normal between laboratories. A large gap on dirt, PRI, FFA or DOBI is worth discussing before you go further, because it will show up again at contract stage.
The trial shipment
A trial of one or two containers tests the whole chain: quality, packing, transit, documents and the seller's response to questions. Agree the full contract specification, inspection and payment terms as you would for a large order.
What a pre-shipment inspection covers
| Check | What the surveyor does |
|---|---|
| Sampling | Draws samples from each lot or tank under the agreed plan |
| Quality | Tests against the contract specification |
| Quantity | Counts bales or pallets, weighs, or gauges tanks |
| Packing | Checks wrapping, pallets, flexitanks and labels |
| Container | Checks the container is clean, dry and sound |
| Loading | Supervises loading and records seal numbers |
| Report | Issues certificates of analysis and weight, and a loading report with photographs |
See inspection and certificates of analysis for how to read and verify the certificates.
Who appoints the surveyor
- Seller appoints: common, and cost is usually in the price. Choose a contract that names a recognised surveyor.
- Buyer appoints: the buyer pays and gets a surveyor it trusts. Common for first orders.
- Joint inspection: both sides attend or appoint. Useful where there have been disputes.
With us, you can appoint your own surveyor, or we propose one we work with and confirm it with you before loading.
From sample to contract
- Sample tested and accepted
- Specification agreed with numbers and methods
- Trial shipment contracted with inspection
- Trial cargo inspected, shipped and received
- Results compared: our certificate, the surveyor's and your own tests
- Volume contract agreed
Questions about minimum orders, lead times and payment are answered in our buyer FAQ.