When inspection is included
Pre-shipment inspection by an internationally accredited body (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek) is included in FOB pricing on orders meeting 5 x 20' FCL MOQ for 1121 Basmati. Smaller orders get inspection at buyer cost ($800-$1,200 per shipment depending on body and scope).
What inspectors check
For 1121, the critical parameter is grain length: average raw kernel must measure 8.3mm. Other standard checks: moisture (13.5% max), broken percentage (Nil grade is 0-2%), chalky kernels (3% max), foreign matter (0.05% max), pesticide residue screening on EU and UK shipments via LC-MS/MS detection.
Sampling protocol
Sampling follows ISO 24333. Inspectors draw representative samples from across the lot at the bagging or container loading stage. Sample size scales with lot size; for a 130 MT lot (5 FCL), the composite sample runs 2-3 kg, sub-sampled into the test batch and the retain.
Certificate contents
The pre-shipment inspection certificate documents: lot identification, grain length, broken percentage, moisture, chalky kernels, foreign matter, weight/count verification, packing condition, container seal numbers. EU and UK shipments add a residue test report. The certificate is presented under the L/C alongside the BL.
If a lot fails
First-pass clearance for 1121 sits at 99%. Failures are typically on chalky-kernel or foreign-matter parameters and trigger re-sorting on the same lot or substitution from a fresh lot before re-inspection. Reprocessing or new-lot replacement is the standard remedy. Pre-arranged inspection scope is documented at quote stage.
For multi-variety inspection patterns across Pakistan rice exports beyond 1121, the general inspection guide covers SK, IRRI-6, and broken rice protocols.