Trade Finance Support

Intertek provides financial institutions with objective, independently verified information on the goods, suppliers and shipments that underpin international trade finance. 

Trade finance decisions depend on the accuracy of documentation and declarations that are often generated far from the point of financing. Intertek's inspection and verification services provide a reliable, on-the-ground view of the physical goods and supply chain activity behind each transaction, enabling financial institutions to conduct due diligence, monitor performance and manage risk with greater confidence. 

Managing the risks within trade transactions 

International trade transactions involve multiple parties, contractual obligations and supporting documentation. Discrepancies between contractual terms, declared goods, shipped quantities and supporting records may expose financiers and their clients to financial and operational risk. 

Financial institutions are therefore often required to establish that goods exist as declared, that their quantity and quality conform to agreed specifications, and that shipment activity is consistent with the underlying commercial arrangements. Independent inspection and verification provide an additional, objective source of information in support of that assessment. 

Intertek's role 

Intertek delivers independent inspection, verification and reporting services to financial institutions and the businesses they support. Our specialists assess goods, suppliers, production activities, cargo and trade documentation, providing an impartial view of the physical goods and shipment activity underlying each transaction. 

Verification scope is tailored to the goods being traded, the contractual requirements and the specific needs of the transaction. Findings are documented in formal inspection reports that inform due diligence, support transaction monitoring and highlight discrepancies between declared details and observed conditions. 

Key service areas 

Intertek's verification services span the full transaction lifecycle, from supplier to shipping documentation: 

• Supplier and production: supplier due diligence, vendor assessments and monitoring of manufacturing progress. 
• Goods and quality: quantity and quality inspections, product verification and confirmation of compliance with applicable standards. 
• Shipment and cargo: supervision of loading, cargo inspection, packing and sealing, and loss control. 
• Trade and documentation: HS classification and verification against purchase orders, contracts and Letters of Credit. 

Scope of verification 

The scope of each engagement is agreed in line with the transaction, the contractual requirements and the services requested. Verification may cover: 

• Goods and quantities: quantity, weight, quality and physical condition. 
• Contractual requirements: conformity of declared goods with agreed specifications. 
• Shipment integrity: loading, seals, packaging, stowage and securing of cargo. 
• Supporting records: commercial documents and relevant shipment declarations. 

Inspection and verification services 

Each engagement concludes with a detailed inspection report, providing an objective record of the goods and the key aspects of the transaction to support financial institutions in their assessment and oversight of trade finance activity. 

• Quantity and weight: confirmation of the quantity and weight of goods subject to financing. 
• Product quality and condition: assessment of product quality and physical condition. 
• Contractual compliance: verification against purchase orders, contracts, proforma invoices and Letters of Credit. 
• Packaging and marking: review of packaging, labelling and export marking against requirements. 
• Container loading and seals: supervision of container loading and verification of seal integrity. 
• Cargo securing: confirmation that cargo is appropriately secured and stowed for transportation. 
• Shipment readiness: monitoring of manufacturing progress and confirmation of readiness for shipment. 

Why Intertek?  

• Risk mitigation: independent verification at critical points enables early identification of discrepancies, non-performance and contractual or quality concerns. 
• Enhanced visibility: greater insight into the goods, suppliers and supply chain activities underpinning each transaction. 
• Stronger governance: objective inspection, verification and reporting provide an independent layer of oversight that supports due diligence and ongoing monitoring. 
• Informed decision-making: reliable, independent information supports sound trade finance assessment and continuous transaction monitoring. 

Sectors supported 

Intertek supports trade finance transactions across:

• Agriculture
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• FMCG
• Industrial Products
• Textiles and footwear
• Capital equipment and Traded commodities

Early engagement 

Early engagement with Intertek is recommended to establish the appropriate inspection and verification requirements for each transaction. 

Timely verification of goods, supporting documentation and shipment readiness enables discrepancies to be identified before they affect the transaction, reducing the risk of: 

• Delays in shipment or transaction processing 
• Documentary discrepancies and contractual non-compliance 
• Additional inspection, storage or handling costs 
• Disputes relating to the quantity, quality or condition of goods 

Trade with Confidence

Trade finance support forms part of Intertek Government & Trade Services, which enables governments and businesses to trade with assurance through regulatory compliance support, risk reduction and stronger supply chains. Our services support import control and customs clearance through inspection, verification and certification, and facilitate market access through Global Market Access (GMA) services. Supported by digital innovation, tailored commercial solutions and sustainability-led services, we help enable safer, faster and more efficient global trade. 

Ready to Trade with Confidence?

Whether you're a government authority, exporter or importer, our Government and Trade Services experts are ready to support your market access journey. 

Get in touch to:

• Request a quotation
• Speak with a technical expert
• Find your local Intertek office
• Learn more about our programmes
• Receive guidance on certification and compliance

Contact Intertek to begin the certification process and support your journey. Contact us Today!