Send request

Corn inspection is a vital quality control process conducted at various stages of the logistics chain. It minimizes significant trade risks associated with the likelihood of cargo being delivered or received that does not conform to the agreed specifications, is not supplied in the correct quantity, or lacks the necessary accompanying documents for corn export/import operations.

CISS GROUP provides comprehensive corn inspection services to large agribusinesses and international trading companies at intermediate storage warehouses, elevators, factories, and ports around the globe.

 

Corn is categorized into seven subclasses based on its properties. The most common types include maize, flint corn, and dent corn, with popcorn and flour corn being widely cultivated in the United States. Lesser-known subclasses, such as waxy and membranous corn, each have various cultivars differing in ripening time, color, grain size, flavor, and long-term storage capabilities.

GAFTA-accredited inspectors and laboratory technicians from CISS GROUP conduct thorough corn inspections at any point along the supply chain.

Key Stages of Corn Inspection:

 

Incoming/Outgoing Corn Inspection

This inspection occurs during the delivery of corn to silos or ports and when releasing it from factory or silo warehouses. CISS GROUP inspectors visually assess the suitability of the premises for cargo storage and check the corn to ensure it is dry, free from mixing with other cargo, and free from pests, foreign matter, weeds, mold, or odors. For bagged corn, inspectors examine bags for signs of soaking and, if agreed upon, open selected bags for sampling and further quality checks.

Cleanliness Acceptance of Containers/Holds Before Loading Corn

Inspectors conduct a visual assessment of containers and empty holds to verify their cleanliness and suitability for corn transportation. They carefully examine internal surfaces, assess the integrity and condition of locks, hinges, and fasteners on container doors, and inspect rubber seals on container doors and hold covers.

Visual Control of the Loading Process and Corn Sampling

During loading, inspectors monitor the loading of corn, confirm gross and net weight through re-weighing, and conduct initial, intermediate, and final weight checks using the draft survey method. They oversee the fumigation process, conduct visual assessments of cargo quality, and take samples according to GAFTA sampling rules to form composite samples. At the end of the loading, inspectors seal the containers or holds and record all data in reports accessible to clients. CISS GROUP offers loading inspection and sampling services 24/7.

Laboratory Analysis of Corn Quality

Corn quality is assessed exclusively in GAFTA-accredited laboratories, adhering to both international and local standards agreed upon in the contract. Standard parameters for determining corn quality include color, odor, the quantity of broken kernels, and the presence of impurities and germinated kernels. Key physicochemical properties, such as moisture, acidity, and adsorption capacity, are also measured.

In addition to basic analyses, laboratory tests are performed to detect pesticides, mycotoxins, GMOs, dioxins, heavy metals, and radioactive elements in corn.

Upon client request, express analyses can be conducted for each predetermined lot during the loading process.

Photo and Video Reporting

Inspectors document each stage of the inspection with photos and videos, timestamping all recorded events. At the conclusion of the corn inspection, CISS GROUP provides a comprehensive photo report detailing all inspection stages.

Certificates

Following the corn inspection, a final certificate or report is issued. Clients can verify the authenticity of these documents using a unique QR code, which serves as a link to the CISS GROUP website, where PDF versions of the certificates are stored. Our certificates are secured with a digital cryptographic signature, ensuring their reliability and security.

Digitally signed certificates are often required by banks to validate the integrity of the trading process when financing operations through letters of credit.

Send request