Sunflower meal and cake inspection
Sunflower meal and cake inspection ensures quality control at various stages of the logistics chain, minimizing key trade risks associated with cargo not meeting agreed specifications, incorrect quantities, or incomplete documentation in sunflower meal and cake export/import operations.
CISS GROUP provides professional sunflower meal and cake inspection services for major agribusinesses and international trading companies. Inspections take place at intermediate storage warehouses, elevators, processing plants, and ports worldwide.
Sunflower meal and cake are highly hygroscopic, meaning their moisture content must not exceed 11-12%, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage and degradation. Due to oil oxidation, storage should not exceed three months. Before storage and loading, sunflower meal must be cooled: in winter, it should not exceed +35°C, while in summer, it should remain no more than 5°C above ambient temperature.
GAFTA-accredited inspectors and laboratory technicians from CISS GROUP conduct sunflower meal and cake inspections at all points in the supply chain, ensuring compliance with contractual and international quality standards.
Key stages of sunflower meal and cake inspection
Incoming and outgoing cargo inspection
This inspection occurs when sunflower meal and cake are delivered to silos, ports, or released from factory or warehouse facilities. Inspectors visually assess storage conditions, ensuring the cargo is dry, uncontaminated, pest-free, and free from mold, foreign matter, or odors. For bagged shipments, inspectors check for signs of moisture damage and, if required, open selected bags for sampling and further quality assessment.
Cleanliness inspection of containers and vessel holds
Prior to loading, a thorough visual examination ensures containers and vessel holds are clean and suitable for transporting sunflower meal and cake. Inspectors check internal surfaces, structural integrity, locks, hinges, rubber seals, and fasteners to confirm readiness for safe cargo transportation.
Loading supervision and sampling
During loading, CISS GROUP inspectors oversee the process, confirm gross and net weights via re-weighing, and conduct draft surveys for vessel hold loading. Fumigation control is also provided. Cargo quality is visually assessed, and samples are collected following GAFTA sampling protocols. At the end of loading, containers or holds are sealed. Clients receive real-time access to inspection reports, with services available 24/7.
Laboratory analysis for sunflower meal and cake quality
All quality tests are conducted in GAFTA-accredited laboratories according to contractually agreed local or international standards. Commonly analyzed parameters include:
- Color and odor
- Crude protein and fiber content
- Total energy nutritional value (dry matter basis)
- Insoluble ash in hydrochloric acid
- Moisture content and impurities
- Presence of toxic elements, pests, or signs of contamination
Additional laboratory tests can detect pesticides, mycotoxins, GMOs, dioxins, heavy metals, and radioactive elements. Upon client request, express analyses are conducted during loading for each pre-determined batch.
Photo and video documentation
CISS GROUP inspectors document every inspection stage through photographs and video recordings. Each entry includes timestamps to ensure full traceability. A comprehensive photo report is provided to clients at the conclusion of the inspection.
Certification and digital verification
Upon completion, final inspection certificates and reports are issued. Clients can verify document authenticity using a unique QR code linking to CISS GROUP’s secure website, where digital certificates are stored. All certificates are protected by cryptographic digital signatures, ensuring security and reliability.
Digitally signed certificates are often required by banks to validate trading processes when financing trade operations, such as in letter of credit transactions.
Advantages of CISS GROUP’s sunflower meal and cake inspection services
- GAFTA-certified experts
- 24/7 global inspection coverage
- Full compliance with international quality standards
- Secure digital certification with cryptographic protection
- Comprehensive laboratory testing and express analysis
- Transparent reporting with real-time access
CISS GROUP ensures that sunflower meal and cake shipments meet the highest quality standards through professional inspection services.
Send request