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Tea inspection is a comprehensive quality control procedure conducted at multiple stages of the supply chain to minimize critical trade risks. These include the risk of non-conformity with contractual specifications, discrepancies in quantity, and the absence or incompleteness of shipping documents agreed upon by parties involved in tea export and import operations.

CISS GROUP provides professional tea inspection services to major tea producers and international trading companies at intermediate storage facilities and ports worldwide.

Tea is highly sensitive to moisture and ambient odors, making it vulnerable to deterioration during storage and transportation. Even in dry conditions, slow chemical changes may affect its composition. When exposed to excess humidity, essential oils decompose, leading to quality loss. To maintain quality, strict adherence to packaging, transportation, and storage standards is essential.

Common defects in tea

• Foreign matter (petioles, coarse leaves, fibers, etc.) due to improper harvesting and sorting
• Mixture inconsistency caused by blending errors or poor segregation
• Sour taste or odor from improper fermentation or drying
• Watery or weak infusion resulting from over-processing
• Cloudy appearance due to poor fermentation
• Musty or moldy smell, caused by high humidity (>9%) or poor storage, rendering the tea unfit for consumption

Scope of tea inspection services

• Verification of tea weight and quantity
• Inspection of transport and storage equipment
• Representative sampling for laboratory testing
• Certification of tea quantity and quality
• Truck and container inspection
• Physical evaluation of tea properties
• Chemical and entomological analysis
• Essential oil testing
• Aflatoxin testing
• Microbiological analysis
• Pesticide residue testing
• Particle size analysis
• Fragrance and color assessment

CISS GROUP carries out tea inspection services at any point in the global supply chain through experienced inspectors and laboratory specialists.

The main stages of checking tea:

Incoming and outgoing tea inspection

Conducted during the delivery of tea to production sites, storage facilities, or transport containers. Inspectors verify the suitability of storage conditions and assess the physical state of the cargo, ensuring it is clean, dry, intact, pest-free, and without mold or foreign odors.

Cleanliness inspection of containers

Prior to loading, containers are visually inspected for cleanliness and structural integrity. Tea is typically transported in boxes or bags across various transport modes. Containers must be dry, pest-free, and odorless. Inspectors examine all seals, hinges, and locking mechanisms.

Loading supervision and sampling

During loading, inspectors monitor packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, print quality, color consistency, and compliance with product documentation. They verify production dates, net weight per unit, number of units per box, and gross/net weights. Tea sampling is a critical step to ensure that laboratory testing reflects the true quality of the batch. Loaded containers are sealed, and detailed inspection reports are generated and shared with the client in real time. Inspection services are available 24/7.

Laboratory analysis of tea quality

All testing is performed in accredited laboratories according to international standards. Key parameters include leaf color and shade, leaf twist quality, leaf size, presence of buds or mold, and taste and aroma. Advanced analysis may include:

• Soluble solids content
• Total phenolic compounds
• Total flavonoids
• Total tannins
• Antioxidant activity (DPPH method)
• Reducing power (FRAP method)
• Toxic element content (Pb, As, Cd, Cu)
• Aflatoxin B1 levels
• Radionuclides (Cs-137, Sr-90)
• Microbial indicators (mesophilic aerobic organisms, E. coli, pathogens)
• Presence of foreign matter (not permitted)

Upon request, organoleptic analysis is conducted during loading to assess each shipment's sensory characteristics.

Photo and video documentation

All inspection stages are documented with timestamped photo and video recordings. A complete visual report is provided to the client upon completion, ensuring full transparency and traceability.

Certification and document authentication

Following inspection, CISS GROUP issues final certificates and detailed reports. Each document includes a unique QR code linking to our secure platform for PDF access. All certificates are digitally signed with cryptographic security, ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorized alterations.

These verified documents are often required by financial institutions when processing letters of credit or trade financing transactions.

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