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NPK inspection is a comprehensive quality control process conducted at various stages of the logistics chain. It minimizes major trade risks associated with deviations from the agreed specifications, discrepancies in quantity, or missing documentation required for NPK export and import operations.

CISS GROUP provides NPK inspection services to large agribusinesses and international trading companies. Inspections are conducted at intermediate storage facilities, elevators, factories, and ports worldwide.

NPK fertilizers contain at least two essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and trace minerals. Proper storage in warehouses must comply with the certification of each component, considering factors such as toxicity, chemical neutrality, fire hazard properties, and overall compatibility. The co-storage of different pesticides is prohibited due to potential chemical reactions in case of packaging damage, which could lead to fire hazards.

Bulk fertilizers arriving at warehouses must be stored separately. To prevent caking, pile height should not exceed 2 meters, while non-crumbling fertilizers may be stacked up to 3 meters. Packaged fertilizers must be placed on pallets to prevent moisture absorption.

Accredited inspectors and laboratory technicians from CISS GROUP conduct NPK inspections at any point in the supply chain, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.

The main stages of NPK inspection:

Incoming/outgoing NPK inspection

This stage takes place during the delivery of NPK to silos or ports, or upon release from factory or warehouse storage. CISS GROUP inspectors conduct visual assessments of storage conditions to ensure suitability for cargo placement. The cargo is checked for dryness, absence of contamination, and freedom from pests, mold, foreign matter, or unwanted odors. If NPK is transported in bags, inspectors assess bag integrity, and if required, perform sampling by opening selected bags for further analysis.

Cleanliness inspection of containers and vessel holds

Prior to loading, inspectors examine containers and vessel holds for cleanliness and suitability for NPK transportation. They inspect internal surfaces, assess the integrity of locks, hinges, and fasteners, and check rubber seals on container doors and hold covers.

Visual monitoring of the loading process and sampling

During loading, inspectors oversee the process, confirm gross and net weights, and conduct weight verification via the draft survey method for bulk shipments. They also monitor fumigation procedures, perform visual quality assessments, and take samples following strict sampling protocols. Once loading is complete, inspectors seal containers or vessel holds and compile detailed reports accessible to clients in real time. CISS GROUP offers 24/7 loading inspection and sampling services.

Laboratory analysis of NPK quality

NPK quality assessments follow international standards, including ISO, CEN, and TFI (The Fertilizer Institute). Standard quality parameters include:

• NPK composition
• Nitrogen forms: total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, amide nitrogen
• Essential elements: calcium, magnesium, sulfate sulfur
• Acidity (pH)
• Trace elements: iron, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, cobalt
• Organic content: biuret in carbamide, humates, fulvic acids
• Physical properties: particle size distribution, moisture, ash content, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio
• Heavy metals: cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel, copper, chromium, cobalt, arsenic
• Pesticide residue analysis

Additional tests can determine fertilizer friability, granule strength, and particle size distribution.

Photo and video documentation

Each inspection stage is recorded through photo and video documentation, including timestamps. CISS GROUP provides a comprehensive photo report detailing every stage of the inspection process.

Certification

Upon completion of the NPK inspection, a final certificate or detailed report is issued. Clients can verify document authenticity via a unique QR code linked to the CISS GROUP website, where digital certificates are securely stored.

These certificates are protected by a digital cryptographic signature, ensuring reliability and security. Many banks require digitally signed certificates to verify the integrity of trade transactions, particularly in cases involving letter of credit financing.

For reliable NPK inspection services, CISS GROUP ensures full compliance with international trade and quality standards, safeguarding your business against risks and ensuring seamless logistics operations.

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