Third-Party Quality Certification on Every Cargo
Crude Oil LLP mandates independent SGS inspection on every petroleum cargo we ship. This commitment goes beyond standard industry practice — we require pre-shipment sampling, laboratory analysis, and certificate issuance before any vessel departs from our terminals.
Our primary inspection partner is SGS S.A. (Geneva, Switzerland) — the world's most recognised commodity inspection organisation. SGS certificates are accepted by all major trade finance banks for LC documentation and are the gold standard in petroleum trading.
We also work with Intertek and Bureau Veritas where operationally required. All three are ILAC-accredited and internationally recognised — their certificates carry equal legal weight in petroleum trade finance.
INSPECTION OVERVIEW
SGS Inspection Process
Representative samples are drawn from the storage tank or vessel at load port by an SGS-certified sampling technician, following ISO 3170 procedures for liquid petroleum.
Samples are analysed at an accredited SGS or Intertek laboratory. Tests cover all key parameters: density, viscosity, sulphur content, flash point, cetane number, etc., per product specification.
SGS issues a Certificate of Quality confirming the product meets specification. The CoQ is a legally recognised document accepted by all major trade finance banks.
Cargo quantity is independently measured by SGS draft survey (for vessels) or tank gauge measurement at the terminal. Certificate of Quantity (CoQ/Q) issued.
Country of origin is certified. Required for customs clearance in most jurisdictions and for applicable duty rate determination.
The complete verified document package is couriered to buyer and/or buyer's bank: B/L, CoQ, Quantity Certificate, CoO, Insurance Certificate, Invoice, and SGS Report.
Standard Document Package
Our Inspection Partners
World's leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Our primary inspection partner across all four terminals.
Global quality assurance and testing company (London). Used for Jurong and Fujairah terminal inspections as SGS's peer. Intertek reports are equally accepted by LC banks.
French inspection and certification organisation. Used for select Houston and Rotterdam cargoes and for vessel inspections under SIRE (Ship Inspection Report) requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SGS inspection important for petroleum buyers?
Independent third-party inspection by SGS or equivalent protects both buyer and seller. It ensures the product delivered matches the contracted specification, prevents quantity disputes, and provides documentation that satisfies letter-of-credit (LC) and trade finance requirements. Banks will not release payment under an LC without SGS or equivalent inspection certificates.
Who pays for SGS inspection?
Under FOB terms, the seller (TOO Crude Oil) arranges and pays for SGS inspection at the load port. Under CIF terms, inspection is included in our overall cost. For additional re-inspection at the discharge port requested by the buyer, the buyer bears the cost of that additional inspection.
Can I see the SGS certificate before payment?
Under LC terms, the SGS Certificate of Quality and Certificate of Quantity are included in the document set presented to the issuing bank. For non-LC transactions, we can share digital copies of certificates upon vessel departure and prior to payment settlement, subject to bilateral agreement in the SPA.
What happens if the SGS report shows off-spec product?
If an SGS inspection at load port reveals the product is off-specification, the cargo is not loaded and the matter is resolved before shipment. Our quality control procedures at the terminal (pre-loading sampling) are designed to prevent off-spec cargoes from reaching the inspection stage.
