The cargo and container inspection is essential as well as mandatory by Brazilian Customs. Only through this procedure is it possible to carry out a significant inspection of volumes, in order to control the entry of illegal objects into our country.

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And companies also stand to gain from this bureaucracy. It is through this that makes it is easier to avoid theft, loss and various other damages. However, there may be a charge if something does not comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service and the Export Processing Zone.

Do you want to learn more about this? Continue reading and understand all the obligations and demands which the legislation mandates.

What is cargo and container inspection

The cargo and container inspection is a verification process, which determines whether the objects are in accordance with the description of said cargo as well as in accordance with the laws of the country. They also help in avoiding questions and charges in the face of any possible error.

All cargo specifications are described in the transport documents. Thus, during the journey, they can be consulted again to ensure that they arrived at the destination in the same condition as when they left.

To top it off, due to the use of X-ray equipment in the inspection, it is possible to identify products which have been damaged. Thus, the cargo is returned for exchange before it reaches the consumer.

The inspection also notes possible failures and misunderstandings in the storage and handling of cargo in ports. If any goods have been sent to an incorrect destination, the inspectors  makes sure they get redirected to the correct location.

How is the cargo and container inspection done

As well as the application of regulatory standards for offshore activity, the inspection of cargo and containers is carried out by a specific agency. For example, in the case of medicines, Anvisa is responsible. When the process is done at the time of dispatch, the responsibility passes to the Federal Internal Revenue Service.

It is always requested that the legal representative of the company be present at the place of embarkation. Thus, there is no chance of further controversy or doubt.

Before the inspection, he needs to pass on all the information regarding the cargo. Quantity, content, weight, destination and other details help expedite the release and there are no fines applied.

Then, the containers pass through an X-ray scanner, which points out if they are empty, if there are undeclared goods and identifies hidden objects. Then, an inspector of the Federal Internal Revenue Service, who has sufficient technical knowledge, carries out the analysis.

If everything is correct, the cargo is released without payment of fines. In the face of any inconsistency, the inspector requests for the correction of the information and isues a fine.

What is the Law of mandatory use of X-Ray

By 2013, all public and private port terminals had to install X-ray scanners to inspect cargo and containers. This was a measure established by Law No. 12.350/2010.

At first, the change caused a slight delay in the inspection procedures. However, the problem was soon solved, and today the equipment, which is of better quality, performs about 25 inspections per hour, with satisfactory results.

The determination was made with the aim of reducing attempts to defraud and conceal goods. In this way, the Federal Internal Revenue Service was also able to institute more effectiveness and efficiency in all custom controls.

And it can also expand the inspection base, reducing costs and solving problems in the Brazilian port bottleneck. It is worth remembering that all equipment has the correct radiation levels for the safety of those involved.

At what times is the cargo inspected

Surveillance and inspection of cargo and containers takes place at different times and places of entry and exit of goods. In all cases, the inspector records the status of the cargo received, in order to verify damages and other irregularities.

The cargo is inspected on all sides. If it is damaged on the outside or does not comply with the shipping requirements, the inspector informs the owner immediately, with all the details that justify the non-shipment, in addition to photos and videos that prove the condition of the goods.

Afterwards, inspections also take place during or after loading and unloading. Pre-shipment inspections take place when goods are loaded for customers. Random sampling is performed before the cargo is placed in containers or trucks or on ships.

With the stuffing completed, another inspection is carried out to ensure that the cargo fits into the container and no displacement occurs during transit. The goods are always fastened with chains or straps and stored according to the size, quantity and type of packaging.

As soon as they arrive at the destination, they are checked again and counted. The inspector records whether the quantity and descriptions of the goods corresponds with those placed on the shipping documents and communicates to the responsible party if something is wrong, in order to follow the other guidelines on the return.

Which entities are involved in the process

As you have seen, in the case of medical supplies, ANVISA is one of the entities present in the process. After all, it needs to attest to the biological safety of the transported material, both in relation to who  and how it is transported and to the content, which cannot come into contact with the environment. But this changes according to the classification and complexity of the goods.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) is another entity that helps with the inspection. In the case of products in the sector, the agency’s inspectors check if specific requirements are attended to.

Such as the use of wooden packaging that has a Fumigation Certificate. The Federal Internal Revenue Service, in turn, comes in to clear the cargoes, verifying and drafting documents, placing stamps and confirming the operations.

Thus, the collection of fines and fees usually only occurs if the inspection of cargo and containers presents some irregularity. Hence the importance of knowing the law well, as well as the norms and rules about the sector in which you operate.

With the right care, the transport of goods runs smoothly, so you ensure the integrity of all your cargo. However, this is, in fact, a very complex and detailed process.

So, learn more about logistics services provided in offshore support bases to have more quality and safety in your exports.