Many transactions are concluded on a cash-against-documents basis and, therefore, trust and reliance is placed on the validity and accuracy of the documents presented. Certificates of Weight and Analysis are significant in this regard and FOSFA has developed detailed protocols to which companies issuing same must comply.

• Superintendents are appointed to assess weights and produce a Certificate of Weight and, in addition, draw samples of the goods.

• Analysts are appointed to carry out tests on the samples in order to ascertain that the goods are of contractual quality/specification; the results being reported in a Certificate of Analysis.

Under FOSFA contract terms, only superintendents and analysts registered as FOSFA members can be appointed to the designated roles.

Superintendents Scheme

Analysts Scheme