Sampling & sealing

Correct sampling inspection keeps product quality verified and contractual specifications confirmed, so financial settlement of cargoes proceeds without dispute. Commodity trade risk management stays controlled because sampling results provide the documented proof needed for confident cargo transactions. Control Union delivers this assurance through accredited, operationally proven sampling and sealing services.

    Quality and compliance through sampling and sealing

    Control Union stands apart by structurally combining technical inspection services with logistical coordination and laboratory analyses under one operation. Sampling and contractual sealing services carry ISO 9001 certification or ISO 17020 accreditation, which means every result is independently verified and defensible during financial settlement. This integrated approach eliminates the need to coordinate separate inspection, logistics and laboratory providers, giving organisations a single accredited source for reliable, contract-grade quality data.

    Control Union

    Verified control and insight

    Control Union
    1.

    Independent position safeguards objectivity

    An independent standing in the supply chain means sampling outcomes remain impartial, protecting all parties during cargo valuation and contractual acceptance decisions.

    2.

    Broad standards coverage for every trade

    Sampling follows ISO, GAFTA, GMP+, FOSFA, EU and UNECE standards, applying robust statistical sampling methods that satisfy the strictest international trade requirements.

    3.

    Full operational unburdening

    Planning, sampling execution, laboratory liaison and contractual documentation are handled centrally, so organisations are relieved on operational, quality and contractual levels simultaneously.

    4.

    24/7 capacity for peak-load scenarios

    A large, flexible field and office team supports round-the-clock operations, peak volumes and complex logistical situations without compromising turnaround or accuracy.

    5.

    Demonstrable risk control and traceability

    Every sampling event produces traceable, accreditation-backed records that provide certainty during audits, claims and financial reconciliation of cargo shipments.

    How we work

    Towards control, insight, and certainty

    The strength lies in the combination of inspection expertise, advanced data systems, and global practical experience.

    Sampling plan

    Control Union creates a tailored acceptance sampling plan that defines sample size, method and contractual parameters before fieldwork begins.

    Controlled sampling

    Inspectors execute sampling under strict quality control of sample size and method, maintaining integrity throughout collection and sealing.

    Analytical confirmation

    Control Union obtains representative laboratory and analysis results, delivering documented findings that confirm or flag specification compliance.

    The proof to your promise

    Supply chain quality control secured

    Control Union acts as one central point of contact for supply chain quality control, turning sampling data into confident cargo decisions.

    • A single coordination point across the supply chain reduces handovers and keeps sampling, logistics and reporting aligned from start to finish.

    • A leading market share across multiple commodity sectors means proven execution depth and sector-specific knowledge that smaller providers cannot match.

    • Long-standing partnerships position Control Union as an embedded supply-chain partner, not a transactional vendor, strengthening continuity and trust over successive cargo programmes.

    Control Union
    Our integrated approach of combining inspection, logistics coordination and laboratory analysis under one roof is fundamentally different from what competitors and other country offices deliver.
    Koen Backer van Ommeren – Control Union
    The proof to your promise

    Frequently asked questions

    Control Union holds deep specialist knowledge of many types of bulk commodities. Sampling and sealing applies to cargo loading, discharge and storage across agricultural, mineral and industrial commodity trades.

    A large, flexible organisation enables rapid mobilisation. Inspectors operate 24/7, so sampling fits tight vessel schedules, peak periods and urgent cargo movements without delay.

    Organisations receive accreditation-backed sampling reports with representative laboratory analysis results. These documents serve as contractual evidence for financial settlement and regulatory compliance.

    Get in touch with our experts

    Looking to learn more about our inspection capabilities? Submit the form below and we’ll reach out promptly.

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    Local knowledge

    Global coverage

    Control Union drives global trade forward. As an international and independent partner, we support traders, producers, brands, and logistics service providers in managing risk and safeguarding quality at every step of the supply chain.

    From raw material to final product, from processes and systems to installations, we provide insight, assurance, and trust in every link of the chain. We do this through inspections and audits, certification and verification, laboratory analyses, and pest management.

    Our global network of experts are embedded in international supply chains across dozens of sectors, including agriculture, food & feed, energy & biofuels, forestry, construction & infrastructure, textiles, maritime, and on- and offshore.

    Together, we build future-proof supply chains and confidence in global trade!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and laboratories in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Dedicated colleagues