Escalator Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) for the US Market

Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)

This article dives into the essential process of escalator pre-shipment inspection (PSI) for escalators and moving walkways destined for the United States. A meticulously conducted PSI guarantees their quality and strict adherence to the relevant safety standards, specifically the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Prioritizing Passenger Safety in High-Traffic Areas

Given the critical role escalators and moving walkways play in transporting people within busy public areas, passenger safety and comfort reign supreme. Manufacturers are obligated to prioritize exceptional quality and rigorously follow the stringent safety regulations outlined in the ASME A17.1 standard. This standard serves as the cornerstone for ensuring passenger well-being on escalators and moving walkways across the United States.

Compliance Verification in the Country of Origin

The US enforces import regulations that mandate compliance with accepted international standards, like ASME A17.1 for escalators and moving walkways. To verify this adherence, inspection companies, either state-owned or free-market (both requiring US approval), conduct pre-shipment inspections in the origin country where the equipment is manufactured. State-owned companies are generally recommended for enhanced confidence in the accuracy of their reports.

What is a Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)?

Before the escalator or moving walkway is approved for export, a licensed agency will do a PSI, which is a comprehensive examination. This comprehensive process assures the buyer that the manufactured equipment aligns perfectly with the contract specifications, governing regulations (including ASME A17.1), and the established standards of the destination country (US).

The Multi-stage PSI Process for Verification

The PSI unfolds throughout various stages of the manufacturing process to meticulously verify several crucial aspects:

1) Material Quality and Workmanship: The inspection team thoroughly examines the materials used in the escalator or moving walkway construction to ensure they meet the high standards outlined in ASME A17.1. Additionally, the quality of workmanship throughout the manufacturing process is rigorously evaluated.

2) Complete Goods Quantity: An accurate physical count of all escalators and moving walkways is conducted to verify they match the order specifications.

3) Required Documentation Accuracy: The inspector meticulously reviews all essential documents, including packing lists, to confirm their accuracy and completeness.

4) Adherence to ASME A17.1 Safety Standards: This is a paramount aspect of the PSI. The inspection team intensively evaluates the escalator or moving walkway against the stringent safety requirements mandated by the ASME A17.1 standard. This ensures the equipment operates safely and minimizes potential risks to passengers.

Establishing a Pre-inspection Agreement

To ensure a smooth PSI process, the buyer, supplier, and, if applicable, the bank involved in a letter of credit transaction, must collaboratively agree on the specific inspection methodology employed by the chosen inspection company. This agreement ensures all parties involved are on the same page regarding the inspection procedures.

The Significance of the Certificate of Inspection (COI)

Following a successful PSI, the inspection company issues a critical document known as a Certificate of Inspection (COI). This document serves as concrete evidence that the inspected escalator or moving walkway is in excellent condition and fully complies with the ASME A17.1 safety standard. The COI is a mandatory document for importing goods into the US, acting as a safeguard against non-compliant equipment entering the country.

Combating Fraudulent Practices through PSI

In some instances, PSIs are mandatory to prevent fraudulent activities such as under- or over-invoicing. These practices aim to manipulate customs duties or evade foreign exchange restrictions. By implementing a thorough PSI, such deceptive tactics are effectively thwarted.

Escalator Manufacturer’s Role in Providing Test Reports

Escalator manufacturers are required to furnish detailed test reports on their products in a standardized format. These reports, based on the latest version of the ASME A17.1 standard, are instrumental for obtaining inspection approval. The reports document various tests conducted on the escalator or moving walkway to ensure they meet the performance and safety benchmarks established by the standard.

Calibration Requirements for Test Reports

All test reports, issued by either independent third-party laboratories or the escalator factory’s own lab, must possess calibration certificates based on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. This standard ensures the accuracy and reliability of the testing equipment used to generate the reports. If an ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory is unavailable, the escalator factory lab’s reports must strictly adhere to the most recent ASME A17.1 standard. This guarantees that the test results accurately reflect the performance of the equipment.

Inspection Company Assessment Process

Inspection companies meticulously assess the provided test reports to ensure they accurately represent the manufactured escalators and moving walkways. This assessment involves verifying that the test procedures align with the requirements of ASME