SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, we employ 59,000 people and operate a network of more than 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

Established in 1878, the company started by offering agricultural inspection services to grain traders in Europe. From those early beginnings, we grew in size and scope as our agricultural inspection services spread around the world. On 19 July 1919, the company adopted the name of Société Générale de Surveillance (today, known as SGS). During the mid-20th century, we began to diversify and started offering inspection, testing and verification services across a variety of sectors, including industrial, minerals and oil, gas and chemicals, among others. In 1981, the company went public.

The current structure of SGS, consisting of 10 business segments operating across 10 geographical regions, was formed in 2001. From our beginnings in 1878 as a grain inspection house, we have steadily grown into our role as the industry leader. We have done this through continual improvement and innovation and through supporting our customers’ operations by reducing risk and improving productivity.