(Customs Clearing & Freight Forwarding)

1. Scope of Services

The Company provides customs clearing, freight forwarding, documentation handling, and related logistics services as instructed by the Client. The Company acts as an agent on behalf of the Client in dealings with customs authorities, regulatory bodies, shipping lines, and other third parties.

2. Accuracy of Information Provided by the Client

The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that all documentation and information provided to the Company is true, accurate, and complete, including but not limited to:

• Commercial invoices
• Packing lists
• Certificates of origin
• Bills of lading / airway bills
• Product descriptions and specifications
• Declared values and quantities

The Company shall not be liable for any penalties, fines, seizures, delays, or additional charges resulting from incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information supplied by the Client.

Any costs incurred due to such inaccuracies shall be borne entirely by the Client.

3. Customs Classification and Valuation

Where the Company provides assistance with tariff classification, duty estimation, or regulatory guidance, such advice is provided in good faith based on available information.

Final determination of duties, taxes, and regulatory compliance remains the responsibility of the relevant authorities.

The Company shall not be held liable for adjustments made by customs authorities.

4. Payment Terms

All service fees, duties, taxes, and third-party charges must be paid in full by the Client before cargo release, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Failure to make timely payment may result in:

• Suspension of services
• Delayed cargo clearance
• Accumulation of storage, demurrage, or port charges

The Company shall not be responsible for any losses arising from delayed payments by the Client.

5. Storage, Demurrage, and Third-Party Charges

The Client acknowledges that charges such as:

• Storage fees
• Demurrage
• Port handling charges
• Container detention
• Inspection fees

are imposed by third parties and are beyond the control of the Company.

The Client shall be responsible for all such costs incurred during the clearance process.

6. Authority to Act

By engaging the Company, the Client authorizes the Company to act as its clearing and forwarding agent for purposes of processing customs declarations, submitting documentation, and liaising with relevant authorities.

The Client agrees to provide all necessary documentation and authorization required for the Company to perform these services.

7. Delays Beyond the Company's Control

The Company shall not be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Customs inspections
• Regulatory authority processes
• Port congestion
• Border closures
• System failures
• Force majeure events

8. Limitation of Liability

The Company's liability for any claim arising out of the provision of services shall be limited to the value of the service fee charged for the specific transaction, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Under no circumstances shall the Company be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses, including loss of business, loss of profits, or loss of market.

9. Indemnity

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its employees, and agents against any claims, penalties, losses, or damages arising from:

• False or inaccurate information provided by the Client
• Non-compliance with regulatory requirements
• Misdeclaration of goods
• Any unlawful activity related to the cargo

10. Failure to Pay Assessments and Abandoned Cargo

The Client acknowledges that customs duties, taxes, and any other assessments issued by customs authorities or regulatory bodies must be settled within the prescribed timeframes specified by the relevant authority.

Where the Client fails to settle such assessments within the required period, the Company, acting as the clearing agent, may be flagged, restricted, or temporarily blocked from conducting further declarations or transactions by the relevant authorities until the outstanding matter is resolved.

The Client further acknowledges that such occurrences may:

• Disrupt the Company’s operations
• Damage the Company’s professional standing with regulatory authorities
• Cause delays to other clients’ shipments
• Result in loss of business opportunities for the Company

In such circumstances, the Company reserves the right to:

• Immediately suspend all services to the Client
• Recover from the Client any storage, demurrage, penalties, administrative expenses, or other related costs incurred
• Demand compensation for any financial losses or operational disruptions suffered as a result of the Client’s failure to settle the required assessments within the prescribed time
• Pursue legal action where necessary to recover such costs or damages

The Client shall remain fully responsible for all liabilities, charges, penalties, and consequences arising from failure to make timely payment of assessments or from failure to provide the required documentation necessary for the clearance of cargo.

11. Confidentiality

The Company shall treat all commercial documents and information provided by the Client as confidential and shall not disclose such information except where required by law or regulatory authorities.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Zambia, and any disputes arising shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Zambia.

13. Acceptance of Terms

Engagement of the Company's services, issuance of a purchase order, or acceptance of a quotation shall constitute acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Tel.: +260972528261
E-Mail: info@alderstonetrading.com