1. Purpose and scope
These terms govern the relationship between Yiwu Ninglian Trading Co., Ltd. (义乌宁联贸易有限公司) ("Sourcetrium"), a company established in China, and its business customers ("the Customer"). They apply to every accepted quote and every order. Sourcetrium's services are reserved for professionals.
2. Nature of the service
Sourcetrium acts as a sourcing agent on behalf of the Customer. Its services may include: finding and selecting suppliers, negotiation, monitoring samples and production, quality control, and organising transport and customs clearance.
Sourcetrium is not the manufacturer of the products. The products are manufactured by third-party suppliers selected for the Customer.
3. Quotes and orders
- each project is the subject of a written quote detailing the products, quantities, prices, estimated lead times, the Incoterm and the payment terms;
- the factory price and Sourcetrium's fee are shown on separate lines;
- a quote is valid for [TO BE COMPLETED: validity period];
- the order becomes firm upon receipt of the signed quote and the deposit.
4. Samples
Before any production, a sample is submitted to the Customer for approval. The approved sample is the reference for the order. Any sample costs are indicated in the quote.
5. Prices and payment
- prices are expressed in the currency indicated in the quote;
- payment by bank transfer: a deposit when production starts, then the balance before shipping, after quality control, according to the percentages indicated in the quote;
- the Customer may pay in the currency of their country, to a local bank account. Official beneficiary and accounts: [TO BE COMPLETED: account holder and country, in line with the Payments & security page];
- Sourcetrium never changes its bank details by simple e-mail;
- in the event of late payment: [TO BE COMPLETED: consequences, e.g. suspension of the order].
6. Quality control
Sourcetrium organises a pre-shipment inspection using the AQL sampling method (ISO 2859-1 standard), with a photo report sent to the Customer. This is a sampling-based inspection: it greatly reduces the risk but does not guarantee that every single piece is free of defects. In the event of non-conformity, the goods are not shipped until corrected.
7. Transport, Incoterms and customs
- the applicable Incoterm (Incoterms® 2020) is specified in each quote;
- the Customer is always the importer of the goods into their country. Customs clearance formalities may be organised by Sourcetrium and its partners on behalf and in the name of the Customer;
- customs duties and import VAT are payable by the Customer, as importer;
- risk transfers in accordance with the agreed Incoterm.
8. Product compliance
The Customer, as importer, is responsible for the products' compliance with the rules of their market (safety, marking, labelling, substances). Sourcetrium supports the Customer by selecting suitable suppliers, requesting the available test reports and documentation, and checking the labelling during quality control, based on the requirements provided by the Customer.
9. Lead times
The lead times indicated are estimates. Sourcetrium informs the Customer of any delay as soon as it becomes aware of it. Delays may only give rise to cancellation or compensation under the conditions set out in the quote.
10. Claims
Any claim must be sent in writing within [TO BE COMPLETED: period] after delivery, with photos and a description. Reservations about the condition of parcels must be noted on the delivery note.
11. Liability
[TO BE COMPLETED WITH YOUR LAWYER: Sourcetrium's limits of liability, cap, exclusions, relationship with the suppliers' liability.]
12. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for a failure caused by a force majeure event (natural disaster, epidemic, conflict, administrative decision, major transport disruption, etc.).
13. Intellectual property and confidentiality
Logos, trademarks, designs and information provided by the Customer remain their property and are used solely to fulfil their order. Sourcetrium undertakes to keep the Customer's information confidential.
14. Personal data
See our privacy policy.
15. Applicable law and disputes
[TO BE COMPLETED WITH YOUR LAWYER: applicable law and method of dispute resolution (competent courts or arbitration, e.g. in Hong Kong or Singapore), reference language of the contract.]
Version in force as of: [TO BE COMPLETED: date].