1. SCOPE OF SERVICE

Forward Path Logistics Limited (hereinafter "the Company") provides international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain management services. This Master Service Policy (the "Policy") establishes the operational standards, financial protocols, and liability frameworks governing all Air Freight and Maritime (Sea) Freight operations. By engaging our services, the Customer (including Shippers, Exporters, Importers, and Consignees) acknowledges that international trade involves inherent risks and agrees to the allocation of responsibilities defined herein.

 

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2. NOTIFICATION AND CLAIMS WINDOW

Timeliness is the cornerstone of logistics dispute resolution. Because the Company must preserve the right of subrogation against third-party carriers (airlines and shipping lines), the following notification windows are strictly enforced.

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2.1 Air Freight Delivery Notification

For all cargo transported via air, the Customer must provide formal written notification of any intent to return goods, report damage (visible or concealed), or file a claim for loss within 7 calendar days of the cargo’s arrival at the destination airport or delivery to the final consignee address.

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2.2 Maritime (Sea) Freight Delivery Notification

For all cargo transported via sea, the Customer must provide formal written notification of any intent to return goods, report damage, or file a claim within 15 calendar days of the vessel’s discharge at the port of entry or delivery to the final destination warehouse.

Strict Compliance Clause: Failure to provide written notice via the Company’s official channels within these respective 7 and 15-day windows shall constitute an absolute and irrevocable waiver of the right to claim.

 

 

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3. FINANCIAL PROTOCOLS AND REFUNDS

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3.1 Shipping and Handling Service Fee

The Company maintains a strict policy regarding the earned nature of logistics service fees. Shipping and handling fees are subject to refund only if the cargo has not been tendered to the carrier (airline or shipping line).

• Once the "Ready for Carriage" status is achieved and the goods are in the custody of the carrier, the service is deemed to have commenced.

• At this stage, all freight charges, fuel surcharges, and handling fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the voyage is completed or the cargo is returned.

 

 

3.2 Government Duties and Tax Control

The Company acts as a facilitating intermediary for the payment of statutory levies. We do not have control over refunds for government duties or taxes made prior to our goods collection.

• Upon the assessment of duties by government authorities, funds provided by the Customer are remitted directly to the relevant treasury or customs accounts.

• In the event of a return, rejection, or cancellation, the Customer must reclaim these funds directly from the relevant tax authorities.

• The Company does not assume liability for the recovery of these funds and will not provide cash refunds for taxes already remitted to the state.

 

 

3.3 Administrative Credit

In instances where a service failure is proven to be the direct result of gross negligence or clerical error by the Company’s internal team, an Administrative Credit may be issued. These credits are applied to the Customer’s account and are valid for use against future brokerage or handling invoices. Administrative credits are not convertible to cash.

 

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4. CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE

 

Customs clearance is a technical process involving the legal entry of goods into a sovereign territory. Smooth execution depends on the "Pre-Arrival" synchronization of data.

 

4.1 Documentation Standards and Data Integrity

The Customer is responsible for providing the "Golden Document Suite" in a digital, legible format:

• Commercial Invoice: Must reflect the actual transaction value. Vague descriptions (e.g., "General Merchandise") are prohibited.

• Packing List: Must provide a unit-level breakdown of weight and dimensions.

• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill: Must be checked for accuracy regarding the "Notify Party" and "Consignee" details.

 

 

4.2 The Assessment and Valuation Phase

The Company utilizes the Harmonized System (HS) to classify goods. While we provide expert guidance, the final classification is subject to the discretion of customs authorities.

• Under-Valuation Risk: Shippers attempting to artificially lower the value of goods to reduce duty exposure do so at their own peril. Such actions lead to "Demand Notices," heavy fines, and the potential seizure of cargo.

 

 

4.3 Physical Inspection and Terminal Operations

Authorities reserve the right to subject any shipment to X-ray scanning or physical "stripping" (manual inspection).

• All costs associated with the movement of containers to inspection bays, the labor for stripping and re-stuffing, and any resulting terminal delays are the sole financial responsibility of the Importer.

 

 

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5. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

 

5.1 Exporter (Shipper) Obligations at Origin

The Exporter is responsible for the physical and legal readiness of the cargo:

1. Export-Worthy Packaging: Goods must be crated or palletized to withstand the rigors of multi-modal transport. Maritime cargo, in particular, must be protected against salt-air corrosion and high-humidity environments.

 

1. Compliance with Prohibitions: The Exporter must ensure that the cargo does not contain contraband, hazardous materials (unless declared as Dangerous Goods), or items restricted for export by the origin country.

 

1. Accuracy of Weight: Discrepancies between declared weight and actual weight can lead to vessel instability or aircraft safety issues; the Exporter is liable for any fines resulting from weight misdeclaration.

 

 

5.2 Importer (Consignee) Obligations at Destination

The customer serves as the "Owner of Record" for the goods:

1. Immediate Duty Funding: The customer must ensure that funds for duties and taxes are available immediately upon the issuance of the assessment.

 

1. Storage and Demurrage: Air terminals and sea ports offer limited "free periods" (typically 48 hours for air and 5-7 days for sea). The customer is liable for all daily storage (demurrage) and container usage (detention) fees if clearance is delayed due to late payments or missing permits.

 

1. Regulatory Permits: The Importer must secure all required local licenses (e.g., standards certifications, health permits, or environmental clearances) prior to the arrival of the goods.

 

1. Inspection at Handover: The Importer is obligated to inspect the shipment at the moment of delivery. Any damage must be noted on the Proof of Delivery (POD). Claims filed for damage where the POD was signed "Clean" (without notes) will be rejected.

 

 

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6. RETURN AND REVERSE LOGISTICS

 

6.1 Return Authorization

No goods may be returned without a written Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) issued by the Company. This authorization is only considered if the request is made within the 7-day (Air) or 15-day (Sea) windows.

 

6.2 Reverse Logistics Costs

Unless a return is necessitated by a documented error in the Company's handling, all "Reverse Logistics" costs—including return freight, export documentation at the destination, and re-entry duties at the origin—are the responsibility of the Customer.

 

6.3 Condition of Goods

All returned items must be in their original packaging. The Company reserves the right to deny a return or credit if the goods show signs of use, secondary damage, or if the original serial numbers/marks have been tampered with.

 

 

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7. FORCE MAJEURE AND EXCLUSIONS

 

The Company shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or delay caused by:

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• Acts of God (storms, floods, earthquakes).

• Civil unrest, strikes, or acts of war.

• Government-mandated lockdowns or changes in import/export laws.

• Inherent vice of the goods (natural decay or spoilage).

• Insufficient or improper packaging by the Shipper.

 

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8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

In accordance with international logistics standards, the Company’s liability for any single shipment is limited to the lower of:

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1. The actual value of the loss.

2. The weight-based limit defined by the Montreal Convention (Air) or Hague-Visby Rules (Sea).

3. The maximum liability limit specified in the Company’s insurance policy for a single occurrence.

 

Customers seeking "Full Replacement Value" protection are strongly encouraged to purchase independent Marine/Air Cargo Insurance.

 

 

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9. CARGO ABANDONMENT

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If cargo remains uncleared at a terminal or warehouse for more than 60 calendar days due to the Importer’s failure to pay duties, provide documents, or take delivery:

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• The cargo may be officially classified as "Abandoned."

• The Company reserves the right to dispose of, destroy, or sell the cargo at public auction to recover outstanding freight and storage costs.

• The Customer remains liable for any shortfall between the auction proceeds and the total debt owed to the Company.

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Last Updated: April 26, 2025

Effective Date: April 26, 2025