This policy explains how Chicago Traders handles the movement of goods from our origin facilities to the delivery point named in your contract. It applies to all export sales unless a signed sales contract states otherwise, in which case the contract prevails.
- Incoterms govern delivery
Every shipment is sold on an agreed Incoterms 2020 basis, stated on the proforma invoice and the sales contract. We trade on EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR and CIF terms. The Incoterm determines the exact point at which cost and risk pass from us to you, and both parties are bound by that allocation.
If your contract is FOB, risk passes to you once the goods are on board at the named port of loading. If it is CIF, we arrange and pay for carriage and insurance to the named destination port, but risk still passes on loading. Please make sure the Incoterm on your contract reflects what you expect.
- Order confirmation and production
An order is confirmed once we have received a signed proforma invoice or sales contract and the agreed payment instrument has been established — an operative letter of credit, a cleared telegraphic transfer deposit, or documentary collection arrangements accepted by both banks.
Production and booking begin only after confirmation. Any lead time quoted before confirmation is indicative.
- Loading windows
Typical loading windows run from 15 to 30 days after a confirmed order, depending on variety, packing specification, volume and vessel availability. The specific shipment window is stated on your contract.
Where a letter of credit specifies a latest shipment date, that date governs. If circumstances make it unachievable, we will notify you in writing as early as possible so that an amendment can be arranged.
- Carriage and routing
Unless the contract names a carrier or routing, we select the ocean carrier, the vessel and the routing at our discretion, using commercially reasonable judgement. Transhipment and partial shipment are permitted unless expressly prohibited in the contract or the letter of credit.
Loading ports normally used are New Orleans and Houston for Atlantic, Gulf, African and European destinations, and Oakland or Long Beach for Pacific destinations.
- Transit times
Ocean transit times are estimates provided by the carrier and are not guaranteed by us. Actual arrival is affected by weather, port congestion, carrier schedule changes, transhipment connections and customs procedures at destination. We are not liable for losses arising from transit delay outside our control.
- Documents
The standard document set issued with each shipment includes the commercial invoice, packing list, clean on-board bill of lading, certificate of origin, USDA APHIS phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate where required, independent quality and weight certificate, and a non-GMO declaration. Halal, Kosher, health and additional certificates are provided where requested and agreed in the contract.
Original documents are couriered to you or presented through the nominated bank in accordance with the payment terms. Copies are emailed as soon as they are issued. Any document requirement specific to your market must be stated before the contract is signed, because certain certificates cannot be obtained retrospectively.
- Import clearance, duties and taxes
Unless the Incoterm places the obligation on us, you are responsible for import clearance at the destination, for all import duties, taxes, levies and port charges, and for obtaining any import permit, licence or registration required in your country. Quoted prices exclude these charges.
You are responsible for confirming that the product specification, labelling and certification satisfy the regulatory requirements of the destination market before the order is confirmed.
- Demurrage, detention and storage
Free time at the destination is set by the carrier. Demurrage, detention, storage and any other charges arising after arrival are for your account where risk and cost have passed to you under the Incoterm, including where delay is caused by late clearance, missing import documentation on your side, or failure to collect.
- Inspection on arrival
You should inspect the goods promptly on arrival. Any claim relating to quality, condition, weight or short shipment must be notified in writing, with supporting evidence, within the period set out in our Return and Refund Policy. Claims raised outside that period cannot be accepted.
- Insurance
On CIF terms we arrange marine cargo insurance for 110 percent of the invoice value in accordance with the contract. On all other terms, arranging insurance is your responsibility from the point risk passes to you. We strongly recommend that buyers on FOB, CFR, FCA and EXW terms insure the cargo for the full voyage.
- Force majeure
We are not liable for delay or failure to perform caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including crop failure, extreme weather, flood, drought, fire, strike, labour dispute, port closure, carrier failure, vessel diversion, war, civil unrest, embargo, epidemic, or any act, regulation or restriction of a government authority, including export or import restrictions on rice.
Contact
Questions about this policy can be sent to:
Chicago Traders 952 Tabacco Ln, Suite 456, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712, United States Email: muhammad.control.w@gmail.com Phone: +1 (307) 302-9682 Web: chicagotraders.us
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