Terms of trade
The commercial terms we work to, written out rather than referenced in the small print of a proforma invoice. Anything in a signed contract overrides what is on this page.
1. Quotations
Quotations are valid for [14] days unless stated otherwise on the document. Ocean freight is requoted at booking rather than at enquiry, because rates on the Karachi lane move materially and we would rather requote than hold an unrealistic figure. Indicative price bands published on this website are guidance, not offers.
2. Orders and acceptance
An order is accepted when we issue a proforma invoice and you confirm it in writing. For private-label work, production begins only after written approval of a physical proof.
3. Payment terms
- Samples and orders under [USD 2,000]: paid in full before dispatch, by card or bank transfer.
- Pallet and part-container orders: 30% advance by telegraphic transfer, 70% against a scanned copy of the bill of lading. Original documents released on cleared funds.
- Full containers: as above, or an irrevocable letter of credit at sight through a mutually acceptable bank.
- Open terms of [net 30] may be offered after [three] clean shipments, subject to credit reference.
We do not require, and will not accept, 100% advance payment from a first-time buyer.
4. Delivery terms
We quote EXW Jhelum, FOB Karachi or Port Qasim, CFR, CIF or DDP, under Incoterms 2020. Risk and cost transfer as defined by the agreed term. Quotes compared across different Incoterms are not comparable; we will restate any quote on the term you prefer at no charge.
5. Lead times
| Order type | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sample, up to 2 kg | 2–4 working days | Free product; courier at buyer's cost, credited against first order |
| Stock lines, 25 kg – 500 kg | 2–4 working days | Subject to grade availability |
| Pallet order | 8–14 working days | |
| Full container | 12–18 working days | From confirmed order and settled payment terms |
| Private label | 18–28 working days | After written proof approval; add 10–14 days for proofing |
Lead times exclude ocean transit and are subject to force majeure, monsoon-season drying constraints and Q4 congestion, all of which we will flag at quotation stage if they apply.
6. Specification and testing
Goods are supplied to the written specification on the order confirmation. Every lot is tested by a third-party laboratory before release and the certificate of analysis accompanies the shipping documents. Where you have supplied your own specification, that specification governs.
Natural colour variation in mined rock salt is not a defect unless a colour tolerance has been agreed in writing and the goods fall outside it.
7. Inspection and claims
- Inspect on arrival and notify any claim within [15] days of delivery at destination.
- Support quality claims with a report from a mutually acceptable third-party laboratory, referencing the lot number on the packaging.
- Support breakage claims with photographs of the packaging as received, before unpacking, plus a count.
- Retain the affected goods until the claim is settled. Do not dispose of them without written agreement.
8. Replacement clause
Where any lot is demonstrated by a mutually acceptable third-party laboratory to fall outside the agreed written specification, the Seller shall replace the affected quantity on the next available sailing at the Seller's cost, including freight, or issue a credit at the Buyer's option.
9. Breakage allowances
Applies to fragile lines shipped in our standard packing:
- Salt lamps and décor: up to 2% in transit is accepted as normal; we credit above 2%.
- Cooking blocks, tiles and bricks: up to 3% is accepted as normal; we credit above 3%.
- Last-mile parcel damage after your goods leave your warehouse is outside this allowance.
10. Title and risk
Risk passes per the agreed Incoterm. Title passes on receipt of full payment in cleared funds.
11. Intellectual property
Buyer artwork and trade marks remain the buyer's property. Printing plates and custom tooling become the buyer's property once paid for, and will be released to a supplier the buyer nominates. We will not produce a buyer's artwork, trade dress or pack design for any third party.
12. Regulatory responsibility
We hold and maintain our facility registrations and supply the documentation an importer needs. Import licensing, entry filings, Prior Notice, supplier verification programmes, product registrations and label compliance in the destination market are the importer's or brand owner's responsibility. We will flag anything that looks non-compliant to us, but we are not your regulatory advisor.
13. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond reasonable control, including port closure, carrier failure, extreme weather, civil disruption, or governmental action. We will notify you promptly and propose a revised schedule.
14. Governing law
[Insert governing law and dispute resolution mechanism for international salt trade, arbitration under a recognised set of rules is common and worth taking advice on.]