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BEYOND BORDERS LOGISTICS (PRIVATE) LIMITED

Terms and Conditions of Freight Services

Last Updated: 5 January 2025

These Terms and Conditions govern all freight forwarding and logistics services provided by Beyond Borders Logistics (Private) Limited (referred to as "BBL", "we", or "our") and its authorized international partners. By using our services, you ("the Client", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, whether by formal acceptance or by performance.

BBL may update these terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. Any additional terms proposed by the Client are void unless expressly accepted in writing and signed by a duly authorized BBL representative.

1. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

  • BBL: Beyond Borders Logistics (Private) Limited, registered in Zimbabwe (Company No. 3177/2024), providing global freight and logistics services.
  • Client / You: The person or entity (natural or juristic) contracting BBL's freight services.
  • Freight Transportation: The movement of goods by air, sea, rail, or road.
  • Goods: All cargo accepted by BBL and its partners for transport to a designated destination.
  • Local Law: Statutes and regulations of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
  • International Law: Rules governing international trade and transport (e.g., customs, territorial waters, airspace).
  • Partners: Freight agents in the country of origin working under agreement with BBL.
  • Party / Parties: Refers collectively or individually to BBL, the Client, and BBL's partners.
  • Services: All logistics, freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and delivery services provided by BBL.

2. Nature of Services

2.1 BBL offers freight forwarding services from designated origins (e.g., China, Dubai) to destinations including Zimbabwe.

2.2 By engaging our services, the Client agrees to pay for all transport-related costs, including freight charges, customs duties, destination fees, and any other incidental charges.

2.3 Both BBL and the Client agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions throughout the engagement.

3. Customs Clearance, Shipment & Import

3.1 BBL will assist the Client with required documentation for customs clearance. Forms may be completed on behalf of the Client by BBL staff or authorized representatives.

3.2 BBL will provide support in securing licenses, submitting bills of entry, paying duties and taxes, and fulfilling any other legal requirements for the import/export process.

3.3 Customs declaration services will be rendered in accordance with Zimbabwean tax law and applicable international standards.

3.4 BBL shall act as the consignor only when a designated customs broker completes the relevant clearance procedures.

3.5 At the consignee's request, BBL may hand over goods to the import agent or redirect to another location. BBL Partners will verify consignee authorization where necessary.

3.6 The Client is responsible for supplying all required commercial documents (invoices, packing lists, permits) in a timely manner. Delays or penalties arising from non-compliance shall be borne solely by the Client. BBL is not liable for any resulting consequences.

4. Undeliverable & Restricted Goods

4.1 The Client must ensure that goods submitted for transport are legally permissible and safely packed. BBL will not accept:

  • Hazardous or prohibited materials per IATA, ICAO, or any applicable transport authority.
  • Cash, precious metals, live animals, drugs, weapons, or any prohibited items under local or international law.
  • Goods with poor or inadequate packaging that pose risks during transit.

5. Import Permits & Conformity Certificates

5.1 BBL is not responsible for import permit denials or non-issuance of conformity certificates due to non-compliance by the Client.

5.2 The Client shall indemnify BBL against any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from refusal of entry or confiscation of goods by authorities.

6. Battery Goods

6.1 Shipment of battery-powered goods is subject to airline regulations and may be suspended at any time.

6.2 BBL is not responsible for such suspensions and shall not be held liable for any losses resulting from delays or cancellations related to battery items.

6.3 Where shipment is delayed, BBL will notify the Client and resume shipment once airlines permit.

7. Counterfeit / Imitation Goods

7.1 The shipment of fake, counterfeit, or imitation goods (especially branded items) is illegal in China and Dubai.

7.2 The Client assumes full responsibility and risk. Should goods be seized by authorities, BBL shall not be liable for any associated losses.

8. Packaging & Shape Preservation

8.1 In groupage shipments, goods may be stacked or mixed with others, which may result in deformation.

8.2 If the Client requires shape preservation, it is their responsibility to arrange protective packaging (e.g., wooden or plastic crates) via the supplier or a BBL Partner (at an extra fee).

9. Agreement Scope

9.1 These terms govern the relationship between BBL, its Partners, and the Client.

9.2 BBL is not liable to the Client's customers, agents, or third parties. Any undertakings made by the Client to third parties are at the Client's own risk.

10. Pricing Acceptance

10.1 Prices advertised on BBL's official platforms including but not limited to WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, and the BBL website are for guidance purposes only. These are indicative rates and may vary due to factors such as item type, weight, packaging, destination, and currency fluctuations.

10.2 Clients are strongly advised to contact BBL directly to confirm and verify the full and final cost of shipping before sending goods to the warehouse or shipping is processed from origin warehouse.

10.3 By proceeding with shipment after receiving a confirmed quote, the Client is deemed to have accepted the applicable charges.

11. Cost Escalation

11.1 Freight costs may fluctuate due to currency depreciation, fuel prices, port charges, customs rate hikes, or seasonal disruptions.

11.2 BBL reserves the right to revise prices without prior notice.

11.3 If escalation charges apply, BBL will notify the Client, who must settle within seven (7) days.

11.4 Non-payment of escalated charges may result in withholding or auctioning of goods.

12. Shipping Timelines & Delays

12.1 Estimated shipping times are indicative only.

12.2 Delays may occur due to weather conditions, customs inspections, flight disruptions, public holidays, epidemics, or other force majeure events.

12.3 The Client accepts and indemnifies BBL against all claims resulting from delays, including business loss or consequential damages.

13. Waterproof Packaging

13.1 Goods may be exposed to moisture during shipping.

13.2 It is the Client's responsibility to ensure waterproof packaging is used (by supplier or BBL Partner at a fee).

13.3 BBL is not liable for water damage to improperly wrapped goods.

14. Delivery Services

14.1 The Client must notify BBL if delivery to the door is required and must provide a correct delivery address and contact number.

14.2 BBL will confirm delivery charges after sorting.

14.3 Upon delivery, the Client must inspect outer packaging and item count before signing. Once signed for, BBL is not liable.

14.4 If damage or loss is detected before receipt is confirmed, the delivery personnel must retrieve the goods for claims processing.

14.5 Discrepancies or under-deliveries must be reported immediately, with weight checks and supplier follow-up.

14.6 BBL is not responsible for incorrect or substandard goods supplied by the seller.

15. Collection, Delivery Requirements & Storage

15.1 Goods will only be released for collection or delivery once all outstanding fees (freight, customs, storage, or other applicable charges) have been fully paid.

15.2 To collect goods, the Client or their authorized representative must provide a Debit Note including:

  • (a) Consignment date or container number
  • (b) Collection number
  • (c) Consignee's full name
  • (d) Contact telephone number
  • (e) Valid ID or passport of the consignee

15.3 Any request to change consignee information must be communicated to BBL's Account Manager before collection or delivery.

15.4 A forklift is available on-site for loading heavy goods upon request, subject to a service fee. Clients may also request Tsoka's home delivery service, using the same collection information outlined above.

15.5 Storage Terms:

  • For air freight, the first three (3) days from the date of readiness are free.
  • For sea freight, the first five (5) days are free.
  • Thereafter, a daily warehousing fee applies:
  • USD $3/day for air freight
  • USD $5/day for sea freight

15.6 If goods remain uncollected or unpaid beyond five (5) days, BBL reserves the right to:

  • Relocate the goods to an alternative storage facility (at the Client's cost); and/or
  • Initiate the auction process, with or without prior notice, particularly where:
  • Goods are not properly labeled with consignee details; or
  • Goods remain unclaimed, unpaid for, or with no communication from the Client for 30 days.

15.7 Transfer fees to a new storage facility will be charged in addition to warehousing costs.

16. Inspection

16.1 BBL and its Partners reserve the right to open and inspect goods without notice to ensure safety, compliance, or for customs purposes.

16.2 Inspection does not guarantee detection of damage or defects. Undetected issues are not the liability of BBL.

17. Bills of Entry (Sea & Air Cargo)

Sea Cargo:

17.1 Goods shipped under groupage (less than container load) are charged at standard rates with no individual bill of entry.

17.2 Clients may request a degrouping service to receive an individual bill of entry. This must be communicated before goods are loaded.

Air Cargo:

17.3 Individual Bill of Entry Requirement

For a Client to qualify for an individual bill of entry, they must submit the following documents before the goods arrive at the port of entry:

  • A valid commercial invoice and packing list issued by the supplier
  • A valid tax clearance certificate
  • Proof that all applicable duties and taxes have been arranged or are in place
  • All necessary import documentation relevant to the goods being shipped

Failure to meet these requirements may disqualify the Client from accessing individual clearance options.

17.4 Clients can opt to degroup and receive itemized costs with an individual bill of entry.

17.5 Goods 100kg and above qualify for a bill of lading, allowing Clients to self-clear. A document release fee of USD $50 applies.

17.6 All options must be confirmed before loading.

18. Freight Charges

18.1 Air Freight (Applicable to Consolidated Cargo)

Air freight charges are calculated based on either actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

Volumetric Weight Formula:
Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000

Consolidated air freight cargo may be charged:

  • Per kilogram, based on weight; or
  • Per item, depending on the product type.

Air freight charges typically include:

  • Packing costs
  • Shipping fees
  • Customs duties
  • Destination charges
  • Administrative costs

Minimum Chargeable Weight & Rounding Policy:

  • The minimum chargeable weight for air freight is 1 kg. Any shipment below 1 kg will be billed as 1 kg.
  • Rounding Rules:
    • Weights between 0.1 kg and 0.4 kg above the base weight will be rounded up to the nearest 0.5 kg (e.g., 1.3 kg → 1.5 kg; 2.2 kg → 2.5 kg).
    • Weights between 0.6 kg and 0.9 kg above the base weight will be rounded up to the next full kg (e.g., 7.8 kg → 8 kg; 11.7 kg → 12 kg).

18.2 Sea Freight (Applicable to Consolidated Cargo)

Sea freight charges are based on the volume occupied by the cargo, measured in cubic meters (CBM).

CBM Formula:
Length × Width × Height (in meters)

Consolidated sea freight cargo may be charged:

  • Per CBM
  • Per item
  • Per kilogram, depending on the cargo type

Sea freight charges typically include:

  • Loading fees
  • Shipping costs
  • Customs duties
  • Port charges
  • Destination charges
  • Administrative costs

Minimum Chargeable Volume:

  • The minimum chargeable volume for sea freight is 0.1 CBM. Any shipment less than 0.1 CBM will be billed as 0.1 CBM.

18.3 Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping & Documentation Responsibility

BBL handles Full Container Loads (FCL), including all activities required to ship a container from space booking to loading at the port of departure. BBL also manages port clearance and destination procedures such as customs clearance.

Clients are responsible for:

  • Providing truthful commercial invoices and packing lists
  • Obtaining all necessary import documentation from suppliers, especially for goods subject to import restrictions or regulations
  • Consulting with BBL to confirm product-specific documentation needs
  • Ensuring they are in possession of a valid tax clearance

⚠️ Local customs authorities may impose penalties for goods shipped without proper documentation.

18.4 Returning Residents & Declaration Requirement

Returning residents who do not disclose their returning status or fail to present the required exemption documentation prior to shipping will be subject to the general clearance procedures under Clause 17. This includes the requirement to pay duties and provide complete paperwork.

19. BBL & Partner Liability

19.1 BBL and its Partners are only liable for direct loss or damage caused under their control.

19.2 If goods are lost in the origin warehouse after confirmed receipt, BBL shall reimburse the full value of the goods. Valid proof (e.g., supplier receipts, contact details, proof of payment) must be submitted. Claims are processed within 15 working days.

19.3 If only part of a shipment is missing, Clients must liaise directly with the supplier or shopper, as this may result from short-supply or error at source.

19.4 If goods are lost or damaged by Chinese Customs during inspection, BBL will attempt to file a claim. If not resolved within 30 days, BBL will compensate the Client with twice the freight value of the affected item(s).

19.5 If goods are lost in transit hubs (e.g., Hong Kong, Addis Ababa), BBL will file claims with the carrier. If unresolved after due process, BBL will compensate twice the freight value paid on affected item(s).

19.6 If goods are lost while in Zimbabwe Customs' care, BBL will file a claim. If not resolved in 30 days, BBL shall compensate twice the freight paid on affected items.

19.7 If goods are confirmed lost or damaged while in BBL's Zimbabwe warehouse or during last-mile delivery, BBL shall reimburse the full value of the goods (excluding freight charges as defined in clause 18).

19.8 High-value, breakable or fragile items (e.g., laptops, phones, TVs, ceramics, machinery) must be insured. BBL does not assume liability for uninsured goods beyond limited freight-based compensation.

19.9 Clients are encouraged to arrange insurance independently via their supplier or a third-party insurer. Shipping without insurance is strictly at the Client's own risk.

19.10 Goods insured by the Client will not be eligible for additional claims through BBL for indirect or consequential losses.

20. Claims Process & Deadlines

20.1 All claims must be made in writing to info@bblogisticsgroup.com within three (3) days of the incident being discovered.

20.2 Claims must be supported by:

  • A signed claim report (taken at the time of incident or before receiving the goods)
  • Proof of payment or invoice
  • Tracking details and supporting evidence

20.3 Claims are processed within 15 working days from the date of submission.

21. Force Majeure (Vis Major)

21.1 BBL is not liable for delays, damage, or loss due to events beyond its control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters (storms, floods, earthquakes)
  • War, civil unrest, acts of terrorism
  • Government actions or regulatory delays
  • Labour strikes or customs slowdowns
  • Epidemics, pandemics, or lockdowns
  • Airline or carrier disruptions

21.2 BBL is not liable for damage caused by inadequate packaging or poor handling by suppliers or shoppers.

21.3 Clients acknowledge that such delays may occur and agree to release BBL from liability for any consequential or business-related losses.

22. Confidentiality

22.1 Each Party agrees to maintain strict confidentiality over all proprietary or sensitive information obtained during the course of this relationship.

22.2 Disclosure of such information is only permitted:

  • Where required by law; or
  • To third parties directly involved in the transportation or handling of goods, provided those parties have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

22.3 Both BBL and the Client agree to take reasonable steps to protect all confidential information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

23. Electronic Notifications

23.1 If offered, Clients may opt to receive shipment updates via email, WhatsApp, or SMS from BBL or its Partners.

23.2 These notifications may include:

  • Order status updates
  • Delivery confirmations
  • Delay notifications

23.3 BBL does not charge for such notifications, but standard data or messaging rates from the Client's wireless provider may apply.

23.4 By opting in, the Client confirms that they:

  • Are authorized to use the contact details provided
  • Consent to receiving updates via automated systems

24. Intellectual Property

24.1 All content on the BBL website (www.bblogisticsgroup.com) — including trademarks, logos, text, graphics, software, and designs — is the intellectual property of BBL.

24.2 No part of the website may be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission from BBL.

25. Third-Party Websites

25.1 BBL's website may contain links to external websites for user convenience.

25.2 BBL does not control or endorse the content, accuracy, or services provided by these third-party sites and assumes no liability in connection with them.

26. Name & Logo Usage

26.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Client authorizes BBL to use their name, logo, or brand identifiers in marketing or promotional materials referencing BBL's logistics services.

27. No Third-Party Rights

27.1 These Terms and Conditions do not confer rights or benefits on any third party. No third party shall have the right to enforce or rely on any provision of this agreement.

28. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

28.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed exclusively by the laws of Zimbabwe.

28.2 In the event of a dispute, only the courts of Zimbabwe shall have jurisdiction.

29. Assignment

29.1 Neither BBL nor the Client may assign their rights or obligations under this agreement without prior written consent from the other party.

30. Breach of Agreement

30.1 If either party breaches this agreement and fails to remedy the breach within 10 days of receiving written notice, the non-defaulting party may:

  • Cancel the agreement, or
  • Demand immediate specific performance of the terms

30.2 Breach events include, but are not limited to:

  • Non-payment of agreed fees or escalation costs
  • False declarations, fraud, or criminal activity
  • Insolvency, liquidation, or winding-up proceedings
  • Misrepresentation or conduct that threatens BBL's legal standing or operations

31. Termination

31.1 This agreement may be terminated:

  • For cause, by providing two weeks' written notice following breach
  • Without cause, by either party giving two weeks' notice in writing

31.2 Termination does not absolve either party of outstanding obligations incurred before or during the notice period.

32. Remedies Upon Breach

32.1 Upon a breach, BBL may issue written notice and immediately enforce any remedies available under Zimbabwean law, including:

  • Retention or disposal of goods
  • Legal recovery of unpaid fees
  • Termination of services without further notice

33. Severability

33.1 If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

34. Entire Agreement

34.1 This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and BBL regarding freight services.

34.2 Any modification, amendment, or cancellation must be in writing and signed by both parties.

35. Waiver & Indulgences

35.1 No delay, indulgence, or failure by either party to enforce their rights shall be construed as a waiver of those rights.

35.2 All rights and remedies remain fully enforceable unless formally waived in writing.

Final Acknowledgment

By using the services of Beyond Borders Logistics (Private) Limited, the Client confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Parties acknowledge they have had the opportunity to seek legal review and fully consent to be bound by this agreement.