Trading & Shipping Terms

Last reviewed: August 2026

1. Scope and business customers

These are general business-to-business trading and shipping terms of AIN Enterprise Ltd. A quotation, order confirmation, booking confirmation, supplier contract, carrier document or other transaction-specific written terms may supplement or override these general terms for that transaction.

2. Quotations

Quotations are based on information supplied at the time, including commodity, quantity, weight, dimensions, packaging, origin, destination, Incoterm, ready date and required service. Rates may be revised where that information changes, expires, proves inaccurate, or a carrier/supplier surcharge or availability condition changes before booking.

3. Contract formation

An enquiry is not a contract. A contract arises only when AIN Enterprise Ltd confirms acceptance of the relevant service or order in writing and any stated payment, credit, compliance or booking conditions have been satisfied.

4. Third-party providers

Freight and international trade routinely involve independent carriers, hauliers, shipping lines, airlines, agents, terminals, warehouses, customs agents, suppliers and other providers. AIN Enterprise Ltd may arrange or coordinate those services. The provider's applicable terms, conventions, tariffs or statutory regimes may also govern the relevant part of the movement.

5. Customer responsibilities

The customer must provide complete and accurate information about the goods and transaction, including lawful commodity descriptions, values, quantities, weights, dimensions, origin, destination, packaging, dangerous-goods status, waste status, licences and special handling. The customer is responsible for having authority to instruct us and for ensuring the goods can lawfully be traded, imported, exported, transported and received.

6. Packaging, loading and access

Unless specifically agreed otherwise, goods must be suitably packed, labelled and prepared for the chosen mode. Collection and delivery locations must provide safe and lawful access and appropriate loading/unloading arrangements. Waiting time, failed collection, redelivery or additional equipment can result in extra third-party charges.

7. Customs, duties and taxes

Customs declarations may be made by appropriately authorised customs agents or logistics providers. The customer is responsible for the accuracy of information used in declarations and for duties, VAT, taxes, licences, inspections and other governmental charges unless a written quotation expressly states otherwise.

8. Restricted, dangerous and waste goods

Dangerous, controlled, sanctioned, prohibited, temperature-sensitive, high-value or waste/recyclable goods require prior disclosure and may need specialist documentation, licences or carrier approval. AIN Enterprise Ltd may decline such cargo. Waste shipments are accepted only after the applicable classification, movement controls and destination requirements have been considered.

9. Transit and delivery times

Unless expressly guaranteed in a signed written agreement, collection, departure, transit and delivery times are estimates. Weather, customs, inspections, congestion, carrier schedules, strikes, equipment shortages, security events and other circumstances outside our reasonable control can cause delay.

10. Demurrage, detention, storage and exceptional charges

Demurrage, detention, quay rent, storage, customs examination, port/airport charges, waiting time, redelivery, amendment and other exceptional third-party charges are payable by the customer where they arise from the shipment and are not included in the confirmed rate.

11. Cargo insurance

Cargo insurance is not included unless expressly confirmed in writing. Freight-carrier liability can be limited by law, convention or contract and is not the same as cargo insurance. Customers should assess whether separate cargo insurance is appropriate before shipment. Where requested, we may explore an insurance option through an appropriate provider, subject to availability and written confirmation.

12. Loss, damage and claims

Apparent loss or damage should be noted on delivery documents and reported to us promptly with supporting evidence. Carrier, convention or provider time limits may be short. Any assistance we provide with a claim does not expand the legal liability of AIN Enterprise Ltd or the underlying provider.

13. Cancellations and changes

Cancellation or amendment charges incurred from carriers, suppliers or other providers may be passed on. Once cargo has been collected, equipment positioned or space booked, costs can arise even if the customer later cancels.

14. Payment

Payment terms are those stated on the quotation, invoice or agreed account terms. AIN Enterprise Ltd may require cleared funds before releasing documents, placing orders or confirming services. Overdue sums may result in suspension of further work to the extent permitted by law and contract.

15. Liability

Liability depends on the role AIN Enterprise Ltd performs, the specific transaction terms, applicable law and any carrier or international convention governing the movement. Nothing excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Customers should not assume that the value of the goods is automatically recoverable from a freight provider in the event of loss or damage.

16. Force majeure

We are not responsible for failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural events, war, sanctions, civil disturbance, strikes, border closures, governmental action, system outages, carrier cancellation or major transport disruption, subject to applicable law.

17. Governing law

Unless transaction-specific written terms state otherwise, these general terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales and disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Important: These are general B2B terms for the operating model described on this website and deliberately do not claim BIFA, IATA, AEO or other membership/accreditation. For high-value or complex transactions, tailored contractual review by a UK solicitor is recommended.