Terms of Service

1. Business Scope

1.1 Services Provided

Hengtai specializes in B2B frozen aquatic product processing, export trade, and OEM/ODM services, including but not limited to:

• • Frozen sea catch products processing and export
• • Frozen cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish)
• • Frozen abalone products
• • Frozen fish fillets and portions
• • Custom processing services (OEM/ODM)

1.2 Minimum Order Requirements

As a B2B wholesale supplier, we maintain minimum order quantities (MOQ) for each product category. Specific MOQ details will be provided in quotations and purchase agreements.

2. Orders and Quotations

2.1 Quotation Validity

All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change based on market conditions, raw material costs, and currency fluctuations.

2.2 Order Confirmation

Orders become binding only upon our written confirmation (via email or signed contract). We reserve the right to accept or decline any order at our discretion.

2.3 Product Specifications

Customers must provide detailed specifications for OEM/ODM orders. Any changes to specifications after order confirmation may result in additional charges and delivery delays.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods for international transactions:

• • Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight or with agreed terms
• • Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)
• • Other methods as mutually agreed in writing

3.2 Payment Schedule

Standard payment terms are 30% deposit upon order confirmation and 70% balance before shipment, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract. Credit terms may be available for established customers subject to credit approval.

3.3 Late Payment

Late payments may incur interest charges at a rate of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower. We reserve the right to suspend further shipments until outstanding payments are settled.

4. Delivery and Shipping

4.1 Delivery Terms

Delivery terms follow Incoterms 2020 standards (FOB, CIF, CFR, etc.) as specified in the purchase contract. Delivery timeframes are estimates and may vary due to production schedules, shipping availability, or force majeure events.

4.2 Shipping Documentation

We provide all necessary export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health certificates, and other documents required by the destination country's customs regulations.

4.3 Risk Transfer

Risk of loss or damage transfers to the buyer according to the agreed Incoterms. Buyers are responsible for arranging appropriate insurance coverage for their shipments.

5. Quality Assurance

5.1 Certifications and Standards

All products are processed in accordance with ISO 22000, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety Global Standard, and other applicable food safety regulations. We maintain EU export registration and SC production licensing (China).

5.2 Quality Control

Each production batch undergoes rigorous quality control testing. Certificates of Analysis (COA) and inspection reports are available upon request.

5.3 Product Warranty

We warrant that products will conform to agreed specifications at the time of shipment when stored and handled according to recommended conditions. This warranty does not cover issues arising from improper storage, handling, or transportation after risk transfer.

6. Claims and Returns

6.1 Inspection Period

Buyers must inspect goods within 7 days of arrival and notify us in writing of any quality issues or discrepancies within 14 days of delivery. Claims submitted after this period will not be accepted.

6.2 Claim Procedure

Valid claims must include:

• • Detailed description of the issue
• • Photographic evidence
• • Quantity affected
• • Third-party inspection report (if applicable)

6.3 Resolution

Upon verification of valid claims, we will offer replacement, credit, or refund at our discretion. Return shipping costs for defective products will be borne by Hengtai for verified quality issues.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 OEM/ODM Arrangements

For OEM/ODM services, intellectual property rights in customer-provided designs, formulations, or branding remain with the customer. We agree to maintain confidentiality and not reproduce such products for third parties without written consent.

7.2 Hengtai IP

All proprietary processes, formulations, and branding developed by Hengtai remain our intellectual property unless explicitly transferred through a separate written agreement.

8. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary information, including but not limited to pricing, specifications, customer lists, and business strategies. This obligation survives termination of the business relationship for a period of 3 years.

9. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, government regulations, labor disputes, pandemics, or transportation disruptions. The affected party must provide prompt written notice and make reasonable efforts to minimize delays.

10. Limitation of Liability

Our total liability for any claim arising from or related to these terms or any transaction shall not exceed the total amount paid by the buyer for the specific products giving rise to the claim. We shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China, excluding its conflict of law provisions.

11.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms shall first be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to arbitration at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) in accordance with its rules. The arbitration award shall be final and binding on both parties.

12. Amendments and Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Updated terms will be posted on our website with the revision date. Continued business engagement after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

13. Contact Information