TERMS OF SERVICELetha Lethu International Freight (Pty) Ltd
- Introduction
These Terms of Service (“T&Cs”) outline the terms and conditions under which Letha Lethu International Freight (Pty) Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”) provides customs clearance, freight forwarding, and logistics services to our clients (“you,” “your”). By using our services, you agree to these terms. These T&Cs are subject to change at any time, and it is your responsibility to review them periodically for updates.
- Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding Services
2.1 Service Scope
o We provide customs clearance, freight forwarding, and related logistics services for imported or exported goods via air, sea, and road.
o Our responsibility is to facilitate the smooth processing of your shipments based on the documentation and information provided by you.
2.2 Client Responsibilities
o You must provide accurate and complete documentation required for customs processing (e.g., commercial invoices, permits, certificates of origin, etc.).
o Any incorrect, incomplete, or delayed documents may result in shipment delays, penalties, or extra charges, which remain your responsibility.
o You must comply with all import/export laws and regulations governing your shipments. – We are not liable for any customs penalties due to the incorrect use of HS Codes if the client did not provide the correct HS Code. If you require assistance in determining the correct HS Code, this will be charged as an additional service.
o Clients are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary import license for their goods. If a client does not have an import license, an additional charge will apply for temporary use of a third-party import license.
o It is the client’s responsibility to know the contents of their cargo. We are not liable for any penalties, detentions, or examinations resulting from misdeclarations.
- Pricing, Payments & Fees
3.1 Service Fees
o Our pricing includes a flat Customs Clearance Fee for standard shipments.
o For high-value or complex shipments, an additional percentage-based Processing Fee may apply to account for administrative work and coordination with customs authorities.
o Additional fees may apply for urgent clearances, special handling, or extra services beyond standard processing.
o HS Code determination is a billable service, and charges apply for research and classification assistance.
o Clients without an import license will be charged an additional administrative fee.
3.2 Payment Terms
o All invoices must be paid in full before customs clearance is processed unless prior credit arrangements have been made.
o Payments must be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to our designated bank account.
o Clients are responsible for all banking fees, including transaction charges, wire fees, and international remittance costs.
3.3 Late Payments & Penalties
o Late payments may incur an interest charge of 5% per week until full settlement.
o Failure to pay within 30 days may result in suspension of services and legal action to recover outstanding amounts.
- Storage & Detention Fees
4.1 Client Responsibility for Storage Fee
o Letha Lethu is not responsible for any storage fees incurred at ports, warehouses, or customs depots. Any storage charges due to delays in clearance, non-payment, or customs inspections are the sole responsibility of the client.
o Customs authorities have the right to detain goods at their discretion, even after all required documentation has been provided. Any fees arising from such detentions are to be covered by the client.
4.2 Penalties & Extra Charges
o If customs impose penalties due to discrepancies, suspicions, or random examinations, the client is responsible for covering these penalties.
o Letha Lethu is not responsible for unjust penalties imposed by customs. We will provide clients with supporting documentation to dispute such penalties, but the financial liability remains with the client.
4.3 Damaged Goods
o Letha Lethu does not provide cargo insurance. Clients must arrange their own insurance to cover damage, loss, or theft during transit.
o If goods are damaged while in transit, the client must take up the matter directly with the airline, shipping line, or transporter. We do not assume liability for cargo condition after shipment.
- Refunds & Dispute Handling
5.1 Non-Refundable Fees
o All customs duties, VAT, and SARS-related payments are non-refundable once submitted to authorities.
o Service fees are non-refundable once the clearance process has begun.
5.2 Dispute Resolution
o If you believe you have been incorrectly charged, you must notify us in writing within 7 days of receiving the invoice.
o We will review and respond to disputes within 14 business days.
o Any unresolved disputes will be handled in accordance with South African law.
- Liability & Force Majeure
6.1 Liability Limitation
o We are not liable for customs rejections, penalties, or storage fees due to incorrect or incomplete documents provided by the client.
o We are not responsible for shipment delays caused by customs inspections, government regulations, port congestion, or third-party carriers.
o We are not liable for any customs penalties due to the incorrect use of HS Codes if the client did not provide the correct HS Code. If HS Code determination is required, this service must be requested and will incur additional charges.
6.2 Force Majeure
o We shall not be held responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, government actions, or supply chain disruptions.
- General Terms
o These T&Cs are subject to change at any time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
o By continuing to use our services, you agree to any updated terms.
o Any legal matters arising under these T&Cs will be governed by the laws of South Africa.
For any inquiries, please contact us at:
Email: info@lethalethu.co.za
Phone: 0762274780
Website: www.lethalethu.co.za
Thank you for choosing Letha Lethu International Freight (Pty) Ltd. We make Ship Happen!!