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DEFINITIONS
AND APPLICATION
1. In these Conditions:
"Person" includes persons or any body or bodies
corporate.
"Owner" means the Owner of the goods (including
any packaging, containers or equipment) to which any business
concluded under these Conditions relates and the consignee
or any other Person who is or may become interested in or
in possession or entitled to possession of them.
"Customer" means any Person at whose request
or on whose behalf the Freight Forwarder undertakes any
business or provides advice, information or services.
A “Freight Forwarder” is one who undertakes
forwarding of goods on behalf of his customer, including
if necessary, Customs clearance, procurement and coordination
of one or more modes of transport. He may also undertake
to perform one or more modes of transport. He may also undertake
to perform other functions connected with the main contract
such as warehousing (including storage in transit) groupage
or consolidation, packing, documentation, weighing and measurement
of cargo container leasing, insurance, foreign exchange
transaction etc and includes any parent subsidiary or affiliated
company, firm, person or entity of the Freight Forwarder.
2
(A). Subject
to Sub-Paragraph (B) below, all and any activities of
the Freight Forwarder in the course of business whether
gratuitous or not are undertaken subject to these Conditions.
(B). If
any legislation is compulsorily applicable to any business
undertaken, these Conditions shall, as regards such business,
be read as subject to such legislation and nothing in
these Conditions shall be construed as a surrender by
the Freight Forwarder of any of its rights or immunities
or as an increase of any of its responsibilities or liabilities
under such legislation and if any part of these Conditions
be repugnant to such legislation to any extent such part
shall as regards such business be overridden to that extent
and no further.
3. The Customer
warrants that he is either the Owner or the authorised Agent
of the Owner and also that he is accepting these Conditions
not only for himself but also as Agent for and on behalf
of the Owner and is authorized in this behalf by the Owner.
4. In authorizing
the Customer to enter into any contract with the Freight
Forwarder and/or in accepting any document issued by the
Freight Forwarder in connection with such Contract, the
Owner irrevocably accepts these Conditions and on behalf
of any parties that the Owner or their agents may act, and
in particular but without prejudice to the generality of
this clause, the Owner accepts (for himself and on behalf
of any parties that the Owner or their agents may act) that
the Freight Forwarder shall have the right to enforce the
rights herein, jointly and severally against the Owner,
the Owner’s agents or any parties on behalf of whom
the Owner or his agents may act in connection with any liability
of the Customer under these Conditions or to recover any
sums to be paid to the Freight Forwarder by the Customer
which when duly demanded have not been paid.
THE FREIGHT FORWARDER
5
(A). Subject
to Clauses 13 and 14 below, the Freight Forwarder shall
be entitled to procure any or all of its services as an
Agent or to provide those services as a Principal.
(B). The
offer and acceptance of an inclusive price for the accomplishment
of any service or services shall not itself determine
whether any such service is or services are to be arranged
by the Freight Forwarder acting as agent or to be provided
by the Freight Forwarder acting as a contracting principal.
(C). When acting as an agent the Freight
Forwarder does not make or purport to make any contract
with the Customer for the carriage, storage, packing or
handling of any goods nor for any other physical service
in relation to them and acts solely on behalf of the Customer
in securing services by establishing Contracts with third
parties so that direct contractual relationships are established
between the Customer and such third parties.
(D). The
Freight Forwarder shall on demand by the Customer provide
evidence of any Contract entered into as Agent for the
Customer. Insofar as the Freight Forwarder may be in default
of this obligation, it shall be deemed to have contracted
with the Customer as a Principal for the performance of
the Customer’s instructions.
6. When and
to the extent that the Freight Forwarder has contracted
as principal for the performance of any of its services,
it undertakes to perform and/or in its own name to procure
the performance of those services, and subject always to
the totality of these Conditions and in particular to Clauses
– 26 - 29 hereof accepts liability for loss of or
damage to goods taken into its charge occurring between
the time when it takes the goods into its charge and the
time when the Freight Forwarder is entitled to call upon
the Customer or Owner to take delivery of the goods. When
the Company contracts as a Principal for any services, it
shall have full liberty
a) to perform
such services itself or
b) to subcontract
the whole or any part of such services to third parties
(including the Company’s own parent, subsidiary,
or associated companies).
7. When and
to the extent that the Freight Forwarder in accordance with
these Conditions is acting as an agent on behalf of the
Customer, it is acting in a customary manner. The Freight
Forwarder shall be entitled, and the Customer hereby expressly
authorizes the Freight Forwarder such entitlement, to enter
into contracts on behalf of the Customer and the Owner:
a. for
the carriage of goods by any route or means or Person,
b. for
the storage, packing, transshipment, loading, unloading
or handling of the goods by any Person at any place and
for any length of time,
c. for
the carriage or storage of goods in or on transport units
as defined in clause 18 c. and with other goods of whatever
nature, and
d. to do
such acts as may in the opinion of the Freight Forwarder
be reasonably necessary or desirable in the performance
of its obligations to the Customer and in the interests
of the Customer and the Owner.
8. The Freight
Forwarder reserves to itself a reasonable liberty as to
the means, route and procedure to be followed in the handling,
storage and transportation of goods.
9. The Freight
Forwarder is permitted to perform any of its obligations
herein by itself or by a sub-contractor. Any such sub-contractor
shall also hereby be deemed to have and to take all the
benefits, privileges and immunities of these Conditions
in relation to the Customer and Owner. For the purpose of
allowing the sub-contractor to take the benefits under these
Conditions, the sub-contractor shall follow these Conditions.
10
(A). Subject
to Sub-Clause (B) hereof, the Freight Forwarder shall
have a general lien on all goods and documents relating
to goods in its possession, custody or control for all
sums due at any time from the Customer or Owner, and shall
be entitled to retain, sell or dispose of such goods or
documents as Agent for and at the expense of the Customer
and apply the proceeds in or towards the payment of such
sums on 21 days notice in writing to the Customer. Upon
accounting to the Customer for any balance remaining after
payment of any sum due to the Freight Forwarder and the
costs of sale or disposal the Freight Forwarder shall
be discharged of any liability whatsoever in respect of
the goods or documents.
(B). When
the goods are liable to perish or deteriorate, the Freight
Forwarder's right to sell or dispose of the goods shall
arise immediately upon any sum becoming due to the Freight
Forwarder subject only to the Freight Forwarder taking
reasonable steps to bring to the Customer's attention
its intention of selling or disposing of the goods before
doing so.
11. The Freight
Forwarder shall be entitled to retain and be paid all brokerages,
commissions, allowances and other remunerations customarily
retained by or paid to freight forwarders.
12
(A). If
delivery of the goods or any part thereof is not taken
by the Customer, Consignee or Owner, at the time and place
when and where the Freight Forwarder is entitled to call
upon such person to take delivery thereof, the Freight
Forwarder shall be entitled to store the goods or any
part thereof at the sole risk of the Customer, whereupon
the liability of the Freight Forwarder in respect of the
goods or that part thereof stored as aforesaid shall wholly
cease and the cost of such storage if paid for or payable
by the Freight Forwarder or any Agent or Sub-Contractor
of the Freight Forwarder shall forthwith upon demand be
paid by the Customer to the Freight Forwarder.
(B). The
Freight Forwarder shall be entitled at the expense of
the Customer to dispose of (by sale or otherwise as may
be reasonable in all the circumstances):-
(i) on
21 days notice in writing to the Customer, or (where
the Customer cannot be traced and reasonable efforts
have been made to contact any parties who may reasonably
be supposed by the Freight Forwarder to have any interest
in the goods) without notice, any goods which have been
held by the Freight Forwarder for 30 days and which
cannot be delivered as instructed; and
(ii) without
prior notice, goods which have perished, deteriorated
or altered or are in immediate prospect of doing so
in a manner which has caused or may reasonably be expected
to cause loss or damage to the or Third Parties or to
contravene any applicable laws or regulations.
13
(A). No
insurance will be effected except upon express instructions
given in writing by the Customer and all insurances effected
by the Freight Forwarder are subject to the usual exceptions
and conditions of the policies of the insurance Freight
Forwarder or underwriters taking the risk. Unless otherwise
agreed in writing the Freight Forwarder shall not be under
any obligation to effect a separate insurance on each
consignment but may declare it on any open or general
policy held by the Freight Forwarder.
(B). Insofar
as the Freight Forwarder agrees with the Customer to arrange
insurance, the Freight Forwarder acts solely as agent
for the Customer, at his costs, using its best endeavors
to arrange such insurance and does so subject to the limits
of liability contained in Clause 29 hereof.
14
(A). Except
under special arrangements previously made in writing
or under the form of a printed document signed by the
Freight Forwarder, any instructions relating to the delivery
or release of goods in specified circumstances only, such
as (but without prejudice to the generality of this Clause)
against payment or against surrender of a particular document,
are accepted by the Freight Forwarder only as agents for
the Customer where third parties are engaged to effect
compliance with the instructions.
(B). The
Freight Forwarder shall not be under any liability in
respect of such arrangements as are referred to under
Clause a. hereof save where such arrangements are made
in writing.
(C). In
any event, the Freight Forwarder's liability in respect
of the performance or arranging the performance of such
instructions shall not exceed that provided for in these
Conditions in respect of loss of or damage to goods,
15. Advice
and information, in whatever form it may be given, is provided
by the Freight Forwarder for the Customer only and the Customer
shall not pass such advice or information to any Third Party
without the Freight Forwarder’s written agreement.
The Customer shall indemnify the Freight Forwarder against
all loss and damage suffered as a consequence of any breach
of this Condition by the Customer.
16
(A). Except
under special arrangement previously made in writing,
as allowed by the law for the time being in force, the
Freight Forwarder will not accept or deal with bullion,
coin, precious stones, jewellery, valuables, antiques,
pictures, human remains, livestock, pets, plants or any
other special items not covered under any other clause
of this Conditions. Should any Customer nevertheless deliver
any such goods to the Freight Forwarder or cause the Freight
Forwarder to handle or deal with any such goods otherwise
than under special arrangements previously made in writing
the Freight Forwarder shall be under no liability whatsoever
for or in connection with such goods howsoever arising.
(B). The
Freight Forwarder may at any time waive its rights and
exemptions from liability under Sub-Clause (A) above in
respect of any one or more of the categories of goods
mentioned herein or of any part of any category. If such
waiver is not in writing, the onus of proving such waiver
shall be on the Customer.
17. Except
following instructions previously received in writing and
accepted by the Freight Forwarder, the Freight Forwarder
will not accept or deal with goods of a dangerous or damaging
nature, nor with goods likely to harbour or encourage vermin
or other pests, nor with goods liable to taint or affect
other goods. If such goods are accepted pursuant to a special
arrangement and then in the opinion of the Freight Forwarder
they constitute a risk to other goods, property, life or
health, the Freight Forwarder shall where reasonably practicable
contact the Customer, but reserves the right at the expense
of the Customer to remove or otherwise deal with the goods.
18. Where
there is a choice of rates according to the extent or degree
of the liability assumed by carriers, warehousemen or others,
no declaration of value where optional will be made except
under special arrangements previously made in writing
THE CUSTOMER
19. The Customer warrants:
a. that
the description and particulars of any goods furnished
by or on behalf of the Customer are full and accurate
and he will be liable for consequences of any penalties
levied by Port, Customs or other authorities arising from
any incorrect information supplied.
b. that
all goods have been properly and sufficiently prepared,
packed, stowed, labeled and/or marked, and that the preparation,
packing, stowage, labeling and marking are appropriate
to any operations or transactions affecting the goods
and the characteristics of the goods.
c. that
where the Freight Forwarder receives the goods from the
Customer already stowed in or on a container, trailer,
tanker, or any other device specifically constructed for
the carriage of goods by land, sea or air (each hereafter
individually referred to as the "transport unit"),
the transport unit is in good condition, and is suitable
for the carriage to the intended destination of the goods
loaded therein or thereon.
20. Should
the Customer otherwise than under special arrangements previously
made in writing deliver to the Freight Forwarder or cause
the Freight Forwarder to deal with or handle goods of a
dangerous or damaging nature, or goods likely to harbor
or encourage vermin or other pests, or goods liable to taint
or affect other goods, he shall be liable for all loss or
damage arising in connection with such goods and shall indemnify
the Freight Forwarder against all penalties, claims, damages,
costs and expenses whatsoever arising in connection therewith,
and the goods may be dealt with in such a manner as the
Freight Forwarder or any other Person in whose custody they
may be at any relevant time shall think fit.
21. The Customer
undertakes that no claim shall be made against any director,
servant, or employee of the Freight Forwarder, which imposes,
or attempts to impose upon them any liability in connection
with any services, which are the subject of these Conditions,
and if any such claim should nevertheless be made, to indemnify
the Freight Forwarder against all consequences thereof.
22. The Customer
shall save harmless and keep the Freight Forwarder indemnified
from and against:
a. all
liability, loss, damage, costs and expenses whatsoever
(including without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing, all duties, taxes, imposts, levies, deposits
and outlays of whatsoever nature levied by any authority
in relation to the goods) arising out of the Freight Forwarder
acting in accordance with the Customer's instructions
or arising from any breach by the Customer of any warranty
contained in these Conditions of from the negligence of
the Customer, and
b. without
derogation from Clause a. above, any liability assumed
or incurred by the Freight Forwarder when by reason of
carrying out the Customer's instructions the Freight Forwarder
has reasonably become liable or may become liable to any
other party, and -
c. all
claims, costs and demands whatsoever and by whomsoever
made or preferred in excess of the liability of the Freight
Forwarder under the terms of these Conditions regardless
of whether such claims, costs and demands arise from or
in connection with the negligence or breach of duty of
the Freight Forwarder its servants, sub-contractors or
agents, and -
d. any
claims of a General Average nature which may be made on
the Freight Forwarder.
23
(A). The
Customer shall pay to the Freight Forwarder in cash or
as otherwise agreed all sums immediately when due without
reduction or deferment on account of any claim, counterclaim
or set -off.
(B). In
respect of all sums, which are overdue, the Customer shall
be liable to pay to the Freight Forwarder financial charges
calculated at 2% above the KIBOR (Karachi inter-bank official
rate) for the time being.
24. Despite
the acceptance by the Freight Forwarder of instructions
to collect freight, duties, charges or other expenses from
the Owner or Consignee or any other Person the Customer
shall remain responsible for such freight, duties, charges
or expenses on receipt of evidence of proper demand and
in the absence of evidence of payment (for whatever reason)
by the Owner or Consignee or such other Person when due.
25. Where
liability for General Average arises in connection with
the goods, the Customer shall promptly provide security
to the Freight Forwarder or to any other party designated
by the Freight Forwarder in a form acceptable to the Freight
Forwarder.
LIABILITY AND LIMITATION
26. The Freight
Forwarder shall perform its duties with a reasonable degree
of care, diligence, skill and judgment.
27. The Freight
Forwarder shall be relieved of liability for any loss or
damage if and to the extent that such loss or damage is
caused by:
a. Strike,
lockout, stoppage or restraint of labor, the consequences
of which the Freight Forwarder is unable to avoid by the
exercise of reasonable diligence.
b. any
cause or event which the Freight Forwarder is unable to
avoid and the consequences whereof the Freight Forwarder
is unable to prevent by the exercise of reasonable diligence.
28. Except
under special arrangements previously made in writing the
Freight Forwarder accepts no responsibility for departure
or arrival dates of goods.
29
(A). Subject
to clause 2(B) and 13(b). above and Clause 30D below the
Freight Forwarder 's liability howsoever arising and notwithstanding
that the cause of loss or damage be unexplained shall
not exceed.
(i) In
the case of claims for loss or damage to goods:
a) the
value of any goods lost or damaged, or
b)
a sum at the rate of PKR 50 (fifty) per kilo of gross
weight of any goods lost or damaged, subject to a
limit of PKR 5,000 (five thousand) per package or
unit, whichever shall be the least
(ii) In
case of all other claims:
a)
the value of the goods the subject of the relevant
transaction between the Freight Forwarder and its
Customer, or
b) a
sum at the rate of PKR 50 (fifty) per kilo of the
gross weight of the goods the subject of the said
transaction, subject to a limit of PKR 5,000 (five
thousand) per package or unit, whichever shall be
the least.
For the purposes of clause 29 A. the value of the
goods shall be their value when they were or should
have been shipped.
(B). Subject
to clause 2(b) above, and sub clause (d). below, the Freight
Forwarder’s liability for loss or damage as a result
of failure to deliver or arrange delivery of goods in
a reasonable time or (where there is a special arrangement
under clause 28 to adhere to agreed departure or arrival
dates shall not in any circumstances whatever exceed a
sum equal to twice the amount of the Freight Forwarder's
charges in respect of the relevant transaction.
(C). Save
in respect of such loss or damage as is referred to at
sub clause 30b and subject to clause 2(b) above and sub
clause 29D. below, the Freight Forwarder shall not in
any circumstances whatsoever be liable for indirect or
consequential loss such as (but not limited to) loss of
profits, loss of market or the consequences of delay or
deviation however caused,
(D). By
special arrangement agreed in writing, the Freight Forwarder
may accept liability in excess of the limits set out in
clauses 29 A. to 29 C. above upon the Customer agreeing
to pay the Freight Forwarder 's additional charges for
accepting such increased liability. Details of the Freight
Forwarder's additional charges will be provided upon request.
30. If the
Freight Forwarder acts as a principal in making an agreement
for the carriage of goods by air, the following notice is
hereby given:
If the carriages involves an ultimate destination to or
stopping place in a country other than the country of departure
and limits the liability of carriers in respect of loss
of or damage to cargo, the limit of liability shall not
exceed as prescribed by/under law.
Agreed stopping places are those places (other than the
places of departure and destination) shown under requested
routing and/or those places shown in the carriers' timetables
as scheduled stopping places for the route. The address
of the first carrier is the airport of departure.
31. Receipt
by the Customer or Owner of visibly damaged goods without
complaint shall invalidate any claim against the Freight
Forwarder. Any claim against the Freight Forwarder arising
from loss of or damage to the goods not visible at the time
of receipt by the Customer or Owner must be made in accordance
with the provisions of the applicable law.
LAW, JURISDICTION AND CONCILIATION
32. These
Conditions and any act or contract to which they apply shall
be governed by Pakistani Law.
Time Limit
33. Claims
against the Freight Forwarder shall be time barred within
a period of one year commencing from the day of delivery
of the goods to the consignee named in the contract or,
if no delivery has taken place, from the date of the conclusion,
which is the date of shipment of the Forwarding contracts
Arbitration
34. This
Agreement is governed by the law of Pakistan. Any differences
or disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be referred
to arbitration in accordance with the prevailing law and
under the provisions of the Arbitration Act, 1940 or any
amendments thereof. The Forwarder and each party shall nominate
one arbitrator each, and in case of difference of opinion
between the arbitrators, the two nominated arbitrators shall
mutually appoint an umpire whose decision shall be final
and binding on the Parties. The Arbitrators and Umpires
to be appointed under this clause shall only be from the
panel of arbitrators duly approved by the Pakistan International
Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA). The arbitration
shall be held at the Forwarders principal place of business,
in the English language.
35. Any provision
of this Agreement which is determined to be invalid / unenforceable
will be ineffective to the extent of such determination
without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement/affecting
the validity/enforceability of such remaining provisions.
In the event of a conflict between any provision of this
Agreement and any law regulation or decree affecting this
Agreement, the provision of this Agreement so affected shall
be regarded as null and void or shall, where practicable,
be limited to the extent necessary to bring it within the
requirements of such law regulation or decree but otherwise
it shall not effect or render null and void other provisions
of this Agreement.
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