1. Definitions
“ESW”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Elite Shipping World. “Customer”, “you”, and “your” refer to the person or business requesting our services. “Shipment” means goods we consolidate, transport, store, or clear on your instruction. “DDP” means delivered duty paid under Incoterms, where we handle freight and destination customs clearance including duties and taxes.
2. Scope of services
We provide first-leg consolidation from multiple suppliers, air express and ocean LCL freight on DDP terms, and warehousing and staging at our Guangzhou hub. A quote describes the specific services applied to a specific shipment. We are a freight forwarder and logistics provider, not a carrier, and we contract with carriers and agents to perform the physical movement.
3. Quotations
Quotes are estimates based on the information you provide and are valid for the period stated on the quote. The final price may change if weight, volume, dimensions, route, declared value, or commodity differ from the booking data. A DDP quote includes freight, our handling, and estimated destination duties and taxes. It does not include charges that arise from incorrect declarations, prohibited goods, regulatory holds, or changes you request after booking. All prices are exclusive of any tax that applies to our fee unless we state otherwise.
4. Bookings and acceptance
A booking is accepted when we confirm it in writing. You must give accurate and complete shipment details, including true commodity, value, and HS code. You are responsible for the correctness of commercial documents and for holding any licence or permit the goods require.
5. Customs, DDP, and your responsibilities
Under DDP, we act as the importer of record at the destination only where our local broker is appointed to do so. You must supply accurate descriptions, values, and supporting documents. You are responsible for the legality of the goods and for any duty, tax, penalty, or storage that results from wrong or incomplete information. Customs may inspect, delay, or refuse any shipment. We are not liable for delays caused by authorities, and any extra cost is charged to you.
6. Prohibited and restricted goods
We do not handle goods that are illegal, dangerous without proper declaration, or banned by the origin or destination country. Restricted goods such as batteries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics may require special approval and documentation. We may refuse any shipment that we cannot move lawfully or safely.
7. Transit times
Published transit times are estimates based on normal conditions. They are not guaranteed. Weather, congestion, customs, and carrier schedule changes can extend them. We are not liable for late delivery where the cause is outside our control.
8. Liability and limitation
Our liability for loss of or damage to goods is limited to the lower of the declared value or the applicable forwarders liability cap under the governing convention, unless you declare a higher value and pay the corresponding premium. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, market loss, or delay, except where law makes such exclusion void. Claims are subject to the time limits in section 12.
9. Insurance
Standard quotes do not include cargo insurance. We recommend cover for high-value or sensitive goods and can arrange it on request. Insurance is governed by the policy terms of the insurer we appoint.
10. Payment
Invoices are payable by the due date on the invoice. Shipments may be held until payment is received. Overdue amounts may carry interest at the rate stated on the invoice. You remain liable for all charges relating to your shipment even if a third party was meant to pay.
11. Claims
Notice of loss or damage must be given in writing at the time of delivery or within the period required by the applicable transport convention, and a formal claim within the further period those rules set. We may need the original documents, photos, and packing details to assess the claim. Claims are handled under the relevant convention or national law.
12. Force majeure
We are not liable for failure or delay caused by events outside our reasonable control, including war, unrest, fire, extreme weather, pandemics, strikes, and acts of government or authority.
13. Intellectual property
The content, branding, and design of this website belong to ESW or its licensors. You may not reuse them without written permission.
14. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Disputes are submitted to the competent courts in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. If you are based outside China, local consumer law that cannot be excluded may still apply to you.
15. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms as our services change. The date at the top shows the current version. Continued use after a change means you accept the updated terms.
16. Contact
Questions about these terms can be sent through our contact page at https://eliteshippingworld.com/contact-us.