Terms and Conditions of Service

These terms and conditions of service constitute a legally binding contract between the ‘Company’ and the ‘Customer.” In the event the Company renders services and issues a document containing Terms and Conditions governing such services, the terms and Conditions set forth in such other document(s) shall govern those services.

1. Definitions.
(a) ‘Company” shall mean Clearit Customs Services Inc. its subsidiaries, related companies, agents and/or representatives;
(b) ‘Customer” shall mean the person for which the Company is rendering service, as well as its agents and/or representatives, including, but not limited to, shippers, importers, exporters, carriers, secured parties, warehousemen,
buyers and/or sellers, shipper’s agents, insurers and underwriters, break-bulk agents, consignees, etc. It is the responsibility of the Customer to provide notice and copy(s) of these terms and conditions of service to all such agents or representatives;
(c) ‘Collateral” shall mean any and all personal (movable) property of Customer now or hereafter acquired coming into the Company’s actual or constructive possession, control or ownership, tangible and intangible and wherever situated, including, without limitation, equipment, inventory, and cash deposits, as well as all products and proceeds derived from such property;
(d) “Documentation” shall mean all information received directly or indirectly from Customer, whether in paper or electronic form;
(e) ‘Ocean Transportation Intermediaries” (“OTI”) shall include an “ocean freight forwarder” and a “non-vessel operating carrier”;
(f) Third parties” shall include, but not be limited to, the following: carriers, truckmen, cartmen, lightemen, forwarders, OTIS, customs brokers, agents, warehousemen and others to which the goods are entrusted for transportation, cartage, handling and/or delivery and/or storage or otherwise.

2. Company As Agent.
The Company acts as the agent of the customer for the purpose of performing duties in connection with the entry and release of goods, post-entry services, the securing of export licenses, the filing of export
and security documentation on behalf of the Customer and other dealings with agencies of the United States of America, Canada and other units of government (“Government Agencies”). As to all other services, Company acts as an independent contractor.

3. Limitation of Actions.
Unless subject to a specific statute or international convention, all claims against the for a potential or actual loss, must be in writing and received by the Company within ninety (90) days of the event giving rise to claim. The failure to give the Company timely notice shall be a complete defense to any suit or action commenced by Customer.
(a) All suits against Company must be filed and properly served on Company as follows:
(i) For claims arising out of ocean transportation, within one year from the date of the loss; For claims arising
out of air transportation, within two years from the date of the loss;
(ii) For claims arising out of the preparation and/or submission of an import entry(s), within 75 days from the date of liquidation of the entry(s);
(iii) For any and all other claims of any other type, within two years from the date of the loss or damage.

4. No Liability For The Selection or Services of Third Parties and/or Routs.
Unless services are performed by persons or firms engaged pursuant to express Witten instructions from the Customer, Company shall use reasonable care in its selection of Third Parties, or in selecting the means, route and procedure to be followed in the handling, transportation, clearance and delivery of the shipment; advice by Company that a particular person or firm has been selected to render services with respect to the goods, shall not be construed to mean that the Company warrants or represents that such person or firm will render such services nor does Company assume responsibility or liability for any actions(s) and/or inaction(s) of such Third Parties and/or its agents, and shall not be liable for any delay or loss of any kind, which occurs while a shipment is in the custody or control of a third party or the agent of a Third Party. All claims in connection with the Act of a third party shall be brought solely against such party and/or its and in connection with any such claim, the Company shall reasonably cooperate with the Customer, which shall be liable for any charges or costs incurred by the company.

5. Quotations Not Binding.
Quotations as to fees, rates of duty, freight charges, insurance premiums or other charges given by the Company to the Customer are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice; no quotation shall be binding upon the Company unless the Company in writing agrees to undertake the handling or transportation of the shipment at a specific rate or amount set forth in the quotation and payment arrangements are agreed to between the Company and the Customer.

6. Reliance on Information Famished.
(a) Customer acknowledges that it is required to review all documents and declarations prepared and/or filed with U.S. Customs & Border Protection, other Government Agencies ardor Third Parties, and will immediately advise the Company of any errors, discrepancies, incorrect statements, or omissions on any declaration or other submission filed on Customers behalf;
(b) In preparing and submitting customs entries, export declarations, applications, security filings, documentation, and/or other required data, the Company relies on the correctness of all documentation, whether in writing or electronic format, and all information furnished by the Customer; Customer shall use reasonable care to ensure the correctness of all such information and shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all claims asserted and/or liability or losses suffered by reason of the Customers failure to disclose information or any incorrect, incomplete or false statement by the Customer or its agent, representative or contractor upon which the Company reasonably relied. The Customer agrees that the Customer has an affirmative non-delegable duty to disclose any and all information required to import, export, or enter the goods.

7. Declaring Higher Value To Third Parties.
Third Parties to whom the goods are entrusted may limit liability for loss or damage; the Company will request excess valuation coverage only upon specific written instructions from the Customer, which must agree to pay any charges, therefore; in the absence of written instructions or the refusal of the third party to agree to a higher declared value, at Company’s discretion, the goods may be tendered to the third party, subject to the terms of the third party’s limitations of liability and/or terms and conditions of service.

8. Insurance.
Unless requested to do so in and confirmed to the Customer in writing, Company is under no obligation to procure insurance on Customers’ behalf, in all cases, the Customer shall pay all premiums and costs in connection with procuring requested insurance.

9. Disclaimers; Limitation of Liability.
(a) Except as specifically set forth herein, Company makes no express or implied warranties in connection with its service;
(b) In connection with all services performed by the Company, Customer may obtain additional liability coverage, up to the actual or declared value of the shipment or transaction, by requesting such coverage and agreeing to make payment therefor which request must be confirmed in writing by the Company prior to rendering services for the covered transaction(s).
(c) In the absence of additional coverage under (b) above, the Company’s liability shall be limited to the following:
(i) whether the claim arises from activities other than those relating to customs business, $50.00 per shipment or transaction, or
(ii) the claim arises from activities relating to “Customs business,” $50.00 per entry or the amount of fees paid to Company for the entry, whichever is less;
(d) In no event, shall Company be liable or responsible for consequential, indirect, incidental, statutory or punitive damages, even if it has been put on notice of the possibility of such damages, or for the acts of other parties including, without limitation, Third Parties.

10. Advancing Money.
All charges must be paid by Customer in advance unless the Company agrees in writing to extend credit to customer, the granting of credit to a Customer in connection with a particular transaction shall not be considered a waiver of this provision by the Company. Customer acknowledges that the Company is under no obligation to pay the customs duties or other impositions of any Government Agency absent a specific written agreement that may be entered into from time to time providing for such obligation.

11. Indemnification / Hold Harmless.
The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Company harmless from any claims and/or liability, fines, penalties and/or attorneys’ fees arising from the importation or exportation of customers merchandise and/or any conduct of the Customer, including but not limited to the inaccuracy of entry, export or security data supplied by Customer or its agent or representative, which violates any Federal, State and/or other laws, and further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, claims, penalties, fines and/or expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, which the Company may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of such claims; in the event that any claim, suit or proceeding is brought against the Company it shall give notice in writing to the Customer by mail at its address on file with the Company.

12. C.O.D. or Cash Collect Shipment.
Company shall use reasonable care regarding written instructions relating to ‘Cash/Collect on Delivery (COD.)” shipments, bank drafts, cashiers and/or certified checks, letter(s) of credit, and other similar payment documents and/or instructions regarding the collection of monies but shall not have liability if the bank or consignee refuses to pay for the shipment.

13. Costs of Collection.
In any dispute involving monies owed to Company, the Company shall be entitled to all costs of collection, including fees for returned check, reasonable attorney’s fees, and interest at 15% per annum or the highest rate allowed by law, whichever is less unless a lower amount is agreed to by Company.

14. Grant of Liens, Right To Sell Customer’s Property and Remedies.
(a) Customer hereby grants to Company a security interest and a general and continuing lien in the Collateral to secure payment of all fees due to the Company and the reimbursement of costs advanced by Company on behalf of Customer, as well as any future advances and fees incurred by the Company on behalf of the Customer (the “Obligations”). The security interest extends to all products and proceeds of the Collateral and any after-acquired personal (movable) property;
(b) If the Customer carries on business in Quebec, Customer hereby hypothecates to and in favor of the Company to the extent of the sum of $450,000 in lawful money of Canada, with interest thereon at the rate specified in paragraph 13 above as security for the full and final payment of the Obligations (the “Hypothec”). The Hypothec extends to all products and proceeds of the Collateral and any after-acquired personal (movable) property.
(c) Customer shall be in default if it fails to pay any of the Obligations when due. After the occurrence of a default, Company may provide written notice to Customer of its intent to dispose of any Collateral pursuant to its Security, the amounts due and owing, as well as any ongoing storage or other charges; Customer shall notify all parties having an interest in its shipment(s) of Company’s rights and/or the exercise of such Security.
(d) Unless, within ten days, or less as provided below, of receiving notice of intent to dispose of Collateral, Customer posts cash or letter of credit at sight, or, if the amount due is in dispute, an acceptable bond equal to 110% of the value of the total amount due, in favor of Company, guaranteeing payment of the monies owed, plus all storage charges accrued or to be accrued, Company shall have the right to sell such shipment(s) at public or private sale or auction and any net proceeds remaining after payment of all amounts due and all costs in connection with storage and disposition, shall be paid to customer. Customer agrees that ten days’ notice is commercially reasonable in all cases, but notice of fewer than ten days may be commercially reasonable under certain circumstances.
(e) In addition to the foregoing, the Company may exercise any and all other rights as may be available to it as a holder of the Security under applicable law with regard to the Collateral.

15. No Duty To Maintain Records For Customer.
Customer acknowledges that pursuant to Sections 508 and 509 of the Tariff Act, as amended (19 USC SS 1508 and 1509), it has the duty and is solely liable for maintaining all records required under the Customs and/or other Laws and Regulations of the United States; unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the Company shall only keep such records that it is required to maintain by any applicable statute or regulation, but not act as a “recordkeeper” or “recordkeeping agent” for Customer.

16. Obtaining Binding Rulings, Filing Protests, etc.
Unless requested by Customer in writing and agreed to by Company in writing, Company shall be under no obligation to undertake any pre- or post-Customs release action, including, but not limited to, obtaining binding rulings, advising of liquidations, filing of petition(s) and/or protests, etc.

17. Preparation and Issuance of Bills of Lading.
Where Company prepares and/or issues a bill of lading, Company shall be under no obligation to specify thereon the number of pieces, packages and/or cartons, etc. unless specifically requested to do so in writing by Customer or its agent and Customer agrees to pay for same, Company shall rely upon and use the cargo weight supplied by Customer.

18. No Modification or Amendment Unless Written.
These terms and conditions of service may only be modified, altered or amended in writing signed by both Customer and Company; any attempt to unilaterally modify, alter or amend the same shall be null and void.

19. Compensation of Company.
The compensation of the Company for its services shall be included with and is in addition to the rates and charges of all carriers and other agencies selected by the Company to transport and deal with the goods and such compensation shall be exclusive of any brokerage, commissions, dividends, or other revenue by the Company from carriers, insurers and others in connection with the shipment. On ocean exports, upon request, the Company shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges. In any referral for collection or action against the Customer for monies due, the Company, upon recovery by the Company, the Customer shall pay the expenses of collection and/or litigation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

20. Severability.
In the event any Paragraph(s) and/or portion(s) hereof is found to be invalid and/or unenforceable, then in such event, the remainder hereof shall remain in full force and effect. Company’s decision to waive any provision herein, either by conduct or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of such provision or to otherwise waive or invalidate any other provision herein,

21. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.
Other than with respect to the Hypothec, these terms and conditions of service and the relationship of the parties shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Minnesota without giving consideration to principals of conflict of law. With respect to the Hypothec, the laws of the Province of Quebec shall apply.
Customer and Company (other than in respect of the Hypothec):
(a) irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court and the State court of Minnesota;
(b) agrees that any action relating to the services performed by Company, shall only be brought in said courts;
(c) consent to the exercise of in personam jurisdiction by said courts over it, and
(d) further agrees that any action to enforce a judgment may be instituted in any jurisdiction. In respect of the Hypothec, Customer irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of Quebec, 09/2013

22. Privacy Policy
Company is committed to respecting the privacy of Corporations and individuals and recognizes the need of people with whom we do business for the appropriate management and protection of any Personal Information that you agree to provide us. Our Privacy Management Plan includes guidelines on the collection, storage, use and retention of your Personal Information as follows:
(a)Collection: Company collects personal information related to your business in order to provide customs clearance related services and to better manage its business. ClearitUSA.com will make all reasonable efforts to fully inform such individuals and/or Corporations about the planned use/disclosure. ClearitUSA.com will limit the collection and use of personal information to that required for valid business purposes or to comply with legislation.
(b)Accuracy: Company will make every reasonable effort to ensure that the personal information it collects and uses is accurate and complete. Individuals/Corporations providing personal information will have the opportunity to review and correct their information, and on written request by an individual to whom the information relates, the ClearitUSA.com will modify the information as required.
(c)Storage: Company will store personal information using hard copy and/or electronic means in such a way as to prevent unauthorized collection, access, use, disclosure or disposal of the personal information.
(d)Retention: Company will establish a retention period for all personal information collected. This period may be related to legislation.
(e)Disclosure: Company will not disclose personal information unnecessarily to employees or any third party, unless the effected individual consents.
(f)Access: Company promotes individual’s right of access to personal information about themselves. The employer will provide access to information upon request. Access will be provided according to established procedures.

23. Refund Policy
In order to keep service fees low, Company does not offer refunds on its services. In the case of overpayment or adjustments made to your goods, please refer to duties and drawbacks with the CBP. In most cases, an application for a refund can be up to four years from the date the goods were accounted for. Self-adjustments must be submitted in writing.

24.Payment Profile Policy
Company utilizes Beanstream’s ( a Bambora Company) Secure Payment Profile services which allow company to create secure payment accounts — or “profiles” — for storing confidential contact and/or credit details on Beanstream’s server. Transactions can then be processed against these profiles without the need to recollect payment information from the customer. No credit card data is stored on Company’s servers at any time. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, Company may process any outstanding balance on said “profile” when due.

25. COD Brokerage Service
Customer acknowledges that Company is a COD service. Company is not responsible for storage, demurrage, or other fees and or penalties related to the late submission of a customs entry resulting from lack of or late payment.

26. Cartage / Deliveries by a third party
Final delivery booked through Company is based on availability and is not responsible for demurrage/storage charges related to late pickup. Insurance is not included in the quoted delivery price and can be purchased separately by informing Company in writing within 12 hours of pickup. All deliveries are made by a third party and Company is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged goods prior, during, or after transit. Additional charges may apply for loading/unloading time after free time expires. Transit times are an estimate only from the date of pick up, not booking. If the skid count, pallet count, dimensions, weight, pick up/delivery requirements change, the becomes null and void. The consignee is responsible for any fees incurred above the quoted rate. Additional fees may be billed up to thirty (30) days after delivery. By accepting the delivery quote, Customer agrees to delivery terms & conditions

27. 3rd Party Payments
Company reserves the right to make CFS (container freight station)/ Freight/ Arrival Notice payments on your behalf in order to expedite the release of cargo to avoid additional unnecessary demurrage/storage fees. A 5% disbursement fee and $25.00 processing fee may apply.

28. International Freight
All international freight bookings are made through a 3rd party. Customer agrees that Customs Brokerage, import fees, insurance, and other import-related charges are not included in international freight quotations. Insurance can be purchased separately by informing Company in writing within 48 hours of pickup. Clearit is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged goods prior to, during, or after transit. Company is not responsible for storage/demurrage incurred for delayed or late pickups. Additional charges may apply for loading/unloading time after free-time expires. Transit time is an estimate only from the time of sailing/pickup. Pricing is based on the information provided by Customer. If the skid/pallet count, dimensions, weight, or pickup/delivery requirements change, the rate becomes null and void. Customer is responsible for any fees incurred above the quoted rate. Additional fees may be billed up to sixty (60) days after delivery. By Accepting the posted quote, Customer agrees to these terms & conditions