Policies
Terms of sale
These are the standard terms on which Astratech Solutions contracts. Where they conflict with a signed contract or an accepted proforma invoice for a specific shipment, that document governs.
1. Quotations and contract formation
Quotations are offers to treat and are valid for the period stated on the quotation. A contract is formed when we issue a proforma invoice against your purchase order and you accept it. Prices are firm for the validity period stated; where Indian export policy affecting the commodity changes within that period, the price is re-confirmed in writing before the contract is formed.
2. Specification
Every contract carries a written specification listing the parameters, the tolerances, the test methods and the laboratory that will run them. Where the buyer supplies a specification and we accept it, the buyer's specification governs. Where a parameter is not achievable from Indian origin material we will say so before quoting rather than after loading.
3. Inspection and analysis
Samples are drawn at container stuffing by an independent inspection body nominated by the buyer from SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or Cotecna, in accordance with Annex I of Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009. Increments are combined, homogenised and split into four sealed, numbered finals: buyer, seller, laboratory and arbitration reserve.
Unless the contract states otherwise, the analysis of the sealed load-port sample is final and binding on both parties as to quality. We pay for that inspection on every contract where the analysis is agreed to be final and binding. The buyer may appoint an additional surveyor at the buyer's own cost. Retention samples are held for six months from the bill of lading date.
Only lots within contract tolerance on the load-port analysis are shipped. Where a replacement lot is offered, it ships only with the buyer's written agreement.
4. Payment
Standard terms are an irrevocable letter of credit at sight, confirmed by the buyer's bank, or documents against payment through banking channels. Title transfers with the original bill of lading, which moves through the banks, and procurement begins on advice of the credit — so payment and goods are secured by the same instrument.
5. Delivery terms and risk
All quotations are on FOB, CFR or CIF terms under Incoterms 2020, as stated on the contract. Risk and cost pass at the point the stated Incoterm specifies. Shipment periods are estimates given in good faith and are not of the essence unless the contract expressly says so.
6. Claims
Quality claims must be raised in writing within the period stated on the contract, running from discharge, and are determined against the sealed arbitration-reserve sample, not against material drawn after discharge or against photographs. Quantity claims must be supported by the discharge-port survey report. Our liability is limited to the invoice value of the affected consignment.
7. Regulatory compliance
The buyer is responsible for confirming that the product, its specification and its intended use are lawful in the destination market, and for obtaining any import permit the destination requires. We are responsible for the Indian export documentation and for the certification stated on the contract. Fresh produce for the European Union additionally carries the APEDA traceability clearance for its line, and basmati rice for the European Union carries the certificate of authenticity issued under Commission Regulation (EC) No 972/2006. Where a destination market changes an import requirement — a residue limit, a treatment protocol, a listing — after the contract date, the parties will agree in writing whether the consignment can still be shipped and on what terms.
Castor de-oiled cake is supplied for fertiliser and soil application, and that use is stated on the contract and the shipping documents. Untreated castor cake contains ricin and is not a feed material; detoxified feed-grade material is quoted separately on its own specification.
8. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for failure to perform caused by an event beyond its reasonable control, including a change in Indian export policy, crop failure, a change in a destination market's import requirements, port closure or vessel omission. The affected party must notify the other promptly and both will act in good faith to agree a revised schedule or to cancel without penalty.
9. Governing law and disputes
These terms are governed by the laws of India. Disputes are to be settled by arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, conducted in English, with the seat and the appointing authority as stated on the contract.
10. Company details
Astratech Solutions
Maharashtra, India
contact@astratechsolutions.net · +91 95616 19702
Our export registration and licence details are issued with the company profile on request, and are quoted on the contract.
These terms were last updated on 12 September 2026.