This policy applies to all orders for aluminum pergolas shipped from China to Australia. Placing an order constitutes acceptance of all terms herein.
Shipping policy
1. Scope
2. Shipping Process & Responsibility
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Factory to Port (China Leg):
We are responsible for safe packaging and transportation to the designated Chinese export port (e.g., Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo).
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International Sea/Air Freight:
We offer major Incoterms like CIF or FOB. CIF (Named Australian Port of Destination) is the default and recommended option. Under CIF, we arrange international sea freight, pay shipping costs, and provide basic marine insurance until the goods arrive at the Australian port.
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Australia Domestic Delivery:
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Port to Customer Address:This leg (including pickup after clearance, local transportation, and door delivery) is typically the customer's responsibility, both for arrangement and cost. We can provide recommendations for reliable local Australian logistics partners to assist.
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Optional Door-to-Door Service:
Customers may choose our "Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)" full logistics service. This includes China export customs clearance, international shipping, Australian import clearance, payment of all duties/taxes (GST, etc.), and final door delivery. Please inquire for a quote before ordering.
3. Packaging
- All aluminum pergola components are packed to industrial export standards, including:
- Aluminum profiles wrapped in heavy-duty bubble film or PE foam, then bundled in cartons or waterproof woven bags.
- Fragile items like glass or PC sheets protected in custom wooden crates or reinforced frames.
- Hardware and screws packed in sealed bags inside sturdy cartons.
- Outer packaging clearly marked with identifiers (product code, quantity, weatherproof, "This Side Up," fragile, etc.) and shipping marks for identification.
4. Delivery Timeframe
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Production Lead Time:
Standard products typically require 15-20 working days after confirmation of deposit receipt and all technical details. Custom products or peak seasons may alter this; exact time will be confirmed with the order.
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International Transit Time:
Sea freight from Chinese ports to major Australian ports (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) typically takes 15-25 days, depending on destination and sailing schedule.
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Customs Clearance Time:
Australian customs clearance usually requires 3-7 working days, depending on documentation completeness and potential inspections.
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Total Estimated Time:
Estimated total shipping time from production completion to arrival at an Australian port is 25-40 days. Please note this is an estimate. Exact arrival dates cannot be guaranteed due to uncontrollable factors like sailing schedules, weather, customs inspections, etc.
5. Costs & Payment
- A 50% deposit is required to commence production after order confirmation.
- The remaining 50% balance is due before shipment, once goods are ready.
- All prices and freight charges are quoted in US Dollars (USD) or an agreed currency.
- Australian Duties & Taxes: Per Australian law, imports are generally subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST, currently 10%) and potentially duty (often low or zero for aluminum products, subject to customs ruling). Under CIF terms, these costs are the customer's responsibility to pay to Australian Customs or their broker upon clearance. They are included in our DDP service.
6. Customs Documentation
We provide complete export documentation to facilitate smooth Australian customs clearance, typically including:- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Certificate (if applicable)
7. Risk & Insurance
- Under CIF terms, we arrange basic marine insurance covering the goods until the port of destination. Customers are advised to consider arranging additional insurance for full transit or domestic Australian coverage based on the goods' value.
- Risk of loss or damage to the goods transfers to the customer upon delivery to the customer or their nominated agent's carrier at the port of destination.
8. Delays & Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays caused by force majeure events including: natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, government actions, port congestion, significant shipping schedule changes, etc. We will notify customers promptly and provide evidence if such events occur.
9. Claims & Inspection
- It is the customer's (or their agent's) responsibility to inspect the external packaging for obvious damage upon taking delivery at the destination port. If severe damage is found, note it on the carrier's receipt, take photos as evidence, and notify us and the carrier immediately.
- If shortages or visible damage are found upon unpacking, please provide clear photo/video evidence and written notice within 7 working days. We will assist in investigating and following up with the insurer or shipping line. Late notification may affect claim rights.
10. Policy Modification
We reserve the right to update this Shipping Policy at any time. The updated version will be posted on our website or communicated via email and will apply to all new orders placed thereafter.