These Terms & Conditions (“Agreement”) govern your use of the Expotal platform, services, ETAP assurance programme, and all verification, logistics, and escrow-related processes facilitated by Expotal FZCO.

By registering, onboarding, paying onboarding fees, or engaging in any trade via Expotal, you agree to these Terms.

1. Nature of Expotal

1.1 Expotal is a global B2B trade facilitation platform, not a seller, buyer, manufacturer, agent, broker, or principal party in any transaction.

1.2 All services such as escrow handling, logistics, inspection, and lab testing are executed through independent third-party service providers.

2. Onboarding Fees – Refund Conditions

2.1 Onboarding fees are conditionally refundable, not automatic refunds.

2.2 Refund applies only if Expotal fails to provide even one verified buyer opportunity within 12 months.

2.3 Refund void if seller:

• Declines RFQs
• Fails to quote
• Fails to respond
• Quotes non-competitive rates
• Is unavailable
• Fails credibility checks

2.4 Refund NOT applicable if seller delays documents or fails verification.

3. Expotal’s Responsibility for Product Quality

3.1 Expotal arranges third-party inspections and lab tests.

3.2 Once buyer accepts the report, Expotal’s responsibility ends completely.

3.3 Expotal is NOT responsible for:

• Damage during transit
• Storage issues
• Moisture, fungus, spoilage
• Buyer mishandling
• Wrong packaging by supplier

4. Post-Shipment Disputes

4.1 Re-inspection at destination is a goodwill service only.

4.2 Re-inspection cost:

• Buyer’s cost OR shared
• Not Expotal’s guarantee
• Not Expotal’s liability

4.3 Expotal does NOT guarantee:

• Replacements
• Compensation
• Credit notes
• Settlement between parties

5. Third-Party Services Disclaimer

5.1 Escrow, lab tests, CHA, logistics are all done by independent third parties.

5.2 Expotal does NOT control their methodology, processes, or delays.

5.3 Expotal NOT responsible for errors or negligence by third parties.

5.4 Not liable for documentation mistakes or financial losses caused by third parties.

6. Third-Party Failure Clause

Expotal NOT liable for issues caused by third-party such as:

• fraud
• system failure
• audit issues
• staff errors
• force majeure

Expotal may assist, but assumes no responsibility for compensation.

7. Escrow & Payment Terms

• Buyer payment delays = not Expotal’s liability.

8. Limitation of Liability

Expotal’s liability is strictly limited to the onboarding fee IF no verified RFQ is provided in 12 months.

Expotal NOT liable for:

• Shipment delays
• Customs issues
• Fraud (buyer/seller)
• Third-party errors
• Natural disasters

9. Governing Law

• International disputes → UAE (Dubai) Law
• Indian disputes → Indian Contract Act + IT Act