From enquiry to archived file
The same six steps run on every transaction, whatever the product.
Six steps
Enquiry and screening
We record product, quantity, destination country, consignee and end use. Before a quotation leaves our office, the counterparty, its ultimate beneficial owners and the destination are screened against restrictive-measures lists. An enquiry we cannot screen is an enquiry we decline.
Sourcing and supplier qualification
Suppliers complete a written questionnaire covering legal identity, register data, licences and permits, production or collection capacity, specification capability and references. Documents are kept on file and reviewed before each new season or contract.
Contract
GAFTA or FOSFA standard forms where the trade allows. Incoterms 2020. Quality and quantity final at load port unless otherwise agreed. Force majeure, inspection, arbitration and a sanctions clause are part of every contract we sign.
Pre-shipment inspection
An independent inspection company is appointed under the contract to determine quantity and quality and to draw and seal samples. Retained samples are held for the period agreed in the contract.
Shipment, customs and documents
Cargo booked and shipped. Where the goods require pre-notification on entry into the European Union, the consignment is entered in TRACES and presented at a border control post. Documents are presented against the agreed payment instrument.
Records and traceability
For every consignment we can identify the supplier it came from and the customer it went to. Records are retained for five years.
What travels with the cargo
Six documents, each issued by a named party. A buyer can ask for any of them by name before the goods move.
Sale contract
GAFTA / FOSFA form
Inspection certificate
independent surveyor
Bill of lading
carrier
Certificate of origin
chamber of commerce
Phytosanitary / health certificate
competent authority
Insurance certificate
per agreed Incoterm
Commercial terms
| Item | Standard position |
|---|---|
| Delivery terms | Incoterms 2020. FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP quoted on request. |
| Contract form | GAFTA or FOSFA where applicable; otherwise our own written sale contract. |
| Payment | Irrevocable documentary credit or cash against documents through a bank established in the European Union. Open account only against an agreed credit limit. |
| Inspection | Independent inspection company appointed by agreement; costs allocated in the contract. |
| Insurance | Cargo insurance per the agreed Incoterm; certificate provided where we are the insuring party. |
| Governing law | Austrian law, excluding its conflict-of-law rules and, where agreed, the CISG. |
| Disputes | Arbitration under the applicable trade association rules, or the courts of Leoben, as agreed in writing. |
This page summarises our standard position. The terms that apply to a transaction are those set out in the signed contract and our general terms of business.