Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Africa Compliance News. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, services, and applications (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of any such modifications.

2. Description of Services

Africa Compliance News provides trade compliance solutions, regulatory information, and documentation services across the African continent, including but not limited to:

• BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) certificate processing for Cameroon
• ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certification services
• BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) certificates for Madagascar and other countries
• Customs clearance documentation and consulting
• Trade compliance news and regulatory updates
• Import/export documentation services
• Verification of conformity and inspection services
• Regulatory consulting and advisory services

3. User Registration and Account

To access certain features of our Services, you may be required to register for an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Not share your account credentials with any third party

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if we believe you have violated these Terms or engaged in fraudulent or illegal activities.

4. User Responsibilities and Conduct

When using our Services, you agree to:

• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards
• Provide accurate and truthful information in all documents and applications
• Not submit false, misleading, or fraudulent documentation
• Not use the Services for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Not interfere with or disrupt the Services or servers
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Services
• Not use automated systems to access the Services without our permission
• Not transmit viruses, malware, or other malicious code
• Respect intellectual property rights of Africa Compliance News and third parties

5. Document Submission and Processing

5.1 Document Requirements

When submitting documents for certificate processing or compliance services, you warrant that:

• All submitted documents are authentic, accurate, and complete
• You have the legal right and authority to submit these documents
• The information contained in the documents is true and not misleading
• You understand that false documentation may result in legal consequences

5.2 Processing Times

We strive to process all applications and documents in a timely manner. However, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request, regulatory requirements, and third-party dependencies. Estimated processing times are provided as guidance only and are not guaranteed.

5.3 Document Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your submitted documents. However, you acknowledge that electronic transmission of documents carries inherent risks, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Service Fees

Certain Services require payment of fees. All fees are stated in the applicable currency and are subject to change with notice. You agree to pay all applicable fees for the Services you request.

6.2 Payment Terms

Payment is typically required before processing begins unless alternative arrangements have been agreed upon in writing. We accept various payment methods as specified on our website. All payments are processed securely through third-party payment processors.

6.3 Refund Policy

Refunds are provided at our discretion and are subject to the specific terms of each service. Generally, fees paid for certificate processing are non-refundable once processing has commenced, except in cases where we are unable to complete the service due to our own failure or error.

6.4 Late Payment

For services provided on credit terms, late payments may incur additional fees and interest charges. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts with overdue balances.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Our Content

All content on our website and Services, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and other materials (collectively, "Content"), is the property of Africa Compliance News or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Services for your personal or business purposes in accordance with these Terms. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works, publicly display, or exploit any Content without our express written permission.

7.3 Trademarks

"Africa Compliance News" and related logos, product names, and service names are trademarks of Africa Compliance News. You may not use these trademarks without our prior written consent.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ACCURACY OF INFORMATION.

We do not warrant that:

• The Services will meet your specific requirements or expectations
• The Services will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free
• Any information obtained through the Services will be accurate or reliable
• Defects in the Services will be corrected
• Third-party regulatory authorities will approve your applications

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AFRICA COMPLIANCE NEWS, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• Your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Services
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Services
• Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content
• Delays or failures in processing applications or certificates
• Rejection of applications by regulatory authorities
• Any other matter relating to the Services

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Africa Compliance News and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your submission of false, inaccurate, or fraudulent information
• Any breach of your representations and warranties

11. Regulatory Compliance

While we assist with compliance documentation and services, you remain solely responsible for ensuring your business operations comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards in your jurisdiction and the jurisdictions where you conduct business.

We do not provide legal advice. Our services are limited to document processing, information provision, and administrative assistance. You should consult with qualified legal counsel for advice on specific legal matters.

12. Third-Party Services and Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of those services.

13. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, for any reason including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activities
• Non-payment of fees
• Abuse of the Services
• Request from law enforcement or regulatory authorities

Upon termination, your right to use the Services will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnification, and limitations of liability.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

14.2 Dispute Resolution Process

In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from or relating to these Terms or the Services, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiations. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations within thirty (30) days, either party may pursue mediation or arbitration.

14.3 Jurisdiction

You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the resolution of any disputes.

15. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of our obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, labor disputes, government actions, internet or telecommunications failures, or changes in regulatory requirements.

16. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Services after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Africa Compliance News regarding your use of the Services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

19. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us: