Terms and Conditions

Your tender of cargo for carriage, use of our online platforms, request for quotation, or payment for services constitutes your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. These Terms apply to all modes of transport offered, including air, sea, and land freight.

Somali Cargo offers a range of international logistics services including, but not limited to, Air Cargo, Sea Cargo (Shipping), Land Freight, Door-to-Door Delivery, Online Shopping Facilitation, Business Logistics Solutions, Customs Clearance, and acting as a Cargo Agent, primarily focused on shipments to and from Somalia and connecting with key global markets.

3.1. All cargo tendered for shipment is subject to security screening and inspection by Somali Cargo personnel, its agents, government authorities (including customs and aviation security), and carrier personnel without prior notice.

3.2. Such screening may include, but is not limited to, physical inspection, X-ray, explosive trace detection, and review of documentation.

3.3. You consent to the inspection of your cargo. Any cargo that cannot be adequately screened or raises security concerns may be refused for carriage, delayed, or handled as deemed appropriate by authorities or the Company, potentially at your expense.

3.4. You must provide accurate and complete information regarding the nature and contents of your cargo. Misdeclaration may result in refusal, delays, penalties, and legal consequences.

4.1. Freight charges are calculated based on the greater of the actual gross weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight of the cargo.

4.2. Volumetric weight is calculated according to industry standards, typically using the formula: Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / Divisor Factor. The Divisor Factor may vary depending on the mode of transport (e.g., 5000 or 6000 for air freight, different factors for sea/land) and the specific carrier used. We will inform you of the applicable calculation method upon request or quotation.

4.3. Somali Cargo reserves the right to re-weigh and re-measure any cargo tendered for shipment. If discrepancies are found between the declared and actual/volumetric weight or dimensions, charges will be adjusted accordingly, and any additional costs will be borne by the Customer.

5.1. The Customer is solely responsible for ensuring that cargo is properly and adequately packaged to withstand the ordinary risks of transport, including handling, loading, stowage, and changes in climate, temperature, and pressure associated with the chosen mode of transport (air, sea, land).

5.2. Packaging must be sufficient to protect the contents, prevent injury to persons handling the cargo, and avoid damage to other shipments or transport equipment.

5.3. Each package must be clearly and durably marked with the full name and address of the consignee. Old labels or markings must be removed or obliterated.

5.4. Somali Cargo reserves the right to refuse carriage of items deemed inadequately packaged. We may, at our discretion and the Customer's expense, repackage goods if necessary, but we are under no obligation to do so.

5.5. Somali Cargo is not liable for any loss or damage arising from inadequate or inappropriate packaging or marking by the Customer.

6.1. The Customer warrants that their shipment does not contain any goods classified as dangerous or hazardous under applicable national laws, international regulations (such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air freight, IMDG Code for sea freight), or carrier restrictions, unless such goods are declared, documented, packaged, marked, and labeled strictly in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations prior to booking, and their carriage has been explicitly accepted in writing by Somali Cargo.

6.2. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: illegal substances, explosives, firearms (unless properly licensed and declared according to regulations), flammable materials, toxic substances, counterfeit goods, currency (beyond regulated limits), perishable goods susceptible to spoilage during transit (unless specifically agreed under special conditions), live animals (unless specifically agreed under special conditions and compliant with all regulations), human remains, and any item prohibited by law or regulation in the country of origin, transit, or destination.

6.3. Failure to declare dangerous goods or the inclusion of prohibited items is a serious breach of these Terms. Somali Cargo reserves the right to refuse, abandon, destroy, or otherwise dispose of undeclared dangerous goods or prohibited items at the Customer's sole risk and expense, without liability.

6.4. The Customer shall be fully liable for and shall indemnify Somali Cargo against all claims, losses, damages, fines, penalties, and expenses arising from their failure to comply with dangerous goods regulations or the tendering of prohibited items.

7.1. The Customer is responsible for providing complete, accurate, and timely documentation required for customs clearance, import/export controls, and any other regulatory requirements in the countries of origin, transit, and destination. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, permits, licenses, certificates of origin, etc.

7.2. Somali Cargo may act as an agent to facilitate customs clearance based on the documentation provided by the Customer. However, the Customer remains ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

7.3. All duties, taxes (including VAT), levies, fines, storage charges, or other expenses incurred as a result of customs inspections, regulatory actions, or the Customer's failure to provide proper documentation or comply with regulations are the sole responsibility of the Customer and must be paid promptly. Somali Cargo may advance such payments on behalf of the Customer, subject to reimbursement plus an administrative fee.

7.4. Somali Cargo is not liable for delays, losses, or expenses arising from customs procedures, inspections, or decisions made by government authorities.

8.1. Collection: The Customer must ensure that the cargo is ready for collection at the agreed location and time, properly packaged and documented. Any delays or failed collection attempts due to the Customer's fault may incur additional charges.

8.2. Delivery: Somali Cargo will exercise reasonable diligence to deliver the cargo to the consignee address provided by the Customer. Delivery will be deemed complete upon obtaining a signature or other proof of receipt from the consignee or a person present at the delivery address.

8.3. Undeliverable Shipments: If a shipment cannot be delivered for reasons beyond Somali Cargo's control (e.g., incorrect address, consignee refusal, non-payment of duties/taxes, inability to contact consignee), we will attempt to notify the Customer. The cargo may be held at the Customer's risk and expense. If instructions are not received or costs are not paid within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by Somali Cargo or local regulations), we reserve the right to return the shipment (at Customer's expense), dispose of it, or sell it, without further liability. Proceeds from any sale will be applied against outstanding charges, with any surplus (less administrative costs) remitted to the Customer, where feasible.

8.4. Door-to-Door Service: This service includes collection from the shipper and delivery to the consignee's door, subject to standard exclusions (e.g., inside delivery, unpacking, installation unless specifically agreed). Customs clearance and associated charges remain the Customer's responsibility unless otherwise explicitly stated in the service agreement.

9.1. When utilising our services for online shopping or consolidation, you may be provided with a Somali Cargo address (or an address of one of our partners) for receiving goods.

9.2. This address must be used solely for the purpose of receiving goods intended for onward shipment via Somali Cargo Services. It cannot be used as a personal or business mailing address for general correspondence, registration purposes, or receiving items not intended for shipment by Us.

9.3. You authorise Somali Cargo and its agents to open and inspect any packages received at this address to verify contents, check for prohibited items, consolidate shipments, and prepare for international transport.

9.4. Somali Cargo reserves the right to refuse packages that are not clearly intended for our shipping services, contain prohibited items, arrive with postage/duties due, or violate these Terms. Any associated costs for handling or returning such packages will be borne by the Customer.

10.1. Somali Cargo may provide tracking information for shipments through its website or other communication channels.

10.2. This tracking information is provided as a courtesy and is based on data supplied by carriers and logistics partners. While we strive for accuracy, tracking updates may be subject to delays, and information provided is indicative only. Somali Cargo does not guarantee real-time or uninterrupted tracking accuracy.

11.1. Service fees for transportation and related services rendered by Somali Cargo are generally non-refundable once the service has commenced (i.e., cargo collected or received by us).

11.2. Refunds may be considered only in specific circumstances, such as complete non-delivery solely attributable to the proven negligence of Somali Cargo, subject to the liability limitations outlined herein and applicable international conventions.

11.3. Issues related to the quality, condition, or specifications of the goods purchased by the Customer (e.g., via online shopping) are matters between the Customer and the original seller. Somali Cargo is not responsible for returning goods to the original seller unless specifically contracted and paid for as a separate return logistics service. Costs associated with returning goods internationally are the responsibility of the Customer.

11.4. No refunds will be issued for delays caused by factors beyond Somali Cargo's reasonable control, including but not limited to customs delays, regulatory actions, security requirements, weather, acts of God, force majeure events, or inaccurate/incomplete information provided by the Customer.

12.1. Somali Cargo's liability for loss or damage to cargo is limited by applicable national laws and/or international conventions (such as the Warsaw Convention, Montreal Convention for air freight, Hague-Visby Rules, or Hamburg Rules for sea freight, CMR for international road freight), whichever is mandatorily applicable. These conventions often limit liability based on the weight of the lost or damaged goods.

12.2. Somali Cargo is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, markets, or business opportunities, even if we were aware of the possibility of such loss.

12.3. The Customer is strongly advised to obtain adequate cargo insurance to cover the full value of their goods against all risks. Somali Cargo can assist in arranging cargo insurance upon request at the Customer's expense, but we are not the insurer. If insurance is not requested or arranged, the shipment travels subject to the limited liability provisions mentioned above.

12.4. Claims for loss or damage must be submitted in writing to Somali Cargo within the time limits stipulated by the applicable convention or law (e.g., typically within 7-14 days of delivery for damage, and within a specific period, often 120 days from the date of issue of the air waybill/bill of lading, for non-delivery). Failure to adhere to these time limits may result in the claim being barred.

13.1. The Customer warrants that they, their cargo, and all aspects of the transaction comply fully with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the country of origin, transit points, and destination, including but not limited to export controls, import restrictions, sanctions, and anti-bribery laws.

13.2. Somali Cargo operates in compliance with all applicable national and international laws and reserves the right to refuse service if the shipment or associated activities appear to violate any law or regulation.

13.3. The Customer agrees to indemnify and hold Somali Cargo harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from the Customer's failure, or the failure of their cargo, to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the UK. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the provision of Services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in London, UK.

Somali Cargo reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. The version of the Terms and Conditions in effect at the time the cargo is tendered to Somali Cargo shall apply. The current version will be available on our website or upon request.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Customer and Somali Cargo regarding the Services and supersede all prior agreements, proposals, or representations, whether oral or written.