Key points: quotes depend on the details you give us, duties and port charges are payable by the cargo owner, transit times are estimates, and we recommend insuring every shipment.
01About these terms
These Terms and Conditions govern your use of bowagateglobal.com and the freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, haulage and related logistics services provided by Bowagate Global Limited (RC 665585), 13 Ade Idowu Street, Aviation Estate, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos ("Bowagate", "we", "us"). By using this website or instructing us to handle a shipment, you agree to these terms.
For each shipment, these terms work together with your written quotation or service agreement and the terms of the carrier's transport document (such as the bill of lading or air waybill). If there is a conflict, the signed service agreement or quotation takes priority, then the carrier's terms, then these terms.
02Quotations and bookings
- Quotations are based on the cargo details you provide and on carrier rates, exchange rates, duties and charges at the time of quoting. They are valid for the period stated on the quotation.
- Quotes may change if the cargo weight, volume, value, classification or route differs from what you told us, or if carriers, terminals or authorities change their charges.
- A booking is confirmed when we accept your instruction in writing (including by email or WhatsApp) and, where requested, receive the required deposit or documents.
- Unless stated otherwise, quotations do not include customs duties, taxes, levies, inspection fees, storage, demurrage or detention, which are charged as incurred.
03Your responsibilities
As the customer you agree to:
- give complete and accurate information about the cargo, including its description, quantity, weight, value, HS classification and origin;
- provide all required documents on time, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, Form M, PAAR, permits, certificates and licences;
- ensure goods are lawful to export or import and are properly packed and labelled for transport;
- pay all duties, taxes and charges assessed by the authorities on your goods;
- tell us in advance about any dangerous, perishable, fragile or high-value goods.
You are responsible for any fines, penalties, delays or extra costs that result from inaccurate declarations, missing documents or prohibited goods.
04Prohibited and restricted goods
We will not handle goods that are prohibited under Nigerian law or the laws of the origin, transit or destination country. Restricted goods may be handled only where the required permits are in place. We may refuse, hold or return any shipment we reasonably believe is unlawful or unsafe, and may report it to the relevant authorities.
05Shipping, transit times and customs
- Transit and clearance times we give are estimates. They depend on carriers, port and airport operations, weather, customs examinations and other factors outside our control, and are not guaranteed unless agreed in writing.
- Customs may examine, hold or reassess any shipment. Any resulting duties, fees, storage or delays are payable by the customer.
- Where we arrange carriage with third-party carriers, we act as your agent, and their liability is governed by their own terms and applicable international conventions.
- Storage, demurrage and container detention charges begin as set by terminals and shipping lines. Prompt submission of documents and payment helps avoid them.
06Payment terms
- Payment terms are set out in your quotation or invoice. Unless agreed otherwise, charges are payable before cargo is released.
- Duties and third-party charges paid by us on your behalf must be reimbursed in full.
- We may hold goods or documents in our possession until all amounts owed to us are paid, as permitted by law.
- Charges quoted in foreign currency may be converted at the prevailing rate on the date of payment.
07Cancellations and refunds
- You may cancel a booking by notifying us in writing. Costs already incurred or committed to carriers, terminals, authorities or other third parties at the time of cancellation are payable and non-refundable.
- Any balance you have paid that has not been used or committed will be refunded to the original payment account, normally within 14 working days of the cancellation being confirmed.
- Government duties, levies and fees paid to authorities can only be refunded if, and when, the relevant authority refunds them.
- Refund requests should be sent to [email protected] with your booking reference.
08Insurance and liability
- Our liability for loss of or damage to goods is limited to the extent permitted by law and by the applicable carrier conventions and transport documents. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses such as loss of profit or market.
- We strongly recommend cargo insurance for every shipment. We can arrange insurance on request; cover only applies where it has been requested and confirmed in writing.
- We are not liable for delay, loss or damage caused by events outside our reasonable control, including acts of government, customs action, strikes, port congestion, war, civil unrest, natural disasters, pandemics or carrier failure.
09Claims
Any loss or damage should be noted on the delivery receipt where possible and reported to us in writing as soon as it is discovered, with photos and supporting documents. Claims against carriers are subject to the notice periods in their transport documents and the applicable conventions, so please notify us promptly so we can protect your position.
10Use of this website
- Content on this site, including text, graphics and logos, belongs to Bowagate Global Limited or its licensors and may not be copied for commercial use without permission.
- Tools such as the HS code lookup, duty references and calculators provide general guidance only. See our Disclaimer.
- Shipment tracking is provided through the Bowago app, which is subject to its own terms.
- You must not misuse the site, attempt to gain unauthorised access, or submit false information through our forms.
11Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Disputes will first be addressed through good-faith discussion. If unresolved, they will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Lagos State.
