Shipping & Delivery Policy

1. Overview of Sourcing and Shipping Modes

Depending on order volume, product nature, and destination, ExpoKa orders are fulfilled via one of the following methods:

• International Air Freight / Express Courier: Suitable for small wholesale orders, electronics, samples, and retail items. Partner carriers include DHL, FedEx, and regional air cargo. Estimated transit: 3 to 10 business days.
• Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL Container Cargo): Standard for bulk wholesale shipments, industrial machinery, building materials, and large-quantity commodities. Estimated transit: 25 to 55 days depending on maritime trade routes.
• Cross-Border Land Transport: Active across East Africa, Central Africa, and neighboring transit corridors. Estimated transit: 2 to 7 business days.
• Domestic Dispatch & Pickup Points: In Rwanda and partner operational regions, buyers can choose direct doorstep delivery or secure collection at designated official ExpoKa Pickup Stations.

2. Dispatch Lead Times and Supplier Obligations

Every supplier on ExpoKa must maintain transparent dispatch timelines stated in their quotation or product listing:

• Ready to Ship (In-Stock) Products: Must be dispatched within 48 to 72 hours following payment confirmation.
• Customized & Made-to-Order Wholesale: Dispatch lead time follows the production contract agreed upon in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) or order confirmation.
• Tracking Generation: Sellers must upload a valid international or regional carrier tracking code within 24 hours of package dispatch.

3. Trade Terms (Incoterms 2020)

For cross-border wholesale transactions, sellers and buyers may contract under standard International Commercial Terms:

• EXW (Ex Works): Buyer arranges and pays for pickup at the supplier's warehouse and assumes transport risk.
• FOB (Free on Board): Seller covers freight and customs up to loading onto the vessel at the departure port.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): Seller arranges transport and marine cargo insurance to the buyer's destination port.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller or designated logistics partner handles door-to-door transit, import customs clearance, and applicable duties.

4. Customs Clearance, Duties, and Taxes

Unless DDP terms have been explicitly purchased and confirmed, import tariffs, customs duties, value-added taxes (VAT), and inspection charges in the destination country remain the responsibility of the receiving buyer. ExpoKa coordinates commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin through our export partners to ensure smooth clearance.

5. Damaged, Lost, or Delayed Cargo

ExpoKa monitors all shipments via verified tracking records:

• If a shipment arrives damaged, the buyer must note damage on the delivery bill of lading and submit photos within 7 days via ExpoKa Support.
• If a shipment exceeds maximum estimated delivery without tracking movement or official carrier update, ExpoKa Buyer Protection initiates carrier tracing or insurance claim procedures.