Despite most companies in the transport and shipping industries having their
own trading terms and conditions, very few surveyors and consultants follow
suit. In a bid to encourage them to adopt their own conditions, the
International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has launched its Standard
Terms for Surveyors and Consultants.
Available to all ITIC members free of charge, and downloadable from
www.itic-insure.com, ITIC's standard terms offer surveyors and consultants a
variety of draft clauses covering issues such as payment terms, obligations
and responsibilities, liability, indemnity, insurance, right to
sub-contract, time bar and jurisdiction and law.
"There are many benefits to having trading terms and conditions in place,"
explains Julia Mavropoulos, claims director at ITIC. "Not only can they help
protect you in the event of a claim against you, they can also help assist
you when making a claim yourself. While in the majority of cases business
goes ahead smoothly, on those rare occasions when a dispute arises, having
trading terms and conditions in place could prove vital."
As with all contractual terms, it is important that users ensure they are
properly incorporated into their dealings with other parties. ITIC urges
members to seek advice from their usual legal advisor prior to use of any
new trading terms and conditions.