Last Updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

This Shipping and Delivery Policy outlines the terms and conditions governing the shipping, transportation, and delivery of goods for services provided by Rayyan Consulting and Business Company LTD ("Rayyan Consulting," "we," "our," or "us"). This policy applies to our transit, transport, logistics, and import-export services.

By engaging our shipping and delivery services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

2. Service Coverage

2.1 Geographic Coverage

Rayyan Consulting provides shipping and delivery services:

• Domestic (Cameroon): All major cities and regions, including Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Bamenda, Garoua, Maroua, and Ngaoundéré
• Regional (Central Africa): Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Chad
• International: Worldwide through our partner networks

2.2 Service Types

• Road Freight: Trucking and overland transport within Cameroon and neighboring countries
• Sea Freight: Container shipping through Port of Douala and other regional ports
• Air Freight: Express and cargo air shipping through Douala International Airport
• Multimodal: Combined transport solutions for complex logistics requirements

3. Shipping Timeframes

3.1 Estimated Transit Times

Important: All transit times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Actual delivery times may vary based on various factors.

Domestic Shipping (Cameroon):

• Douala to Yaoundé: 1-2 business days
• Douala to Bafoussam/Bamenda: 1-3 business days
• Douala to Northern regions: 3-5 business days
• Express service: Same day or next day (Douala-Yaoundé corridor)

Regional Shipping (Central Africa):

• Cameroon to Gabon: 3-7 business days
• Cameroon to Congo/CAR: 5-10 business days
• Cameroon to Chad: 5-10 business days

International Shipping:

• Sea Freight to Europe: 18-25 days
• Sea Freight to Asia: 25-35 days
• Sea Freight to Americas: 20-30 days
• Air Freight (worldwide): 3-7 business days

3.2 Factors Affecting Transit Time

Transit times may be affected by:

• Customs clearance procedures and inspections
• Weather conditions and seasonal factors
• Port congestion and carrier delays
• Public holidays and weekends
• Documentation delays or issues
• Road conditions and infrastructure limitations
• Regulatory requirements and compliance checks

4. Shipping Rates and Charges

4.1 Pricing Factors

Shipping rates are calculated based on:

• Weight and dimensions of cargo (chargeable weight)
• Origin and destination
• Type of service (standard, express, specialized)
• Cargo type and handling requirements
• Current fuel surcharges
• Customs duties and taxes (where applicable)
• Insurance requirements

4.2 Additional Charges

The following may incur additional charges:

• Demurrage: Charges for cargo remaining at port/terminal beyond free time
• Detention: Charges for equipment held beyond free time
• Storage: Warehousing charges beyond included period
• Re-delivery: Charges for failed delivery attempts
• Special handling: Hazardous goods, oversized cargo, temperature control
• Documentation: Additional certifications, legalizations, or special documents

4.3 Payment Terms

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full payment terms. Generally:

• Freight charges may be required in advance or upon delivery
• Duties and taxes are payable before customs release
• Account customers may have credit terms upon approval

5. Packaging Requirements

5.1 Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for ensuring that goods are:

• Properly packaged to withstand normal transportation handling
• Protected against damage from stacking, moisture, and vibration
• Labeled with accurate shipping marks and information
• Palletized or crated where appropriate
• Compliant with all applicable packaging regulations

5.2 Packaging Guidelines

• Fragile items: Use appropriate cushioning and mark clearly as "FRAGILE"
• Liquids: Must be in leak-proof containers with secondary containment
• Heavy items: Reinforce packaging and ensure weight is distributed evenly
• Temperature-sensitive: Use appropriate insulation and inform us of requirements

5.3 Insufficient Packaging

Rayyan Consulting reserves the right to:

• Refuse goods that are inadequately packaged
• Repack goods at the client's expense
• Disclaim liability for damage resulting from insufficient packaging

6. Tracking and Communication

6.1 Shipment Tracking

We provide tracking and visibility for shipments:

• Tracking numbers or reference numbers provided upon dispatch
• Status updates available upon request
• Milestone notifications for key events (departure, arrival, customs clearance)

6.2 Communication

We will communicate regarding:

• Shipment confirmation and documentation
• Any issues or delays affecting delivery
• Customs clearance status and requirements
• Delivery scheduling and coordination

6.3 Client Communication Responsibilities

Clients must:

• Provide accurate contact information for all parties
• Respond promptly to requests for information or documentation
• Notify us of any changes affecting delivery

7. Delivery Process

7.1 Delivery Notification

For deliveries, we will:

• Contact the consignee to schedule delivery
• Provide estimated delivery window
• Confirm delivery requirements and restrictions

7.2 Delivery Requirements

At delivery, the consignee must:

• Be present or have an authorized representative available
• Provide access for delivery vehicles and equipment
• Inspect goods and note any damage on delivery documents
• Sign proof of delivery documents

7.3 Failed Delivery

If delivery cannot be completed due to:

• Consignee unavailable: We will attempt redelivery; storage and redelivery charges may apply
• Incorrect address: Client will be contacted; additional charges may apply for address correction and redelivery
• Access issues: Client will be contacted to resolve; waiting time charges may apply
• Refusal: Return shipping charges will apply

8. Customs and Documentation

8.1 Import/Export Documentation

Clients are responsible for providing accurate and complete:

• Commercial invoices
• Packing lists
• Certificates of origin
• Import/export licenses (where required)
• Product certifications and test reports
• Special permits (hazardous goods, controlled items)

8.2 Customs Clearance

For customs clearance services:

• We act as the client's agent for customs purposes
• Clients remain ultimately responsible for duties, taxes, and compliance
• Delays may occur due to inspections, queries, or document issues
• Additional charges may apply for customs examinations or interventions

8.3 Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for a list of prohibited goods. Clients must ensure all goods comply with origin, transit, and destination country regulations.

9. Damage and Claims

9.1 Inspection Upon Delivery

Consignees must:

• Inspect shipments immediately upon delivery
• Note any visible damage or shortage on delivery documents before signing
• Report concealed damage within 7 days of delivery

9.2 Filing Claims

For damage or loss claims:

• Written notice must be provided within timeframes specified in our Terms and Conditions
• Supporting documentation required: photos, delivery documents, commercial invoice, proof of value
• Claims should be sent to claims@rayyanconsulting.com

9.3 Liability Limitations

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full liability limitations. We strongly recommend that clients maintain adequate cargo insurance for all shipments.

10. Contact Information

For shipping and delivery inquiries, please contact: