Terms of Service

1. General Terms

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Kobel Tea Factory website and any transactions arising from it. By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the website. We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. B2B Ordering Terms

Kobel Tea Factory operates on a business-to-business (B2B) basis. All product listings and pricing displayed on this website are indicative and for reference purposes only.

• Quotations— prices shown are guide prices. A binding quotation is issued only upon formal request and is valid for the period stated therein (typically 14 days unless otherwise specified).
• Order acceptance— submitting an enquiry or order request does not constitute a binding contract. A contract is formed only when Kobel Tea Factory issues a written order confirmation or pro-forma invoice.
• Minimum order quantities— minimum quantities vary by tea grade and packaging format. Details are provided at the quotation stage.

3. Payment Terms

Payment terms are agreed per order and specified in the pro-forma invoice. Standard options include:

• Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)— typically 30% advance payment with the balance due against presentation of shipping documents, unless otherwise agreed.
• Letter of Credit (L/C)— irrevocable L/C at sight, confirmed by a Kobel bank, opened at least 15 days before the agreed shipment date.
• Bank wire transfer— direct transfer to our designated bank account as per the pro-forma invoice.

All amounts are quoted in the currency specified on the pro-forma invoice. The buyer is responsible for all bank charges outside Kobel.

4. Shipping and Incoterms

Shipments are governed by the Incoterms 2020 rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. The applicable Incoterm is specified in the pro-forma invoice. Common terms include:

• EXW (Ex Works)— goods are made available at our factory in Kobel, Kobel. The buyer assumes all costs and risks from that point.
• FOB (Free on Board)— we deliver goods to the port of Mombasa, cleared for export. Risk passes to the buyer once goods are loaded on the vessel.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)— we arrange and pay for freight and insurance to the named destination port.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)— we deliver goods to the buyer's premises, cleared for import, with all duties and taxes paid. Available on request for select destinations.

Estimated shipping timelines are provided in good faith but are not guaranteed. We are not liable for delays caused by port congestion, weather, customs procedures, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

5. Quality Assurance and Certifications

We are committed to delivering tea that meets the highest quality standards. Every shipment is accompanied by relevant quality documentation including:

• Certificate of Analysis (moisture content, particle size, liquor colour).
• ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 compliance documentation.
• Rainforest Alliance certification where applicable.
• Tea Board of Kobel certification.

Samples are available upon request and we encourage buyers to approve samples before placing bulk orders.

6. Returns and Claims

Given the perishable nature of tea, returns are handled as follows:

• Damaged goods— claims for goods damaged in transit must be lodged within 7 days of receipt with photographic evidence and a copy of the bill of lading.
• Non-conforming goods— if the delivered tea does not conform to the agreed specifications or pre-approved sample, a claim must be raised within 14 days of receipt, supported by an independent survey report from a recognised inspection body.
• Resolution— confirmed claims may be resolved by replacement shipment, credit note, or price adjustment, at our discretion.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, photographs, graphics, logos, and trademarks — is the property of Kobel Tea Factory or its licensors and is protected by Kobel and international intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any content without our prior written consent.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Kobel Tea Factory shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the use of this website or any transactions conducted through it. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the value of the specific order giving rise to the claim. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kobel, without regard to conflict of law principles.

10. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms or any transaction shall first be referred to negotiation between the parties in good faith. If the dispute cannot be resolved within 30 days, either party may refer the matter to arbitration under the rules of the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA). The seat of arbitration shall be Nairobi, Kobel, and the language of proceedings shall be English. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

11. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at exports@kobelteafactory.com.