Shipping Liability Policy

Shipping Liability Policy

1. Introduction

This Shipping Liability Policy explains the limitations of liability related to shipments created through the Ectaroship platform.

Ectaroship provides a technology platform that enables customers to generate shipping labels and access shipping services offered by third-party carriers such as (but not limited to) DPD, DHL, PostNL, FedEx, Bpost and other logistics providers.

Ectaroship itself is not a carrier and does not physically transport shipments.

All shipments are transported and handled by the selected carrier and are therefore subject to the carrier’s own terms, conditions and liability rules.

2. Carrier Liability

Many carriers offer a limited level of liability or insurance coverage for shipments.

The coverage amount, conditions, and exclusions are determined entirely by the carrier.

Carrier liability generally applies only when:

  • the shipment complies with the carrier’s packaging requirements
  • the contents are permitted under the carrier’s shipping rules
  • the shipment is transported under normal parcel network conditions

If these requirements are not met, the carrier may reject any damage or loss claim.

Ectaroship does not guarantee that a carrier will accept or approve any claim.

3. Products with Limited or No Coverage

Certain types of goods are commonly excluded from carrier liability or have limited coverage.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • liquids
  • cosmetics
  • oils or chemical substances
  • glass or fragile goods
  • ceramics or porcelain
  • food products
  • perishable goods
  • temperature-sensitive goods
  • inadequately packaged items

Even when accepted for transport, damage or loss of these items may not be covered.

Customers are responsible for verifying whether their products comply with carrier policies.

4. Prohibited Items

Customers are strictly prohibited from shipping items that are listed as restricted or prohibited by the selected carrier or applicable law.

These include but are not limited to:

  • flammable or explosive materials
  • firearms, weapons or ammunition
  • illegal drugs or controlled substances
  • hazardous chemicals
  • precious metals, cash or negotiable instruments
  • counterfeit goods
  • illegal or regulated products

Shipments containing prohibited items may be confiscated, destroyed or refused by the carrier or authorities.

In such cases all responsibility and liability remains with the customer.

5. Packaging Requirements

Customers are responsible for ensuring that all shipments are properly packaged for automated parcel networks.

Professional shipping packaging must be used.

Examples of inadequate packaging include:

  • retail packaging used as shipping packaging
  • insufficient internal protection
  • lack of cushioning materials (bubble wrap, foam etc.)
  • empty space inside the parcel
  • fragile goods packed without separation
  • liquids not sealed individually

Carriers assume parcels may experience:

  • automated sorting systems
  • conveyor belt handling
  • stacking pressure
  • vibration during transport

Failure to meet packaging standards may lead to automatic rejection of claims.

6. Fragile Labels and Special Handling

Labels such as:

  • Fragile
  • Glass
  • Handle with care

do not guarantee special handling within automated parcel networks.

Shipments must always be packaged to withstand standard transport conditions.

7. Damage Claims

If a shipment is damaged or lost, the customer may submit a claim through Ectaroship.

However:

  • claims are evaluated and decided solely by the carrier
  • the carrier determines compliance with packaging rules
  • carriers may require supporting documentation and inspection

Ectaroship facilitates the claim process but does not control the carrier’s final decision.

8. Time Limits for Claims

Customers must report claims within the following time limits:

  • Visible damage: within 5 business days after delivery
  • Loss of shipment: within 25 business days after the expected delivery date

Claims submitted after these deadlines may be automatically rejected by the carrier.

9. Evidence Requirements

To process a damage claim, customers must provide photographic evidence including:

  • the external shipping box
  • the shipping label clearly visible
  • internal packaging materials
  • the damaged goods inside the box

Photos must clearly demonstrate the condition of the shipment at delivery.

If the packaging has been discarded or is unavailable for inspection, the carrier may reject the claim automatically.

10. Damaged or Leaking Shipments

Shipments that are severely damaged, leaking or pose a contamination risk to other parcels may be destroyed or disposed of by the carrier for safety or operational reasons.

This may occur particularly in cases involving:

  • leaking liquids
  • cosmetics
  • chemicals
  • food products
  • broken glass or fragile materials

Even partially damaged shipments may be destroyed if they pose a risk to other parcels or the carrier’s network.

The carrier may take such action without prior notice.

Ectaroship has no authority to intervene in such decisions.

11. Additional Insurance

Customers shipping high-value or fragile goods should consider obtaining additional third-party shipping insurance.

Standard carrier liability may not provide adequate coverage.

Ectaroship does not provide additional insurance unless explicitly stated.

12. Limitation of Liability

Ectaroship acts solely as a technology platform facilitating access to carrier services.

Ectaroship shall not be liable for:

  • delays in delivery
  • loss or damage caused during transport
  • rejected claims by carriers
  • destruction or disposal of parcels by carriers

In the event of a platform error directly attributable to Ectaroship (such as a technical error resulting in incorrect label generation), Ectaroship’s liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the customer for the shipping service related to the affected shipment.

13. Consequential Loss

Ectaroship shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential damages, including but not limited to:

  • loss of profits
  • loss of business opportunities
  • contractual penalties
  • commercial losses arising from delayed or lost shipments.

14. Acceptance of Policy

By creating shipping labels through the Ectaroship platform, customers acknowledge that they have read, understood and accepted:

  • this Shipping Liability Policy
  • the terms and conditions of the selected carrier.