Shipping Policy
Our shipping terms, timelines, and responsibilities for buyers and suppliers on the SA Global Bridge platform.
Last updated: September 2026
International Shipping: SA Global Bridge facilitates B2B export shipments from India to 50+ countries. All shipments are subject to the export regulations of India and the import regulations of the destination country. Buyers are responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs clearance unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Shipping Policy — For Buyers
What to expect when receiving shipments through SA Global Bridge
1. Shipping Timelines
Estimated shipping timelines depend on the product type, order quantity, and destination country:
| Shipment Type | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Air Freight (Express) | 3–7 business days |
| Air Freight (Standard) | 7–14 business days |
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | 15–45 business days |
| Sample Shipments | 5–10 business days |
Note: These are transit times after dispatch. Production/processing time is additional and varies by order.
2. Shipping Costs
- Shipping costs are calculated based on weight, volume, destination, and chosen freight mode.
- Costs are displayed at checkout or included in the supplier's quotation.
- For large bulk orders, freight costs may be negotiated directly with the supplier and logistics partner.
- SA Global Bridge may offer consolidated shipping for multiple small orders to reduce costs.
3. Tracking Your Order
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email and through your Buyer Dashboard. You can track your shipment at any time via the Track Your Order page. SA Global Bridge also provides Shipment Verification services for high-value orders.
4. Import Duties & Customs
- All import duties, customs fees, VAT, and taxes applicable in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility unless explicitly agreed otherwise in the order terms.
- SA Global Bridge provides accurate export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.) to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
- Delays due to customs inspection or clearance are outside SA Global Bridge's control and do not constitute a breach of the shipping timeline.
5. Damaged or Lost Shipments
- If your shipment arrives damaged, document the damage with photographs immediately upon receipt and notify SA Global Bridge within 7 days.
- If a shipment is lost in transit, SA Global Bridge will initiate a trace with the logistics partner. If the shipment cannot be located within 30 days, a replacement or refund will be arranged.
- We strongly recommend purchasing cargo insurance for high-value shipments. SA Global Bridge can assist in arranging this upon request.
6. Delivery Address
Buyers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate delivery address. SA Global Bridge and the supplier are not liable for delays or failed deliveries due to incorrect or incomplete address information provided by the buyer.
7. Incoterms
All shipments are governed by internationally recognised Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW). The applicable Incoterm for each order is specified in the order confirmation and supplier quotation. Buyers should familiarise themselves with the responsibilities under the agreed Incoterm.
Shipping Policy — For Suppliers
Your shipping obligations and best practices as a supplier
1. Dispatch Obligations
- Goods must be dispatched within the production and dispatch timeline confirmed at the time of order acceptance.
- You must upload the tracking number, courier name, and dispatch date to the platform within 24 hours of dispatch.
- Failure to dispatch within the agreed timeline without prior notification may result in order cancellation and refund to the buyer.
2. Packaging Standards
- All goods must be packaged to withstand international transit conditions, including temperature variations, humidity, and handling.
- Export packaging must comply with the destination country's import regulations (e.g., ISPM-15 for wooden packaging).
- Fragile or perishable goods must be clearly labelled and packed with appropriate protective materials.
- Damage caused by inadequate packaging is the supplier's responsibility and may result in a refund deduction.
3. Export Documentation
Suppliers must provide complete and accurate export documentation for every shipment, including:
- Commercial Invoice (with HS codes, unit prices, and total value)
- Packing List (with gross/net weight and dimensions)
- Certificate of Origin (where required)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (for agricultural products)
- Any product-specific certifications required by the destination country
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
4. Logistics Partners
- Suppliers may use their own approved logistics partners or SA Global Bridge's recommended freight partners.
- SA Global Bridge's Shipment Verification service is available for high-value orders and is strongly recommended.
- All logistics partners used must be reputable and provide trackable shipment services.
5. Shipment Verification
For orders above a certain value threshold, SA Global Bridge may require third-party pre-shipment inspection. The cost of inspection is shared between the platform and the supplier as per the agreed terms. Passing inspection is a prerequisite for payment release from escrow.
6. Delays & Force Majeure
If a shipment is delayed due to circumstances beyond your control (natural disasters, port strikes, government restrictions), you must notify SA Global Bridge immediately with supporting documentation. SA Global Bridge will communicate the delay to the buyer and work to find an appropriate resolution. Force majeure events do not automatically entitle either party to cancel the order.
7. Return Shipments
If a buyer returns goods due to a valid dispute, the cost of return shipping is determined by the dispute resolution outcome. If the dispute is upheld in the buyer's favour, return shipping costs are borne by the supplier. If the dispute is not upheld, return shipping costs are borne by the buyer.
Shipping Questions?
For shipping-related queries, tracking assistance, or logistics support, contact our team.