Last updated: August 2026 · Applies to all quotations and contracts issued by Zatello Cocoa Supply.

Bulk cocoa is not a consumer product and is not sold on a consumer returns basis. What follows sets out the shipping terms we work to and the process for raising a quality or quantity claim.

1. Incoterms

We quote and contract under Incoterms 2020. Unless a quotation states otherwise:

Term	What it covers
FOB	We deliver the goods loaded on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk and freight cost pass to the buyer from that point.
CIF	We arrange and pay ocean freight and minimum cargo insurance to the named destination port. Risk still passes on loading.

Other terms may be agreed in writing. The Incoterm that applies to your order is the one stated on the signed contract, not on this page.

2. Minimum order and lead time

• Orders are quoted in metric tons. Full-container loads are standard; part loads may be possible by arrangement.
• Indicative lead time from confirmed contract to loading is stated on each quotation and depends on product, crop timing and vessel availability.
• Quotations are valid for seven days from issue. Cocoa is an exchange-traded commodity and prices move daily.

3. Packaging

• Cocoa powder — 25 kg multi-wall kraft paper bags with food-grade liner, palletised and shrink-wrapped.
• Cocoa butter — 25 kg cartons, blocks or wafers, food-grade lined.
• Cocoa mass — 25 kg blocks or kibbled, in food-grade lined cartons.
• Cocoa beans — 60–65 kg jute bags.

Containers are inspected for cleanliness, dryness and odour before stuffing. Desiccant and kraft lining are used where the route or season requires it.

4. Documentation

Every shipment travels with, as a minimum:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of analysis for the specific lot
• Certificate of origin
• Phytosanitary certificate where required by the destination country
• Insurance certificate on CIF terms

Additional documentation required by your customs authority can usually be arranged if requested before loading.

5. Sampling and pre-shipment inspection

Samples are couriered to the buyer before contract so that your own laboratory can verify the specification. Buyers are also welcome to appoint an independent inspection agency — for example SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek — to draw samples and supervise loading at the buyer’s cost. We will cooperate fully with any inspector you appoint.

6. Quality and quantity claims

Because goods are sold to an agreed specification and inspected before shipment, claims are handled as follows:

• Claims must be notified in writing within 14 days of the goods arriving at the destination port, and before the goods are processed, blended or resold.
• A claim must be supported by an analysis from an independent, internationally recognised laboratory, together with photographs and the relevant lot and container numbers.
• Where an independent analysis confirms the goods fall outside the contracted specification, we will agree a remedy with the buyer: a price allowance, replacement of the affected quantity, or refund of the affected portion.
• Claims arising from storage conditions after delivery, from handling damage after risk has passed, or from ordinary variation within the contracted tolerance are not accepted.

7. Cancellation

A contract may be cancelled by agreement before production or allocation begins. Once goods have been processed, packed or allocated to a specific contract, cancellation is subject to the terms of that contract, since cocoa is priced against a moving market.

8. Delays and force majeure

We are not liable for delay or non-performance caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including crop failure, extreme weather, port congestion or closure, strike, civil unrest, export-licence changes or shipping-line schedule changes. Where such an event occurs we will notify the buyer promptly and agree a revised schedule or a fair release of the contract.

9. Questions

For anything on this page, or to request our registration and export licence documents, contact us at info@zatellococoasupply.com or by phone and WhatsApp on +27 78 174 9911.