Important Information for International Technology Providers
When submitting products for inclusion on our website as an international technology provider, there are important steps you must take to ensure a great experience for the Kopernik community. Understanding and managing these steps is essential for successful international collaboration and is required for your participation in Kopernik's projects.
Before you submit products for inclusion on the Kopernik website in a country outside of the United States, you should understand the local laws that apply to you as a technology provider on our website and only submit products that comply with those laws. You should consult with your legal and tax advisors who understand the requirements that may apply to you so that you only offer products on the Kopernik website that:
- you are permitted to sell,
- you are able to deliver to the customer on time, every time with no customer surprises, and
- you are able to support after the sale.
Please confirm that you have carefully considered the following matters with your legal and tax experts (as you deem necessary) and that you agree to only offer products on Kopernik websites when all of the following apply:
For each product you wish to include on a Kopernik website:
1. Customer Expectations. You will provide customers or us with accurate information about the country from which you are shipping your product. You need to accurately state the 'shipping from' country in your technology provider registration form and manage customer and Kopernik’s expectations by stating the actual shipping times from your country. You will be responsible to meet the shipping expectations for all orders you receive.
2. Delivery to the Customer. You have a reliable way to get that product to the customer on time, every time. You will make your best effort not to expose customers to customs delays and additional duties and taxes on their products. It is your responsibility to take care of such matters when you ship the product, so the customer receives exactly what the customer ordered within the estimated delivery date that is posted with your offer on the Kopernik website.
3. Customer Service. You are prepared to quickly respond to customer contacts in English. Customers expect prompt, helpful service when they have questions or concerns about your products. You should have customer service specialists that understand your products, that know where the customer's product is and when it will be delivered, and that will be able to respond quickly (but in any case within 72 hours) to customer e-mail contacts in English. NOTE: If you provide phone support, you are required to do so in English.
4. Right to Sell. You are permitted to offer, promote and sell the product on the Kopernik website. The laws of each country are different (and laws vary within countries). Prior to accepting an offer to purchase your products, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not accept such offer unless you have confirmed that you are permitted, under all applicable laws, to sell and deliver the product to such potential customer.
For example:
- you should confirm that applicable export and import laws permit the delivery of that product to each potential customer,
- you should use efforts at a level that is customary for technology providers like you to confirm that your product meets local consumer protection, product compliance and environmental regulations. For example, the product should comply with local usability requirements and product safety requirements and certifications (e.g. comply with all hazmat restrictions, include required labeling on the product), and
- you should confirm that sale and delivery of your product will not violate the intellectual property rights of others (e.g. the product manufacturer).
5. Listings. You will submit your product listings in English and in US dollar currency.
6. Customer charges. Your listing will include all applicable charges and taxes (including VAT, customs duty, excise taxes, etc. as applicable). You will provide VAT invoices to the customer upon the customer's request, if applicable.
7. Returns. You will process returns in the manner as described in your registration form or if not, offer customers free shipment for returns.
8. Taxes. You are solely responsible for determining whether any taxes apply, accounting for any taxes due, and for Intrastat reporting to the appropriate tax authority. You are responsible for meeting any VAT obligations that apply, including VAT obligations in the Kopernik website location, the country to which you are delivery your products, or other applicable countries.
9. Your User Agreement. You will, at all times, comply with the terms and conditions of the User Agreement.
