General Terms And Conditions Applicable To Supply Of Shell Branded Lubricants Products And Services

In the absence of any Supply Agreement  which has been signed on behalf of Shell and the Buyer, all Products and Services are supplied subject to Shell's General Terms and Conditions of Supply detailed below and (where relevant) the Delivery Promise (together with this 'Agreement'). Without limitation, placing an order (which is subsequently accepted by Shell) and/or lifting and/or accepting the Product shall signify acceptance of this Agreement and shall override any other terms or conditions put forward by the Buyer. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any other agreement signed by duly authorised representatives of Buyer and Shell, the terms of the latter agreement shall apply. This Agreement shall apply only to an individual order and supply of Products or services between Shell and the Buyer and shall not be construed as conferring an ongoing relationship or term contract between the Buyer and Shell.  Shell has no obligation to accept any order from the Buyer and the Buyer has no obligation to place orders with Shell.  Shell reserves the right to recover any loss it suffers as a result of the Buyer cancelling or amending an order after it has been submitted to and accepted by Shell.

1          Definitions

Capitalized terms shall have the meaning as specified hereunder.

1.1.     Affiliate means company which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with a Party. For this purpose, control means the direct or indirect ownership of, in aggregate, fifty per cent or more of voting capital.

1.2.     Affiliate of Shell means any Affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell plc.

1.3.     Agreement means these General Terms and Conditions and the Delivery Promise as amended, varied or supplemented from time to time. In case of a conflict between these General Terms and Conditions and the Delivery Promise, the terms of the Delivery Promise shall, to the extent of any conflict, prevail. With respect to Services provided by Shell, terms and conditions displayed on a website may apply and if so, such terms and conditions shall, to the extent of any conflict, prevail over the terms and conditions and the Delivery Promise.

1.4.     Branded Material means any advertising materials, signs or other items or materials bearing Shell Trade Marks.

1.5.     Delivery Point means the location(s) agreed in writing at which the Products will be delivered, or at which the Buyer or a designated nominee of Buyer takes physical possession of the Products.

1.6.     Delivery Promise means Shell’s brochures (as may be updated and issued to Buyer from time to time) relating to supply of the Products and setting out details of such matters as ordering processes, delivery times, minimum orders, charges and discounts.

1.7.     Intellectual Property Rights means the Shell Trade Marks, and all patents, copyrights and database rights, rights in know-how, moral rights or other similar rights in any country in or connected with the Products or any of them or any literature, manuals, materials or information supplied in connection with this Agreement, in each case whether or not registered, and any applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and all rights to apply to register any of the foregoing.

1.8.     Person means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, firm, trust, body corporate, government, governmental body, agency or instrumentality, unincorporated body of persons or association.

1.9.     Product means the lubricants products sold by Shell under this Agreement.

1.10.   Purchase Order means the document through which order is placed by the Buyer on Shell seeking supply of the Products including the details and quantity of the Products, the timeline of delivery and Delivery Point

1.11.   Services means the services as may be specifically agreed and performed by Shell under this Agreement.

1.12.   Shell means Shell Markets Middle East Limited.

1.13.   Shell Group means Shell and its Affiliates.

1.14.   Shell Trade Marks means the name “Shell”, the Shell pecten symbol and any trade mark, trading name, house mark, mark of ownership, unregistered mark, service name, package shapes, colour schemes, styles of labelling, emblems, registered and unregistered designs, retail and other formats, slogans, signage, communications materials, and other manifestations as specified from time to time by Shell, characteristic of companies of the Shell Group, their goods, services and activities.

 

2.         Quality

2.1      Any Product shall conform with any specification or description set out in Shell literature published in relation thereto as current from time to time.  Product will be fit for the purpose set out in Shell literature and not for any other purpose whatsoever and all other warranties (express or implied), terms or conditions are expressly excluded.

 2.2     Shell shall perform the Services in a competent manner on a best effort basis, with reasonable skill and care, in conformity with any requirements of applicable law and in compliance with the Shell General Business Principles. Shell shall perform the Services as an independent consultant and in an advisory capacity. The full responsibility for any use made of the Services shall rest exclusively with Buyer.

2.3      In case Shell has expressly committed to the Services, Shell shall on a best effort basis make available to Buyer, on the terms agreed in writing the assistance of Shell's technical and operational staff to advise and train Buyer’s personnel in the proper and safe utilization, handling and storage of petroleum products.

2.4      For the avoidance of doubt, it is expressly understood that the advice and training to be made available as part of the Services by Shell to the Buyer shall be consistent with the standard practices of Shell and/or the oil industry.  The Buyer expressly agrees and acknowledges that it shall, at its own cost, consider such advice and training and determine its applicability and/or compatibility to the Buyer’s operations.

2.5      Quality determination shall be in accordance with specific commitments made by the Shell in writing.

 

3.         Price and Payment

3.1      Unless agreed otherwise, the price to be paid by Buyer for Products will be calculated as follows:

3.1.1   Shell's price as shown on Shell’s published price list (the “List Price”) for the Product, grade and quantity in question applicable on the date Product is ordered less any discount agreed with Buyer from time to time unless as per the formula or fixed price mutually agreed between the Parties .

3.1.2   Any Product uplifted will be credited at the prices charged on the date of order i.e. once the credit block is passed and order confirmation is generated.

3.1.3   The price to be paid by Buyer for Services shall be agreed with Shell in writing prior to the performance thereof.

3.2      The pricing is based on the Product specifications detailed by Shell. Any change to the Product specifications, whether mutually agreed by the Parties or mandated by law or regulation, may warrant a corresponding change in the pricing, on a case-to-case basis

3.3      In situations that delivery of Products is made to any of the Buyer’s Delivery Point i.e. either to a location other than the Delivery Point designated in writing, and/or by a delivery mode other than the mode of delivery designated in writing, the cost of trans-shipment shall be borne solely by the Buyer which shall be based on the actual cost of trans-shipment and delivery.

3.4      The price to be paid by Buyer for Services shall be notified by Shell prior to the performance thereof.

3.5      Unless otherwise agreed to the contrary, the Buyer has the option of either opting for an advance payment route or the standard credit route; In both instances the Buyer shall be bound by the standard operating procedure and credit policies of Shell, as applicable from time to time

3.6       Subject to Clause 3.9 below, Buyer shall pay Shell any invoiced amount within the period as has been agreed by Shell in writing.

3.7      Shell will notify Buyer in writing of the amount of Buyer’s credit limit (inclusive of VAT/GST)   following a request by Buyer or if Shell deems it necessary.  The credit limit may be reduced or withdrawn by Shell at its sole discretion at any time and without prior notification to Buyer.

3.8      The Buyer’s credit limit shall be fully secured by a bank guarantee, cash security or letter of credit issued by a bank acceptable to Shell, or such other forms of security as may be acceptable to Shell. Any expiring security or collateral would automatically reduce the credit line by an amount equal to the expiring security/collateral.

3.9      If at any time the reliability or the financial responsibility of Buyer (or of any guarantor or other person furnishing security in support of Buyer) should, in Shell's opinion, be or become impaired or unsatisfactory or should Buyer exceed its credit limit, then Shell may in its absolute discretion, vary the manner and/or terms on which Buyer shall make payment for Product and /or Services or demand (additional or another form of) security from Buyer.

3.10    Time shall be of the essence in relation to all payment or repayment terms in the Agreement and any variations to those terms.  If Buyer fails to make any payment under the Agreement on the date it falls due then Shell may suspend any outstanding deliveries and/or terminate the Agreement with immediate effect at any time by notifying Buyer in writing.

3.11    At the sole discretion of Shell, in the event the outstanding unpaid purchases of Buyer, even if not yet due and demandable, reaches the credit limit as agreed by Shell , all subsequent purchases of Product by Buyer shall be on “pre-paid” basis, i.e. the price of the Product shall be payable by Buyer with funds cleared prior to loading.  Accordingly, SHELL shall have the right to suspend and refuse deliveries to Buyer unless tender of payment is made and funds cleared.

3.12    If Buyer fails to pay its purchases within the agreed credit term, all subsequent purchases of Product by Buyer shall be on pre-paid basis, i.e. the price of the Product shall be payable by Buyer with funds cleared prior to loading of the Products.  Accordingly, Shell shall have the right to suspend and refuse deliveries to Buyer unless tender of payment is made and funds cleared.

3.13    If Buyer fails to make any payment hereunder on the date it falls due then, interest will accrue with retrospective effect from the date on which such amounts fell due up to and including the date on which payment is received by Shell, at the rate equal to 7% (seven percent).

3.14    Buyer acknowledges that Shell’s withholding or termination of credit privileges does not constitute a constructive termination of this Agreement, nor does it relieve either Party of any duties or obligations under this Agreement.

 

4.         Taxes

4.1      Prices charged by Shell are in principle exclusive of sales taxes, VAT, GST and other similar indirect taxes. All such taxes incurred in connection with the supply of Products will be billed to, and paid by the Buyer. Only in cases advised by Shell will prices be inclusive of VAT/GST. Prices are inclusive of all other taxes, imports and duties leviable by any fiscal authority having authority unless such Product is exempt from any such tax, import or duty under and in accordance with the applicable law. Buyer warrants and undertakes that Product and Services supplied under this Agreement will not be used in contravention of applicable laws.

 

5.         Delivery

5.1      Product shall be delivered to Buyer or procured to be delivered on days, between hours and in loads of minimum and/or maximum quantity as may from time to time be prescribed reasonably by Shell, and Buyer will request deliveries in accordance with this Agreement and shall allow reasonable time for the contractors engaged or provided by Shell to deliver.  Failure by Buyer to meet the terms of the Agreement and to settle its account within fifteen (15) days after having received written notice from Shell to do so could result at the sole option of Shell in (a) suspension of deliveries by Shell without prejudice to the rights of Shell or (b) termination of this Agreement forthwith, with all amounts then outstanding becoming immediately due and payable to Shell without need of further demand.    

5.2      The Buyer shall place all Purchase Orders on Shell by sending orders to www.shell.com/eserve or through the customer case no. or to such other address or in such other manner as may be notified by Shell from time to time, in accordance with Shell’s requirements as to method, format, period of notice for delivery and any other relevant provisions notified to the Buyer from time to time.

5.3      Buyer warrants and undertakes:

5.3.1.  that at each bulk Delivery Point suitable bulk storage installation and safe facilities will be provided (including assistance and suitable hose connections) which comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements for Product delivery without risk to property and persons;

5.3.2.  that for each delivery there will be sufficient ullage for Product at the Delivery Point  and that any connecting hose will be properly and securely fitted to the filling point for the safe and proper reception of the quantity of Product ordered. Buyer accepts responsibility for any loss, leakage or contamination of any Product deliverable under this Agreement which may occur at the Delivery Point as a result of a breach by Buyer of its obligations under this Agreement;

5.3.3.  that in the case of highly inflammable products and where otherwise applicable, it will observe strictly any regulations laid down by any competent authority in respect of the avoidance of smoking, naked lights, fires, stoves or heating appliances of any description in the vicinity of any Product storage facility and the fill, dip and vent pipes connected thereto; and

5.3.4.  that all storage installations will be clearly and correctly labelled with the description of the grade of Product stored and the tank capacity.

5.4      Buyer covenants and agrees that

5.4.1.  it shall be liable for adhering to volume commitments as agreed in writing. 

5.4.2.  in consideration of Buyer’s commitment to purchase agreed volumes relating to Products from Shell, Shell may extend to the Buyer such commercial terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed between the Parties from time to time.

5.4.3.  if rebates and discounts are provided by Shell to the Buyer based on the Buyer purchasing volumes as committed in writing and the Buyer does not purchase the volumes committed then Shell shall have the right to  recover an amount equivalent to the discounts and rebates offered under this Agreement.

5.5      Shell reserves the right to effect delivery on Buyer’s behalf by means of a contractor and to refuse to deliver using public or private roadways which it considers unsafe.  

5.6      Any delivery, lifting or collection made under this Agreement is subject to such terms and conditions of sale as are specified in writing  relating to such delivery, lifting or collection.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and of the said terms and conditions of sale, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. 

5.7      Buyer shall be responsible for the safe off-loading of its vehicles for the delivery of Product.  Where Product is delivered in pallets Buyer must provide all necessary equipment for Product safe off loading.

5.8      When a delivery to Buyer cannot be made or is otherwise aborted as a result of Buyer's non observance of any term of this Agreement, Buyer shall, on request, reimburse Shell its costs for the aborted delivery.

5.9      When uplifts of Product which has been delivered by Shell are requested by Buyer or necessitated by Buyer's default, Buyer may be asked to reimburse Shell's uplift costs.

 

6.         Shell  Containers and /or Pallets

6.1      If the Product is available and supplied in containers and/or on pallets Buyer shall ensure that appropriate facilities are available for off-loading and loading the containers and/or pallets.  Buyer shall be responsible for the safe storage and handling of the containers and/or pallets whilst in its possession and shall not use them for any purpose other than the storage of Product supplied by Shell. 

6.2      If so agreed with Shell, Buyer shall notify Shell promptly when the containers and/or pallets are ready for collection and shall ensure that they are empty and safe to handle.  Shell reserves the right to invoice Buyer for the costs to Shell of replacing lost or damaged containers or pallets at the costs prevailing at the time of loss or damage.

 

7.         Risk and Title

7.1      The risk in Product delivered under this Agreement shall pass to Buyer at the Delivery Point in accordance with the relevant Incoterm (Incoterms 2010) stated on the Purchase Order or, if no Incoterm has been specified, as follows:

7.1.1.  In the case of delivery by road tank wagon, when on discharge it passes onto the wagon through the hose connection of the storage tank, container, receptacle, vessel or fill line (as the case may be) provided by Shell. 

7.1.2.  In the case of barrel, drum or other package deliveries the risk in any Product contained in any such packages shall pass to Buyer at the time of loading the package onto the craft, vessel, wagon or car engaged or provided by Shell for delivery of such package and, in respect of ex rack sales or other collection of Product, when the Product passes the hose connection to or is otherwise loaded onto Buyer's road tank wagon at the loading rack.

7.2      Title to Product supplied shall pass to Buyer simultaneously with passing of risk (subject to payment of all debts due and owing by Buyer to Shell) as long as Buyer is not in default of this Agreement. Should the Product supplied remain the property of Shell under this sub clause, Buyer may use the Product in the ordinary course of business as long as Buyer is not in default of this Agreement.

7.3      When any payment is overdue Shell will be entitled to enter Buyer’s premises and secure or uplift and remove Product supplied.  All costs and expenses reasonably so incurred by Shell shall be paid by Buyer.

7.4      Until such time as title in Product passes to Buyer, Buyer shall hold Product as Shell's fiduciary agent and bailee, and shall keep Product properly protected and insured and identified as Shell's property.

7.5      Buyer shall not provide the Product as a security or collateral nor pledge it or use it as a lien.

 

8.         Product Discrepancy

8.1      Packed Products: Buyer should inspect the Product and packaging on delivery at the Delivery Point to verify quantity and check for damage in the packaging. Buyer will be required to sign a delivery note indicating that it has inspected and accepts the Products as described on the delivery note.  Shell will not accept any returns of packed Products following signature of the delivery note for whatever reason.  All return requests/ faults must be submitted to Shell in writing by email on the address indicated by Shell. To the extent permitted by law, Shell will not be liable to rectify damaged Product/ short deliveries where Buyer has signed a delivery note.  

8.2      Notwithstanding the above, if Product is proved to be off-specification through no fault of Buyer the limitations on returns set out in this paragraph shall not apply but the Product must be returned before the expiry of its “use by” date or if no “use by” date has been specified, within 1 months after delivery. The sole remedy of Buyer in cases of off-specification Products shall be replacement of Product at the cost of Shell.

8.3      Bulk Products: Bulk Product returns will be accepted by Shell if there has been a contamination of the Product by Shell or its agents.  Buyer shall be entitled at its own cost to sample the Product prior to offloading. Bulk lubricants may be accepted for return in exceptional circumstances only (at Shell’s discretion) if there has been a contamination by Buyer. All return requests must be submitted by email on the address indicated by Shelland agreed by Shell before returning to the authorized depot. Buyer will incur a return order surcharge where the contamination arose as a result of Buyer’s default.

8.4      Shell shall forthwith remedy without cost to Buyer any part of the Services which prove deficient due to any failure on the part of Shell to comply with the requirements of Clause 2.2.

8.5      The responsibility of maintaining proper security and integrity of the Products after delivery to Buyer, rests solely upon the Buyer, who must adequately safeguard the Products against pilferage, theft, damage and contamination and segregate the same to prevent co-mingling and confusion with other materials and/or goods and/or petroleum products in Buyer’s premises. Should there be any product loss and/or contamination, Buyer shall be solely responsible for it.   

 

9.         Availability

Shell may at any time change the grade, specifications, characteristics, delivery package, brand name, or other distinctive designation of any Product, and such Product as so changed shall remain subject to this Agreement.  Shell reserves the right at any time to discontinue supplying any such Product covered by this Agreement or to substitute a different Product or grade(s) of Product. In the event any substitution is made, any maximum and minimum quantities applicable to the substituted Product shall apply to such replacement Product or grade(s) of Product and the price shall be Shell’s applicable price for such replacement Product.  Thereafter, Shell shall be relieved of any further liability or obligation to furnish the discontinued Product or grade(s) of Product. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood between the Parties that Shell may, at its sole discretion, change the shape, size or format of any packaging or labels at any time and that such change is not considered to be a change of quality. Shell may at its option notify Buyer in advance of such change.

 

10.      Measurement and quantity

10.1    Shell shall be responsible for measurement of the quantity of Product delivered for the purposes of preparing accounts which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error on the part of Shell.  Buyer is entitled to be represented at the taking of measurements for bulk deliveries if it so requests.  Shell does not accept any responsibility whatever for discrepancies in Buyer's tanks, dip rods or measuring devices or any discrepancy arising there from.

10.2    The quantity of bulk Product actually delivered may vary by up to 10% (either way) from the quantity ordered by Buyer.  Shell will charge the price for the quantity delivered but any load concessions agreed with Buyer for which the order might otherwise have qualified will still be applied.

10.3    In respect of deliveries of Products in packs, the quantity of Products delivered shall be determined on the basis of the quantities stated in the packages/containers by Shell’s record of the quantity of Product.

  

11.      Health, Safety and Environment

11.1    Shell is committed to the promotion of health and safety and to proper regard for the environment in respect of all its activities.  Shell issues health and safety data sheets for Product and Buyer shall be responsible for ensuring that its employees, contractors and Buyers read and observe the instructions and recommendations in these. Replacement health and safety data sheets may be obtained by visiting the relevant website at www.epc.shell.com   or by contacting the Shell representative.

11.2    Buyer shall ensure that all installations and equipment used with Product are installed, maintained and operated in such manner to avoid accidents which could have reasonably been anticipated and shall do everything necessary to prevent Product, used or unused, to enter drainage, sewage systems, water courses or soil.

 

12.      Shell Trade Marks, Specifications and Formulations

12.1    All Intellectual Property Rights, and any Branded Materials or literature supplied by Shell in connection with this Agreement, shall be and remain the property of Shell or the relevant Shell Affiliate, and Buyer shall not be entitled to or claim, and shall procure that its Affiliates or agents do not claim, ownership of or any rights in the same.  Buyer further acknowledges that any use or display of the Shell Trade Marks pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be use by Shell or the relevant Affiliate of Shell, and furthermore that any goodwill attaching to the Shell Trade Marks and arising out of such use or display shall accrue to and be for the benefit of, Shell or the relevant Affiliate of Shell.  Nothing in this Agreement shall give Buyer, its Affiliates or it agents any proprietary interest in or title, claim or right whatsoever to any of the Shell Trade Marks.

12.2    Without prejudice to Clause 12.6, the only trademarks or trade names (other than Buyer’s name) which may be displayed in advertising or promoting the Products shall be those Shell Trade Marks designated or authorised by Shell, and Buyer shall comply strictly with Shell’s instructions relating to the context, scale and manner of use of such trademarks or trade names in all such adverting or promotion.

12.3    In the case of supply of bulk Products nothing in this Agreement, except as may be expressly provided or required by Shell, shall be deemed to confer any right on Buyer to apply any of the Shell Trade Marks to any Product or to use the Shell Trade Marks in relation to the Products. 

12.4    Buyer shall, and shall procure that its resellers and agents shall, only use the Shell Trade Marks as Shell may direct from time to time and only in such manner as Shell may direct from time to time.

12.5    Buyer agrees that it will not perform any act that may affect or harm the good reputation of Shell or any Affiliates of Shell, or of any of its or their products or brands. Buyer agrees that Product bearing Shell Trade Marks will be sold by Buyer in the form in which it is received and, in particular, Buyer will sell such Product without addition, adulteration, alteration or contamination of any kind whatsoever. Buyer further agrees not to alter the decoration or visible design of packaged Product in any way or to remove, obliterate or otherwise deface the trade marks appearing thereon.  For the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Buyer shall only use the Product containers and packaging material as provided by Shell, and shall return any used containers and advertising and packaging material to Shell if so requested and not repackage any Product supplied in bulk.

12.6    Buyer shall not, and shall procure that its resellers and agents do not, without the prior written consent of Shell in its absolute discretion:

12.6.1            negotiate, renew or enter into any sponsorship, advertising or similar arrangement which would involve use or display of any of the Shell Trade Marks; or

12.6.2            engage any brand service provider (e.g. advertising or media agency or market research company) in connection with activities which would involve use or display of any of the Shell Trade Marks; or

12.6.3            commission, release, display or use any advertising or promotional materials in any media in connection with Shell or the Products and involving use or display of any of the Shell Trade Marks, other than those materials and templates provided or made available by Shell; or

12.6.4            erect or otherwise display any signage or advertising hoardings displaying any of the Shell Trade Marks, other than as may be supplied or approved by Shell.

12.7    Buyer shall immediately discontinue any use of the Shell Trade Marks on expiration or termination of this Agreement.

12.8    Where any specification has been supplied by Buyer for Product manufacture by or to the order of Shell Buyer warrants that the use of that specification for the manufacture, processing, assembly or supply of Product to be sold under this Agreement shall not infringe the rights of any party.

12.9    No warranty or condition, express or implied, shall be given by Shell in respect of the merchantability or fitness for purpose of any Product supplied that has been manufactured in accordance with Buyer's product specification.

12.10 Buyer shall promptly notify Shell on becoming aware of any infringement or suspected or apparent or threatened infringement of, or any actions, claims or demands or proceedings in relation to, any Intellectual Property Rights and shall render to Shell all the assistance Shell may require in connection therewith, incidental thereto or arising thereunder, including the prosecution (at Shell’s expense) of any actions that Shell may deem necessary to commence for the protection or defence of any of its rights.

 

13.      Liability

13.1    Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party under or in connection with this Agreement for loss of actual or anticipated profit, losses caused by business interruption, loss of goodwill or reputation, or any indirect, special or consequential cost, expense, loss or damage EVEN if such cost, expense, loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable or might reasonably have been contemplated by the Parties and whether arising from breach of contract, negligence or other tort, breach of statutory duty or otherwise.

13.2    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and to the maximum extent permitted by the applicable law, Shell’s total liability to Buyer in respect of losses or claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement in respect of an event or a series of related events, whether as a result of breach of contract, breach of warranty, breach of statutory duty, negligence or other tort, shall not exceed the purchase price of the relevant delivery or lifting of the Product (at the time of the delivery or lifting), or if the above breach of contract consists of a failure to deliver, the price of the Product had it been delivered and invoiced.

13.3    Any indemnity or relief from or limit of liability in favour of Shell or Buyer shall extend to and apply for the benefit of their respective Affiliates, directors, and employees.

 

14.      Force Majeure

14.1    Neither Shell nor Buyer shall be responsible for any failure to fulfil any term or condition of this Agreement if fulfilment has been delayed, hindered or prevented by a “Force Majeure Event” meaning any circumstance which is not within the reasonable control of Shell or Buyer as the case may be including, without limitation, any (or the apprehension of any) strike, lockout or labour dispute (whether or not the settlement thereof shall be at the discretion of the Party in question) or any government order or restriction or compliance with any order or request of any national, supra national, provincial, port or any other public authority or any person purporting to act for such authority or by failure, total or in part of any of Shell's or Shell's suppliers' existing or contemplated sources of supply of crude petroleum, the Product or any of them, or any other petroleum products or the means of delivery thereof howsoever such failure is caused. The Parties acknowledge that an inability to pay any sums due or other economic distress shall not be a Force Majeure Event. The performance of any obligation arising out of any contract or arrangement by which any authority, body or person as aforesaid is entitled to require crude petroleum or petroleum products shall be deemed to be compliance with an order or request as aforesaid.

14.2    If by reason of any such circumstances or by failure as aforesaid the availability from any of Shell's or Shell's suppliers' sources or contemplated sources of supply (wherever situated) of crude petroleum, the Products or any of them or other petroleum products is so curtailed or interfered with as either to delay or hinder Shell in or to prevent Shell from supplying the quantity of the Products and also at the same time maintaining in full its other business in the Products and other petroleum products (whether produced and whether for delivery at the same place or places as is or are specified in this Agreement) then Shell shall be at liberty to withhold, reduce or suspend deliveries under this Agreement to such extent as Shell may in its absolute discretion think fit and Shell shall not be bound to acquire by purchase or otherwise additional quantities from other suppliers. 

            Any additional quantities which Shell does acquire from other suppliers or from alternative sources may be used by Shell at its complete discretion and need not be taken into account by Shell for the purpose of determining the extent to which it is to withhold, reduce or suspend deliveries under this Agreement.

14.3    Buyer shall be free to purchase from other suppliers any deficiencies of deliveries caused by the operation of this Clause but Shell shall not be responsible for any additional cost thereby incurred by Buyer.

14.4    Shell reserves the right to increase the price charged for any Product (whether the price was originally determined by reference to Shell's prices or separately agreed in writing) if there is any increase in the costs incurred or to be incurred by Shell in making the relevant supply due to factors which are beyond the control of Shell. These factors include without limitation any increased taxes, duties, the making of any law, order, bye-law or other regulation affecting the cost of any imported items.

14.5    Notwithstanding the provisions under  this Section, the Buyer shall be liable for making payment for all Products, the delivery of which has been accepted by the Buyer.

 

15.      Termination

15.1    Without prejudice to any other rights or remedies either Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement summarily by written notice to the other if the other has committed a material breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement between Buyer and Shell and the other Party has failed to remedy such breach within 14 days of a notice having been served on it by the first Party specifying the breach and requiring its rectification.

15.2    Without prejudice to any other rights or remedies Shell shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement summarily on written notice if Buyer:-

15.2.1            is an individual or a partnership firm and is declared bankrupt, or a receiver or manager is appointed in respect of his assets, or a receiving order is made against him, or he enters into any composition or arrangement with creditors generally, or he is unable to pay his debts as they fall due; or

15.2.2            is a company and is declared bankrupt, or it makes a composition or arrangement with its creditors, or a winding up order is made or a resolution for voluntary winding up is passed in respect of it, or a provisional liquidator, receiver, administrator or manager of its business or undertaking is appointed, or a petition is presented applying for an administration order to be made in respect of it, or it is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or possession is taken of any of its assets on behalf of the holders of any debentures of such company which are secured by a floating charge, of any property comprised in or subject to the floating charge; or

15.2.3            in the circumstances set out in Clause 3.9 above or if Buyer refuses to pay in advance or to provide security within a period of 7 days after such demand is made; or

15.2.4            is a company and there is a change of ownership of its shares resulting in 50 per cent or more of the issued share capital of the company becoming legally or beneficially the property of a new owner.

15.3    On termination of this Agreement:-

15.3.1            all sums owed to Shell shall become immediately due and payable and any and all obligations of Shell hereunder for the sale of Product to Buyer shall cease; and

15.3.2            orders for Product which have been accepted but have not been fulfilled by Shell shall be cancelled at Shell’s option without any liability on behalf of Shell.

15.4    Where Buyer is a partnership, reference in this Clause 15 to Buyer shall mean any one or more of the partners.

15.5    Upon termination of the Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties under the Agreement shall terminate and be of no further effect, except for those provisions that by their nature are intended to survive termination.

 

16.      Assignment

16.1    This Agreement shall not be assigned or transferred in whole or in part by Buyer and Buyer shall not subcontract any of its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Shell.

16.2    Shell shall be free to assign this Agreement either in whole or in part or to sub-contract any of its obligations under this Agreement to a third party by written notice to Buyer.

 

17.      Waiver

The failure or delay of either Party in exercising any right, power or remedy provided by law or under this Agreement shall not affect that right, power or remedy or operate as a waiver of it. The single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy provided by law or under this Agreement shall not preclude any other or further exercise of it or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.

 

18.      Amendment / Modification

No amendment or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement or the rights or obligations of the Parties shall be valid unless it is agreed in writing by and is signed on behalf of each of the Parties, and specifically refers to this Agreement. 

 

 

19.      Invalidity

If at any time any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid, void or unenforceable under the laws of any jurisdiction, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction shall not be affected, and the legality, validity and enforceability of the whole of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction shall not be affected.

 

20.      Entirety

20.1.1This Agreement constitutes the whole agreement between Shell and Buyer and supersedes any and all prior agreements, pre-contractual statements, representations, arrangements, terms and understanding whether oral or written between the Parties with regard to its subject matter unless otherwise provided for herein.

20.1.2Each Party acknowledges that it has not relied upon any pre-contractual statement, representation or promise in agreeing to enter into this Agreement. Except in the case of fraud, no Party shall have any right of action against any other Party arising out of or in connection with any pre contractual statement, representation or promise  except to the extent that it is repeated in this Agreement.

20.1.3Any details under any Purchase Order issued pursuant to this Agreement being at variance with the stipulations under this Agreement shall not be applicable unless a specific and express consent has been given by Shell in writing.

 

21.      Change In Management/Control/Merger Of Buyer

21.1    Buyer shall inform Shell within a period of at least thirty (30) days prior to the occurrence or effectivity of a transfer of ownership (actual or beneficial) of the Buyer and/or change of management of the Buyer. 

21.2    In the event that Buyer are merged into or consolidated into a new entity, it is understood that the surviving company and/or the new entity shall continue with this Agreement, and honor Buyer’s obligations hereunder, such that it were an original party hereto.

21.3    Buyer shall ensure that the new owners and/or management shall honor this Agreement, including any and all obligations that have been incurred by the Buyer thereunder, under the same terms and conditions.

21.4    In the alternative, Shell shall have the right to require Buyer to liquidate all their outstanding obligations (regardless of the period previously granted, it being expressly understood by the Buyer that they will lose the right to avail of the period previously granted to pay such obligations in the event of a change of control and/or management, and/or merger and/or consolidation).

 

22.      Notices

Any notice shall be sufficiently given if it is in writing and is sent by first class prepaid post, registered post, recorded delivery post or special delivery post, or delivered in person, or sent by fax transmission to the other Party at the addresses or numbers specified below or at the addresses or numbers subsequently specified from time to time by the Party to whom the notice is addressed.  Where so given notices sent by fax or email shall be deemed received upon successful transmission evidenced by the sender's printed transmission report, and notices sent by post shall be deemed received on the next postal delivery day after posting.  Notices sent by other means such as electronic mail are permitted if they are not given by instant messaging and the sender bears the risk of non-receipt of any such notice.

 

23.      Confidentiality

23.1    Shell and Buyer will not, without the prior written consent of the other and except as required by applicable law, either (a) disclose the other’s proprietary or commercially sensitive information, including but not limited to data, maps, records, reports, drawings, specifications, formulations, technical information, and computer programs/software concerning either Party’s  operations, processes or equipment (“Confidential Information”) to anyone other than those officers, employees, agents, Affiliates or subcontractors who need to know it in connection with this Agreement and who have agreed to be bound by these obligations of confidentiality or (b) use the other’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than in furtherance of this Agreement.  

23.2    The obligations of Clause 23.1 shall be applicable for a period of three (3) years after the Confidential Information in question has been disclosed to or obtained by the receiving Party or until such information:

23.2.1has become part of the public knowledge or literature without default on the part of the receiving Party; or

23.2.2is lawfully known by the receiving Party without binder of secrecy at the time of receipt hereunder; or

23.2.3has been disclosed to the receiving Party by a third party (other than one disclosing on behalf of the other Party) whose possession of such information is lawful and who is under no secrecy obligation with respect to the same; or

23.2.4is developed by the receiving Party independently from Confidential Information received or obtained hereunder.

23.3    In the event the receiving Party is required by applicable law or governmental process to disclose any Confidential Information of the other Party, the receiving Party shall provide prompt notice to the disclosing Party of such requirement to allow the other Party the opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order.

23.4    Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement the receiving Party shall deliver to the disclosing Party all copies in its possession of any Confidential Information obtained from or supplied by (or on behalf of) the disclosing Party.

23.5    In the event that either Party acquires information about the other or the other's Affiliates, customers or products made or supplied by or on behalf of such Party or such Party's Affiliates' in the course of visits or otherwise, such information shall be considered Confidential Information and shall be subject to the terms of this Clause.

23.6    The Parties wish to keep the existence and terms of this Agreement confidential and to this end each Party will, subject to applicable law or stock exchange requirements, use its reasonable endeavours not to disclose the existence of this Agreement to a third party other than its Affiliates, professional advisors and financiers.

 

24.      Governing Law and Jurisdiction

24.1    This Agreement and any dispute or claim of whatever nature, whether contractual or non-contractual, arising out of or in connection with it shall be exclusively governed by and interpreted in accordance with the law of England and Wales, and this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with English law. In relation to any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (whether arising out of or in connection with contractual or non-contractual obligations), each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the  English courts.

 

25.      Information

25.1.   Data supplied, whether personal or otherwise, by a Buyer and/or which relates to a Buyer’s account will be held and processed by computer or otherwise by Shell to operate Buyer’s account(s); to confirm, update and enhance Shell’s Buyer records; for statistical analysis; to establish any identity or otherwise as required under applicable legislation; to assess each Buyer’s credit status on an ongoing basis; and otherwise as considered necessary or appropriate by Shell.  In each case the processing may continue after this Agreement has ended. Alternatively, Buyer may be requested to complete or fulfil other checks as may be necessary to satisfy credit assessments, money laundering or fraud detection requirements.

25.2.   Shell may disclose data relating to Buyer and/or a Buyer’s account(s) to (a) a credit reference agency where it may be accessed by other financial institutions to assist assessment of any application for credit made to Shell and for debt tracing and fraud prevention; (b) to any agent or sub-contractor of Shell performing services in connection with Buyer’s account; (c) to any person to whom Shell proposes to transfer any of its rights and/or duties under this Agreement; (d) to any guarantor or person providing security in relation to Buyer’s obligations under this Agreement; (e) as required or permitted by law or any regulatory authority; (f) as otherwise considered necessary or appropriate by Shell.

25.3.   Without prejudice to any other provisions for termination contained in this Agreement, all monies due and owing by Buyer to Shell shall become due and payable forthwith if Shell discovers that any information provided by Buyer to Shell is materially inaccurate.

 

26.      Export regulations

26.1    Buyer undertakes to: to (i) obtain any and all import licences and government approvals that may be necessary together with any approvals and consents required for the distribution and resale of Products  by the Buyer, (ii) comply with all registration requirements in the area of operation of the Buyer, (iii) obtain such approvals from banking and any governmental authorities as may be necessary to guarantee payment of all amounts due hereunder to Shell in the agreed currency, (iv) comply with any and all governmental laws and regulations and relevant international laws, including in respect of any embargoes and/or sanctions prevailing at the relevant time, including any laws, regulations or orders that govern or affect the ordering, export, re-export, diversion, trade, use, shipment, import, transportation, storage, sale (including government procurement) delivery or redelivery of the Products in the in the area of operation of the Buyer and any requirement to be registered as Shell’s independent distributor with any governmental authority and (v) not export, re-export, divert, trade, ship, import, transport, store, sell, supply, deliver or re-deliver, whether directly or indirectly, any of the Products to or for end use in any Prohibited Country or by any entity associated with any Prohibited Country

26.2    Buyer shall furnish Shell with such documentation as Shell may request to evidence Buyer’s compliance with this Clause and that controls are in place which actively support such compliance and agrees that it shall not engage in any course of conduct that, in Shell’s reasonable belief, would cause Shell to be in violation of the laws of any jurisdiction.  In this Clause 26, “Prohibited Country” means a country on the following list of countries: Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea and Libya, as such list may be amended by Shell from time to time by notice to Buyer.

 

27.      Shell’s Principles and Policies and Compliance with Laws

27.1    The Shell Statement of General Business Principles (“SGBP”) and the Shell’s Health, Safety and Environment policy (“HSEP”) are displayed on Shell’s website www.shell.com/sgbp (see “our commitments and standards”). Buyer and its officers, employees and agents shall use their best endeavors to ensure that their performance of this Agreement shall not cause Shell or its Affiliates to be in breach of the SGBP or HSEP.

27.2    Buyer and Shell will base their relationship on mutual respect, honesty, and integrity.  Neither Party may accept or solicit gifts, entertainment, or other social favors to influence business decisions.  Courtesies of nominal value and social invitations customary and proper under the circumstances are not unethical as long as they imply no business obligation whatsoever or do not involve significant or out-of-the-ordinary expense.

27.3    The Parties shall comply with all applicable (including without limitation, health, safety, security and environment) laws, governmental rules, regulations and orders.

27.4    Additionally Buyer undertakes to secure for its own account all necessary permits/clearances pertinent or arising out of this Agreement, from the relevant government agencies. Buyer shall give all notices required by such laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, pay all fees payable to any public authority, if any, in respect to this Agreement, and indemnify Shell for any and all fines, penalties, and losses it may incur by reason of any breach by Buyer of any undertaking under this clause.

 

28.    Survival
Expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party from its obligations arising hereunder prior to such expiration or termination.  Rights and obligations which by their nature should survive shall remain in effect after termination or expiration of this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt (and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing), the provisions of Clauses 12 (Shell Trade Marks, Specifications and Formulations), 13 (Liability), 17 (Waiver), 19 (Invalidity), 20 (Entirety), 22 (Notices), 23 (Confidentiality), 24 (Governing law and Jurisdiction), 25 (Information), 26 (Export regulations) and 28 (Survival) shall remain in effect after the termination or expiration of this Agreement.