Terms of Service

STECO operates as an international trading and supply chain coordination company. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Sourcing and trading of Stellite and cobalt-based alloy products from qualified Chinese manufacturers
• Supplier coordination for casting, machining, PTA welding, overlay welding, grinding, and surface finishing processes
• Custom sourcing based on Client-provided drawings, samples, or application requirements
• Pre-shipment quality inspection coordination, including dimensional checks, hardness testing, appearance review, and material certification
• Export packaging, documentation preparation, logistics coordination, and global shipment support
• Technical communication support between overseas buyers and Chinese manufacturing partners

3.1 Quotation Validity

All quotations issued by STECO are valid for the period specified in the quotation document. If no validity period is stated, quotations are valid for 30 calendar days from the date of issue. Quotations are subject to change based on raw material market fluctuations, exchange rate movements, or changes in Supplier pricing.

3.2 Order Confirmation

An Order is considered confirmed only upon receipt of a written purchase order or signed sales contract from the Client, and STECO's written acknowledgment of acceptance. Verbal commitments, preliminary inquiries, or informal communications do not constitute binding orders.

3.3 Specification Accuracy

The Client is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all technical specifications, drawings, material standards, and application requirements provided to STECO. STECO will source and coordinate production based solely on the information provided. Any errors, omissions, or ambiguities in Client-provided specifications that result in non-conforming Products shall be the Client's responsibility.

3.4 Order Modifications

Order modifications requested after confirmation are subject to STECO's written approval and may result in revised pricing, extended lead times, or additional charges. Modifications to custom orders that have already entered production may not be accommodable and may incur cancellation or rework costs.

3.5 Order Cancellation

Order cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellations of standard stock items may be accepted without penalty if submitted before shipment. Cancellations of custom-manufactured orders may be subject to charges covering materials procured, production costs incurred, and any third-party commitments made by STECO on the Client's behalf.

4.1 Standard Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, standard payment terms are 30% deposit upon Order confirmation, with the remaining 70% balance payable prior to shipment. Specific payment schedules for large-volume or long-term procurement projects may be negotiated and documented in the applicable sales contract.

4.2 Accepted Payment Methods

STECO accepts payments via Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight, and other internationally recognized payment instruments as mutually agreed. All payments must be made in the currency specified in the Order or sales contract.

4.3 Late Payment

Payments not received by the agreed due date may result in suspension of order processing, shipment delays, or cancellation of pending orders. STECO reserves the right to apply a late payment charge consistent with applicable regulations and the terms of the sales contract.

4.4 Bank Charges

All bank charges, transfer fees, and transaction costs incurred by the Client's bank are the Client's responsibility. STECO must receive the full invoiced amount net of all deductions. Any shortfall resulting from bank charges will be invoiced separately.

5.1 Lead Times

Lead times are estimates based on Supplier production schedules and logistical conditions at the time of Order confirmation. STECO will communicate estimated lead times in writing. STECO is not liable for delays caused by Supplier production issues, force majeure events, customs clearance delays, or carrier disruptions beyond STECO's reasonable control.

5.2 Incoterms

All shipments are made under internationally recognized Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW, DAP) as specified in the Order or sales contract. The applicable Incoterms define the point at which risk and responsibility transfer from STECO to the Client. Unless otherwise agreed, the default trade term is FOB Qingdao or the relevant port of export.

5.3 Export Documentation

STECO will provide standard export documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Material test certificates (MTCs), inspection reports, or other technical documentation will be provided as agreed in the Order. Additional certifications required by the Client must be specified at the time of Order placement.

5.4 Partial Shipments

STECO reserves the right to make partial shipments where agreed or where operationally necessary, provided the Client is notified in advance. Each partial shipment may be invoiced separately.

5.5 Import Duties & Compliance

The Client is solely responsible for compliance with all import regulations, customs duties, tariffs, and licensing requirements in the destination country. STECO will provide reasonable assistance in preparing export documentation but assumes no responsibility for import-side regulatory compliance.

6.1 Pre-Shipment Inspection

STECO coordinates pre-shipment inspections covering dimensional verification, hardness testing, visual appearance review, and packaging checks. Inspection results are documented and shared with the Client upon request. STECO coordinates these inspections through qualified inspection personnel or third-party inspection agencies.

6.2 Material Certification

Material test certificates (MTCs) will be provided as agreed. Certificates are issued by the manufacturing Supplier and coordinated by STECO. STECO does not independently conduct laboratory testing but coordinates material certification through Supplier quality systems.

6.3 Claims & Non-Conformance

The Client must inspect Products upon receipt and submit any quality claims in writing within 14 calendar days of delivery. Claims must include photographic evidence, a written description of the non-conformance, and relevant documentation such as inspection reports or dimensional measurements. Claims submitted after this period may not be accepted.

6.4 Remedies for Non-Conformance

Upon verification of a valid quality claim, STECO's remedies are limited to, at STECO's discretion: replacement of non-conforming Products, issuance of a credit note, or partial refund. STECO will not be liable for consequential damages, production losses, or downstream costs arising from product non-conformance.

6.5 Third-Party Inspection

The Client may request third-party inspection at the Supplier's facility prior to shipment. Such requests must be made at the time of Order placement. Additional costs for third-party inspection services are the Client's responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.1 Confidentiality Obligations

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public business information, technical data, pricing, drawings, specifications, and commercial terms exchanged during the course of their business relationship. Neither party shall disclose such information to third parties without the prior written consent of the other party, except as required by law or regulation.

7.2 Client-Provided Technical Information

All drawings, specifications, and technical data provided by the Client remain the intellectual property of the Client. STECO will use such information solely for the purpose of fulfilling the Client's Order and will not reproduce, share, or use such information for any other purpose without the Client's written consent.

7.3 STECO's Proprietary Information

The Client acknowledges that STECO's supplier network, pricing structures, sourcing methodologies, and business processes constitute proprietary commercial information. The Client agrees not to use information obtained through STECO to circumvent STECO's role or establish direct relationships with STECO's Suppliers without STECO's written consent.

7.4 Supplier Disclosure

STECO may disclose Client specifications and requirements to Suppliers solely to the extent necessary for production and quality coordination. STECO will require Suppliers to maintain appropriate confidentiality obligations consistent with these Terms.

8.1 Trading Intermediary Role

STECO operates as a trading intermediary and supply chain coordinator. STECO does not manufacture Products and does not warrant the performance of Products beyond the specifications agreed in the Order. STECO's liability is limited to its role as a trading and coordination service provider.

8.2 Maximum Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, STECO's total aggregate liability to the Client for any claim arising out of or related to any Order or these Terms shall not exceed the total value of the specific Order giving rise to the claim, as stated in the applicable invoice.

8.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

STECO shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to: loss of production, loss of revenue or profits, equipment downtime, plant shutdown costs, loss of business opportunity, or any other downstream operational losses, even if STECO has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

8.4 Application Suitability

STECO provides technical information and material recommendations based on information supplied by the Client and general industry knowledge. The Client is solely responsible for determining whether a Product is suitable for its intended application. STECO makes no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose unless explicitly stated in writing in the Order.

8.5 Force Majeure

STECO shall not be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond STECO's reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, export restrictions, port closures, transportation disruptions, Supplier production failures, raw material shortages, or labor disputes. STECO will notify the Client promptly of any force majeure event and will use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate its impact.

8.6 Supplier Performance

While STECO cooperates only with qualified manufacturing partners, STECO does not guarantee Supplier performance. STECO will use reasonable commercial efforts to coordinate quality, delivery, and compliance, but is not liable for Supplier failures that are outside STECO's direct control, provided STECO has exercised reasonable diligence in Supplier coordination.

9.1 Good Faith Negotiation

In the event of any dispute, claim, or disagreement arising from or relating to these Terms or any Order, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. The disputing party shall provide written notice describing the nature of the dispute, and both parties shall engage in discussions for a period of not less than 30 calendar days before pursuing other remedies.

9.2 Governing Law

These Terms and all Orders shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China, unless a specific governing law is agreed upon in the applicable sales contract. Where international contracts are involved, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) may apply unless expressly excluded.

9.3 Arbitration

If a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, either party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration under the rules of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), with the seat of arbitration in Qingdao, China. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English or Chinese as mutually agreed. The arbitral award shall be final and binding on both parties.

9.4 Jurisdiction

For disputes not subject to arbitration, both parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.

10.1 Amendments to Terms

STECO reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be published on the STECO website and will take effect from the date of publication. Continued engagement with STECO after the effective date of any revision constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Material changes will be communicated to active clients via email where reasonably practicable.

10.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any applicable Order, sales contract, or written agreement between the parties, constitute the entire agreement between STECO and the Client with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior negotiations, representations, warranties, and understandings, whether written or oral.

10.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

10.4 Waiver

No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy. Any waiver must be made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party.

10.5 Contact for Legal Inquiries

For questions, concerns, or formal notices relating to these Terms, please contact STECO in writing: