Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions GSI General Survey Inspection

Last updated: December 25, 2025

Welcome to GSI General Survey Inspection. These Terms & Conditions govern your use of our inspection, survey, and quality control services. By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable industry standards including GAFTA and FOSFA regulations.

1. Definitions

"GSI", "We", "Us", "Our" refers to GSI General Survey Gözetme Anonim Şirketi, a Type A Inspection Body accredited under TS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (Accreditation No: AB-0193-M).

"Client", "You", "Your" refers to any individual, company, or organization that engages GSI for inspection, survey, or quality control services.

"Services" refers to all inspection, supervision, sampling, analysis, certification, and related activities performed by GSI.

"Commodities" refers to agricultural products, grains, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fertilizers, and other goods subject to inspection.

"Certificate/Report" refers to any document issued by GSI detailing inspection findings, test results, or quality assessments.

2. Scope of Services

GSI provides the following services in accordance with international standards:

• Weight Supervision: Draft surveys, scale calibration, weighbridge monitoring, and quantity verification.
• Quality Inspection: Visual inspection, grading, physical testing, and quality assessment of commodities.
• Sampling Services: Representative sampling according to GAFTA, FOSFA, and international standards.
• Loading & Discharge Supervision: Monitoring of cargo operations at ports, warehouses, and silos.
• Laboratory Analysis: Coordination with accredited laboratories for GMO, mycotoxin, pesticide residue, and other analyses.
• Fumigation Services: Supervision and certification of fumigation operations.
• Collateral Management: Stock monitoring and inventory control services.

All services are performed by qualified inspectors trained according to GSI's quality management system and applicable industry standards.

3. Client Obligations

By engaging GSI services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information regarding the commodities, quantities, and locations to be inspected.
• Ensure safe access to inspection sites, vessels, warehouses, and equipment.
• Notify GSI promptly of any changes to schedules, locations, or scope of work.
• Provide necessary documentation including contracts, shipping documents, and specifications.
• Not interfere with or influence the inspection process or inspector's findings.
• Pay all fees and expenses as agreed within the specified payment terms.
• Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations regarding commodity handling and trade.

4. Inspection Protocols

Independence & Impartiality: GSI operates as a Type A Inspection Body, maintaining complete independence from parties involved in the transaction. Our inspectors act impartially and are not influenced by commercial interests.

Standards Compliance: All inspections are conducted according to:

• TS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 requirements
• GAFTA Approved Superintendent Code of Practice
• FOSFA International Code of Practice for Member Superintendents
• Turkish Ministry of Trade regulations (DIR/HİR)
• GSI internal procedures and quality manuals

Documentation: All inspection activities are documented according to our quality management system, and records are maintained for the required retention period.

5. Sampling & Analysis

Sampling Procedures: Samples are drawn according to GAFTA 124 rules, FOSFA guidelines, or other applicable standards as specified in the service agreement.

Sample Handling:

• Samples are properly labeled, sealed, and stored under appropriate conditions.
• Retain samples are kept for the duration specified by applicable standards or client requirements.
• Chain of custody is maintained and documented throughout the sampling process.

Laboratory Analysis: GSI coordinates with accredited laboratories for analytical testing. Laboratory selection is based on accreditation status, capability, and client requirements. GSI is not responsible for laboratory errors unless directly caused by improper sample handling by GSI personnel.

6. Reports & Certificates

Issuance: Reports and certificates are issued based solely on observed facts and findings during the inspection. GSI reserves the right to refuse issuance if:

• Inspection was incomplete due to circumstances beyond GSI's control.
• Client has outstanding unpaid invoices.
• There is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation.

Validity: Certificates and reports are valid only for the specific cargo, location, and time of inspection. They do not guarantee future condition or quality of commodities.

Amendments: Any amendments to issued certificates must be requested in writing within 30 days of issuance and are subject to verification.

Third-Party Use: Reports and certificates may be relied upon only by the named parties. GSI assumes no liability for use by unauthorized third parties.

7. Liability & Limitations

Limitation of Liability: GSI's total liability for any claim arising from services provided shall not exceed:

• Ten (10) times the fee charged for the specific service giving rise to the claim, or
• The amount recoverable under GSI's professional liability insurance, whichever is less.

Exclusions: GSI shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, consequential, or special damages including loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of contracts.
• Losses resulting from information provided by the client or third parties.
• Conditions not observable or detectable using standard inspection methods.
• Force majeure events including natural disasters, war, strikes, or government actions.
• Actions or omissions of third parties including carriers, terminals, or laboratories.

Claims Period: Any claim must be submitted in writing within 30 days of service completion or receipt of report, whichever is earlier. Claims not submitted within this period shall be deemed waived.

8. Confidentiality

GSI maintains strict confidentiality regarding all client information and inspection results:

• Information is disclosed only to parties named in the service agreement or as required by law.
• Personnel are bound by confidentiality agreements and professional ethics.
• Electronic data is protected according to industry-standard security measures.
• Physical documents are stored securely and disposed of properly after the retention period.

GSI may use anonymized data for statistical purposes and quality improvement without client consent.

9. Payment Terms

Fees: Service fees are as quoted in the service agreement or according to GSI's standard tariff. Additional costs for travel, overtime, standby time, and special equipment are charged separately.

Payment Schedule:

• Invoices are due within 30 days of issuance unless otherwise agreed.
• For new clients, prepayment or a letter of credit may be required.
• Late payments are subject to interest at 1.5% per month.

Cancellation: Services cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at 50% of the quoted fee. No-shows are charged at full rate.

10. Dispute Resolution

Technical Disputes: Disputes regarding inspection findings or analysis results shall first be submitted to GSI's Quality Manager for review. If unresolved, parties may agree to independent re-analysis or arbitration.

Arbitration: Commercial disputes shall be resolved by arbitration under:

• GAFTA Arbitration Rules for grain and feed trade matters.
• FOSFA Arbitration Rules for oils, seeds, and fats matters.
• ICC Arbitration Rules for other commercial disputes.

The seat of arbitration shall be Istanbul, Turkey, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

11. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Turkey. The courts of Istanbul shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes not subject to arbitration.

Amendments: GSI reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated terms will be posted on our website. Continued use of services after publication constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or our services:

GSI General Survey Gözetme A.Ş.
Küçükbakkalköy Mah. Koca Sinan Cad. No:48 A
Ataşehir, Istanbul / Turkey

Phone: +90 216 570 68 68
Email: info@generalsurvey.com.tr
Quality: kalite@generalsurvey.com.tr
Website: www.generalsurvey.com.tr