1. Purpose
These General Terms and Conditions define the rights and obligations of ASTI INTERNATIONAL and its clients in the context of the sale of products:
- in-store or at the premises of ASTI INTERNATIONAL;
- by phone, e-mail, or any other means of communication;
- via the website of ASTI INTERNATIONAL;
- through any other electronic sales channel operated by ASTI INTERNATIONAL.
They apply in particular to the following products:
Tires
- automotive tires;
- SUV / 4x4 tires;
- utility tires;
- truck tires;
- bus and coach tires;
- agricultural tires;
- civil engineering tires;
- airport tires;
- industrial tires and other professional tires.
Fire safety
- portable and mobile extinguishers ;
- fire detection systems ;
- automatic detectors ;
- fire hydrants (RIA) ;
- fire alarms ;
- fire protection equipment ;
- accessories and associated equipment.
Video surveillance and security
- IP cameras ;
- surveillance cameras ;
- recorders ;
- video surveillance accessories ;
- access control equipment ;
- security equipment and accessories.
Electricity
- cables ;
- electrical panels ;
- devices ;
- electrical equipment ;
- electrical accessories and components.
And other products that may be identified as necessary for carrying out its activities.
Article 1 – Acceptance of the GTC
Toute commande passée auprès d'ASTI INTERNATIONAL implique l'acceptation pleine et entière des présentes CGV.
For online orders, the customer acknowledges having read the GTC before validating their order.
The electronic validation of the order constitutes acceptance of these conditions.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL makes the contractual conditions available to the customer so that they can consult, retain, and reproduce them.
Article 2 – Produits
ASTI INTERNATIONAL is committed to presenting the products with information as accurate as possible regarding, in particular :
- their designation ;
- their technical characteristics ;
- their dimensions ;
- their capacity ;
- their reference ;
- their compatibility ;
- their use ;
- their availability ;
- their price.
The photographs and illustrations presented on the site are provided for illustrative purposes and may show slight differences from the product actually delivered.
For technical products, the characteristics indicated in the technical sheets, quotes, catalogs, or manufacturer documents may prevail.
Article 3 – Price
The prices of the products are indicated in Congolese francs (CDF), unless otherwise stated.
Where applicable, prices may also be presented in another currency for informational purposes.
The displayed prices clearly indicate whether taxes are included or not, as well as any delivery charges.
In the DRC, sellers are particularly required to inform the consumer of the price in a visible, readable, and unambiguous manner.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to change its prices at any time. However, the price applicable to an order is the one communicated to the customer at the time of its validation.
Article 4 – Quotes and professional orders
For certain orders, particularly those concerning :
- professional tires ;
- civil engineering tires ;
- agricultural tires ;
- fire equipment ;
- video surveillance systems ;
- electrical installations ;
- security installations ;
ASTI INTERNATIONAL can establish a custom quote.
The quote specifies in particular :
- the products or services offered ;
- the quantities ;
- the technical specifications ;
- the price ;
- the applicable taxes ;
- any additional fees ;
- the deadlines ;
- the payment terms ;
- the validity period of the quote.
The quote becomes contractual after acceptance by the client and, when applicable, receipt of the deposit or requested payment.
Article 5 – Online Order
Before confirming their order, the client must be able to verify :
- the selected products ;
- the quantities ;
- the prices ;
- the delivery fees ;
- the delivery information ;
- the payment method.
The client must be able to correct any errors before the final validation of the order.
After validation, ASTI INTERNATIONAL sends the client an electronic acknowledgment of receipt.
The Congolese Digital Code notably provides that the client can verify their order before the conclusion of the contract and that the supplier acknowledges receipt of the order electronically.
Article 6 – Product Availability
Orders are processed subject to availability.
In case of unavailability after order validation, ASTI INTERNATIONAL informs the client as soon as possible.
Depending on the case, the client may :
- accept an additional delay ;
- accept an equivalent product ;
- modify your order ;
- request the cancellation of the order and the refund of the amounts paid.
Article 7 – Payment
Payment can be made using the methods proposed by ASTI INTERNATIONAL :
- cash ;
- bank transfer ;
- electronic payment ;
- Mobile Money ;
- credit card, when available ;
- any other payment method accepted by ASTI INTERNATIONAL.
For professional orders or large orders, ASTI INTERNATIONAL may require a deposit before the order or installation is launched.
Unless specific conditions are agreed upon between the parties, payment is due according to the terms indicated in the quote, invoice, or order.
Article 8 – Invoicing
Any sale results in the issuance of an invoice in accordance with applicable regulations.
For sales made electronically, the Digital Code also provides for the transmission of an invoice to the customer.
The invoice serves as the reference document for the price, quantities, and billed products.
Article 9 – Delivery
ASTI INTERNATIONAL delivers the products to the address provided by the customer at the time of the order.
The delivery terms and costs are communicated to the customer before the order is validated.
Delivery times are indicated as contractual or estimated according to the conditions specified in the offer.
The times may particularly depend on :
- of the product availability ;
- of the product origin ;
- customs formalities ;
- transport ;
- destination ;
- specific conditions of the project.
For e-commerce, the Congolese Digital Code provides for a maximum execution period of 30 working days, unless applicable contractual provisions.
Article 10 – Receipt of goods
Upon receipt, the customer must check :
- the quantity ;
- the reference ;
- the apparent condition of the products ;
- their compliance with the order.
Any apparent anomaly must be reported to ASTI INTERNATIONAL as soon as possible and, when possible, mentioned on the delivery document.
The customer is invited to keep the packaging, documents, and accessories until complete verification of the product.
Article 11 – Non-compliant or defective products
In the case of a delivered product that is not compliant with the order or defective, the customer must contact ASTI INTERNATIONAL within the time limits set by the applicable regulations and these general terms and conditions.
Depending on the situation, ASTI INTERNATIONAL may :
- replace the product ;
- repair the product when possible ;
- offer an equivalent product ;
- cancel the sale and proceed with the refund.
The Digital Code notably provides for these different possibilities in the case of a non-compliant or defective product and provides for a refund within the 15 days from the receipt of the returned product.
Article 12 – Right of withdrawal for online sales
For contracts concluded between ASTI INTERNATIONAL and a non-professional customer, the provisions relating to the right of withdrawal provided for by the Congolese Digital Code are applicable.
The customer has a period of 72 hours before the scheduled shipping day in the contract to exercise their right of withdrawal, according to the conditions set by the regulations.
The request for withdrawal must be sent to ASTI INTERNATIONAL in writing, including by email to :
[CUSTOMER SERVICE EMAIL]
The customer must specify :
- their name ;
- their order number ;
- the product concerned ;
- their intention to exercise their right of withdrawal.
The terms of refund and return are those provided by the applicable regulations and these general terms and conditions.
Attention : this clause must be adapted to any legal exceptions and the specificities of the concerned products/services before publication.
Article 13 – Return of products
When the return is accepted, the product must be returned :
- in its original condition ;
- with its accessories ;
- with its documents ;
- in its original packaging when this is necessary for its protection.
For a defective or non-compliant product, return shipping costs may be covered by ASTI INTERNATIONAL in accordance with applicable regulations.
Article 14 – Special case of tires
For tires, the customer must check before ordering:
- the size;
- the load index;
- the speed index;
- the type of vehicle;
- the intended use;
- the compatibility with the vehicle.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL may request the necessary information from the customer to verify the compatibility of the tire with their vehicle.
Once a tire is mounted, used, or damaged due to improper use, return conditions may differ, subject to applicable legal warranties.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL cannot be held responsible for a poor choice of size or characteristic when it results from incorrect information provided by the customer.
Article 15 – Fire safety equipment
Fire safety equipment must be installed, used, checked, and maintained in accordance with:
- the manufacturer's instructions;
- the technical specifications of the product;
- the applicable standards and regulations;
- the current safety requirements.
When installation or maintenance is necessary, ASTI INTERNATIONAL may offer a technical service separate from the sale of the product.
The customer must particularly comply with the requirements related to the installation, maintenance, and use of fire safety equipment.
Article 16 – Video Surveillance
Video surveillance equipment is intended to be used in accordance with applicable regulations.
The client is responsible for the use of the system installed on their site, particularly regarding :
- respect for privacy ;
- protection of individuals ;
- access to images ;
- data retention ;
- information for the individuals concerned.
When ASTI INTERNATIONAL is involved in the installation, its responsibility is limited to the proper execution of the agreed service, subject to applicable legal obligations.
Article 17 – Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's technical specifications and applicable safety rules.
Some equipment requires installation by a qualified professional.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL may refuse or suspend an installation when it believes that the necessary safety conditions are not met.
Article 18 – Warranties
Products benefit from applicable legal warranties as well as, when it exists, the manufacturer's commercial warranty.
The duration and scope of a commercial warranty are specified in :
- the product sheet ;
- the quote ;
- the invoice ;
- the manufacturer's documentation ;
- or any other contractual document.
Warranties may be excluded or limited when a failure results notably from :
- of improper use ;
- of a non-compliant installation ;
- of a modification of the product ;
- of an accident ;
- of negligence ;
- of a maintenance defect ;
- of non-compliance with the manufacturer's instructions ;
- of normal wear and tear.
These exclusions cannot, however, have the effect of removing the legal warranties to which the customer is entitled.
Article 19 – Liability
ASTI INTERNATIONAL is responsible for the proper execution of the obligations arising from the contract under the conditions provided by the applicable regulations.
For electronic sales, the Congolese Digital Code provides for the supplier's liability towards the contracting party, subject in particular to cases where non-performance is attributable to the customer, to a case of force majeure, or to a third party.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from use of the product contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Article 20 – Force majeure
ASTI INTERNATIONAL cannot be held responsible for a delay or non-performance resulting from an event beyond its control and exhibiting the characteristics of force majeure.
The following may be particularly concerned, depending on the circumstances :
- natural disasters ;
- fires ;
- floods ;
- epidemics ;
- conflicts ;
- civil unrest ;
- administrative restrictions ;
- major disruption of transport ;
- customs blockage ;
- general network failure ;
- events affecting suppliers or carriers.
Article 21 – Claims
Any claim must be addressed to :
ASTI INTERNATIONAL – Customer Service
E-mail : [EMAIL]
Phone : [PHONE]
Address : [ADDRESS]
The claim must, when possible, include :
- the name of the customer ;
- the invoice or order number ;
- the product reference ;
- the description of the problem ;
- photographs or relevant documents.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL is committed to acknowledging receipt and processing claims as quickly as possible.
The Digital Code also requires the indication of a phone number, an email address, and the procedures for handling claims in the online offer.
Article 22 – Personal data
As part of its business activities, ASTI INTERNATIONAL may collect and process certain personal data of its customers.
This data may be used in particular to :
- process orders ;
- issue invoices ;
- organize deliveries ;
- provide after-sales service ;
- respond to requests ;
- manage payments ;
- improve services ;
- comply with legal obligations.
The detailed terms of collection, use, storage, and protection of data are presented in the Privacy Policy of ASTI INTERNATIONAL.
The Digital Code requires that information related to the protection of personal data be integrated into the contractual information of e-commerce.
Article 23 – Intellectual Property
All elements of the ASTI INTERNATIONAL site, including:
- texts ;
- photographs ;
- videos ;
- logos ;
- trademarks ;
- graphics ;
- illustrations ;
- catalogs ;
- technical content ;
are protected by applicable intellectual property provisions.
Any unauthorized reproduction, representation, or use is prohibited.
Article 24 – Proof of Electronic Transactions
Electronic exchanges between ASTI INTERNATIONAL and the client may be retained to serve as evidence of orders and transactions.
ASTI INTERNATIONAL retains information related to transactions in accordance with applicable legal obligations.
The Digital Code notably provides for an obligation to retain records of commercial transactions conducted within the national territory.
Article 25 – Applicable Law
These General Terms and Conditions are subject to the law of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, subject to applicable mandatory provisions.
For commercial sales, the rules of commercial law applicable in the DRC must also be taken into account. The OHADA law applicable in the DRC particularly regulates commercial sales, obligations related to price, and issues of compliance of goods.
Article 26 – Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, the parties will strive to seek an amicable solution before any legal proceedings.
The customer must first address their complaint to the customer service of ASTI INTERNATIONAL.
In the absence of an amicable settlement, the dispute will be submitted to the competent jurisdictions in accordance with the applicable law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Article 27 – Modification of the General Terms and Conditions
ASTI INTERNATIONAL may modify these General Terms and Conditions to take into account the evolution of its activities, services, or regulations.
The General Terms and Conditions applicable to an order are those accepted by the customer at the time of the conclusion of the contract.
Article 28 – Entry into Force
Les présentes Conditions Générales de Vente entrent en vigueur à compter du [DATE].
ASTI INTERNATIONAL SARL
Tires • Fire Safety • Video Surveillance • Electricity