Last updated: January 15, 2026
1. Quality Guarantee
GreenHarvest Fertilizer Co., Ltd. guarantees that all fertilizer products shipped conform to the nutrient specifications, packaging standards, and quality parameters stated in the proforma invoice and accompanying Certificate of Analysis (COA) at the time of vessel departure from the loading port. Every batch is tested in our in-house quality control laboratory for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) content, moisture level, granule size distribution, and heavy metal limits before shipment.
Our quality guarantee is backed by ISO 9001 certified quality management, SGS third-party testing (when requested), and CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) export verification. We stand behind every shipment and are committed to resolving any legitimate quality concern through a transparent and fair process.
2. Pre-Shipment Inspection
To prevent quality disputes, we strongly recommend and facilitate pre-shipment inspection before container loading. The following inspection options are available:
- In-house QC report: Provided free of charge with every shipment. Our laboratory tests each batch and issues a Certificate of Analysis detailing NPK content, moisture, granule size, and other relevant parameters.
- SGS inspection: The Buyer may engage SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance) or another independent inspection agency to verify quality and quantity at our warehouse before loading. We fully cooperate with inspectors and provide access to production records and samples. Inspection costs are borne as agreed in the proforma invoice.
- CIQ verification: Mandatory for all fertilizer exports from China. CIQ verifies product compliance before customs release. This is included at no additional cost.
- Pre-shipment samples: We can send representative samples to the Buyer for approval before container loading. Samples are free of charge; the Buyer pays courier delivery costs. This is especially recommended for first-time orders and custom formulations.
- Container loading supervision: Buyers or their appointed inspectors may supervise the loading process to verify bag count, seal application, and container condition.
Once pre-shipment inspection is completed and accepted (whether by our QC report, SGS, or the Buyer's representative), the shipment is deemed to meet quality standards at the point of loading.
3. Claim Process for Quality Issues
In the rare event that a quality issue is identified upon arrival at the destination port, the following structured claim process applies:
- Step 1 - Immediate notification: The Buyer must notify GreenHarvest in writing (email or WhatsApp) within 14 days of vessel discharge at the destination port, providing a description of the alleged quality issue and supporting evidence.
- Step 2 - Evidence submission: The Buyer must provide clear photographs of the container seal, container interior, product packaging, and the affected product. A destination-port test report from a recognized laboratory (such as SGS, Intertek, or a government-accredited lab) must be provided to verify the alleged deviation from the agreed specification.
- Step 3 - Sample retention: The Buyer must retain sealed representative samples of the disputed product for cross-verification. Samples should be stored in airtight, labeled containers with the container number and batch identification.
- Step 4 - Joint review: We review the evidence and compare the destination test report against our pre-shipment COA. If necessary, we arrange for an independent re-test of the retained sample at a mutually agreed laboratory.
- Step 5 - Resolution: If the quality issue is confirmed to be attributable to GreenHarvest (i.e., the product does not meet the agreed specification at the time of loading), we offer a full refund or replacement shipment as described in Section 4 below.
Claims that are not reported within the 14-day notification window, or that lack sufficient evidence (photographs and independent test report), may not be eligible for resolution. This does not affect your statutory rights under applicable consumer protection law.
4. Refund Conditions
A refund may be issued under the following conditions, subject to verification through the claim process:
- Confirmed quality non-conformance: If independent testing confirms that the product's nutrient content deviates from the agreed specification by more than the allowable tolerance (+/- 1% for NPK content), a refund proportional to the deficiency may be issued.
- Wrong product shipped: If a product different from the one specified in the proforma invoice is delivered, a full refund or replacement is offered at the Buyer's discretion.
- Short shipment: If the received quantity is less than the billed quantity (verified by the destination port weight certificate), a refund for the shortage is issued.
- Contamination attributable to loading: If contamination is confirmed to have originated from improper loading or packaging at our facility (not from transit conditions), a refund or replacement is offered.
Refunds are processed within 30 days of claim resolution and are issued via the original payment method (T/T bank transfer). The refund amount is calculated based on the proforma invoice unit price for the affected quantity.
5. Replacement Policy
In lieu of a refund, the Buyer may choose to receive a replacement shipment for the affected quantity. Under this option:
- GreenHarvest produces and ships a replacement order of the affected product at no additional cost to the Buyer (including product, packaging, and sea freight under CIF terms, or product and FOB loading under FOB terms).
- The replacement is prioritized in the production schedule to minimize disruption to the Buyer's supply chain.
- The Buyer is not required to return the original shipment (see Section 6 below regarding the no-return policy).
- The Buyer may be asked to dispose of or repurpose the non-conforming product in an environmentally responsible manner, with disposal costs reimbursed by GreenHarvest upon receipt of disposal documentation.
6. No-Return Policy for Agricultural Goods
Due to the nature of bulk agricultural fertilizer products, we do not require or accept physical returns of shipped goods. Fertilizer is sold on a weight/tonnage basis and is consumed upon application in the field. Returning fertilizer across international borders is impractical, cost-prohibitive, and subject to customs and agricultural quarantine restrictions in both origin and destination countries. Instead, we resolve confirmed quality issues through refunds or replacement shipments as described above.
This no-return policy is standard practice in the international fertilizer trade and is consistent with the nature of bulk agricultural commodity transactions. It does not affect your right to claim a refund or replacement for confirmed quality non-conformance.
7. Exclusions from Refund Coverage
The following situations are not covered by our refund or replacement policy:
- Transit damage under FOB terms: Once goods pass the ship's rail at the loading port under FOB terms, risk transfers to the Buyer. Transit damage is the Buyer's responsibility to claim through their insurance or the shipping line.
- Improper storage at destination: Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, or contamination after the goods arrive at the destination port and are taken into the Buyer's custody.
- Agronomic performance: We guarantee product quality, not crop yield outcomes. Yield depends on soil, weather, application method, and farming practices beyond our control.
- Buyer-specified formulations: If the Buyer provides a custom NPK formula or specification and we produce it exactly as specified, the product is deemed conforming and no refund is available for agronomic performance issues.
- Force majeure events: Damage or loss caused by events described in the Force Majeure clause of our Terms of Service.
8. Dispute Resolution
If a claim cannot be resolved through our standard process, the dispute resolution mechanism specified in our Terms of Service applies. The parties shall first attempt good-faith negotiation for 30 days. If unresolved, the matter shall be submitted to arbitration at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) in Beijing, conducted in English. The arbitral award is final and binding on both parties.
9. Claim Timeframe
The following timeframes apply to all claims:
- Quality claims: Must be reported within 14 days of vessel discharge at the destination port, with full evidence submitted within 30 days.
- Quantity/shortage claims: Must be reported within 7 days of discharge, based on the destination port weight certificate or tally sheet.
- Visible damage claims: Must be reported at the time of container opening at the destination port, with a joint survey conducted with the shipping line.
- Final claim deadline: All claims, regardless of type, must be submitted within 60 days of vessel discharge. Claims submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
10. Contact Us
To file a claim or discuss a quality concern, please contact our quality and after-sale service team:
Please include your order number, proforma invoice number, container number, and a description of the issue in your claim notification.
