General Terms and Conditions of Sale

Article 1 — Presentation of the company

IKM Invest World Limited (hereinafter “InvestWorld”, “IWL” or “we”) is a federal corporation incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act, Canada Business Number 1733447-8, registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec under NEQ number 1181369233.

IWL specialises in supporting Canadian, North American and international companies in their import and sourcing projects from China, connecting them with reliable Asian suppliers and developing their international business activities.

Article 2 — Purpose

These general terms and conditions of sale (hereinafter “GTCS”) govern all services provided by IKM Invest World Limited to its professional and individual clients (hereinafter “the Client”).

Any order or mission request addressed to IWL implies the Client’s unreserved acceptance of these GTCS. These GTCS shall prevail over any other document of the Client, unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing between the parties.

IWL reserves the right to modify these GTCS at any time. The applicable GTCS are those in force at the date of mission acceptance.

Article 3 — Description of services

IWL offers in particular the following services:

3.1 Sourcing and supplier research in China

Identification, pre-selection and introduction of Asian suppliers meeting the Client’s technical, commercial and budget specifications.

3.2 Supplier verification and audit

Verification of selected suppliers’ legal, commercial and operational information: legal existence, production capacity, commercial track record.

3.3 Commercial negotiation

Assistance in negotiating commercial terms (price, lead times, payment terms, delivery conditions) with identified suppliers.

3.4 Quality control

Organisation and monitoring of quality inspections before and during production, pre-shipment inspection of goods, in collaboration with local service providers or directly on site.

3.5 On-site support in China

Physical or remote support during factory visits, supplier meetings, negotiations or commercial appointments in China.

3.6 Trade fair assistance

Support at international trade fairs, including in China (Canton Fair and specialised fairs): planning, on-site logistics, follow-up of established contacts.

3.7 Logistics and transport

Coordination of goods transport from China to the Client’s final destination. IWL acts as intermediary and coordinator, without assuming the obligations specific to the carrier. Respective responsibilities are defined by the Incoterms® expressly agreed in writing between the parties.

3.8 IWL-12 Programme

A structured 12-step comprehensive support programme for companies wishing to develop their commercial relations with China in a methodical and secure manner. The details of the methodology and steps are set out in the commercial and support documents specific to this programme.

3.9 International business development

Strategic advice and support for the development of international activities, network expansion and implementation of partnerships.

The above list is not exhaustive. Any additional service is the subject of a specific proposal.

Article 4 — Quote request and mission assessment

Any service request must be addressed to IWL in writing (email or website contact form). The Client undertakes to provide all information necessary for the assessment of their request: nature of the products or services sought, technical specifications, quantities, indicative budget, desired timelines and any other relevant criteria.

IWL assesses each request and submits to the Client a mission proposal or detailed quote as promptly as possible. Any subsequent modification of the specifications by the Client may result in a revised quote.

Article 5 — Mission acceptance

The mission is deemed accepted and formally engaged on the date the Client returns the signed quote together with payment of the deposit provided for in Article 8, or failing that, by any other means unequivocally establishing the Client’s agreement (confirmation email, signed purchase order).

Article 6 — Pricing

IWL’s services are priced in the currency indicated in the applicable quote, invoice or mission agreement. Services may in particular be invoiced in Canadian dollars (CAD), US dollars (USD) or Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY), or in any other currency expressly agreed with the Client. The currency shown on the applicable commercial document shall prevail.

Rates are set individually for each mission according to its complexity, duration, nature and resources mobilised.

Prices stated in quotes are exclusive of taxes. Applicable taxes (GST, QST or others) shall be added in accordance with the regulations in force at the time of invoicing.

IWL reserves the right to revise its rates at any time. The applicable rates are those shown in the quote accepted by the Client.

Article 7 — Payment terms

Payments shall be made by bank transfer, cheque or any other means agreed in writing between the parties. Banking details are communicated to the Client when the invoice is issued.

Invoices are payable according to the deadlines defined in the mission proposal. Any late payment shall give rise to late payment penalties at the applicable legal rate, as well as the immediate enforceability of all amounts due, without prejudice to any other remedy.

Article 8 — Deposit

Upon acceptance of the mission, the Client pays a deposit, the amount or percentage of which is determined according to the nature of the mission and specified in the applicable quote, invoice, contract or mission agreement. This deposit is non-refundable, except as otherwise provided in Article 22.

Payment of the deposit is a condition for the effective commencement of the mission by IWL.

Article 9 — Balance of payments

The balance of payment is due according to the terms specified in the quote, which may include interim payments at defined stages of the mission. Failing any contrary stipulation, the balance is due upon delivery of the final report or at the close of the mission.

In the event of late payment of the balance, IWL reserves the right to suspend the mission and withhold any deliverable until full payment is received.

Article 10 — Indicative timelines

Implementation timelines are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment, unless otherwise agreed in writing. These timelines may be affected by external factors: supplier availability, Client response times, logistical constraints, events in China (public holidays, factory closures, disruptions) or any case of force majeure.

IWL undertakes to inform the Client as promptly as possible of any foreseeable delay and its causes.

Article 11 — Client obligations

The Client undertakes to:

• Provide in a timely manner all information, documents and approvals necessary for the proper execution of the mission;
• Respond to IWL’s requests within a reasonable timeframe;
• Make payments at the agreed due dates;
• Inform IWL of any changes affecting the specifications or subject matter of the mission;
• Not contact directly, or solicit for commercial purposes, suppliers identified and introduced by IWL in the context of the mission, without IWL’s prior written consent. This obligation applies throughout the duration of the mission and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following its close, unless expressly waived in writing in the mission proposal;
• Maintain the confidentiality of information shared by IWL in the context of the mission.

Article 12 — IWL’s obligations

IWL undertakes to:

• Carry out the agreed services with diligence, professionalism and care;
• Keep the Client informed of mission progress;
• Treat all information communicated by the Client as confidential;
• Deploy the means necessary to carry out the mission;
• Act in the Client’s interest within the scope defined by the accepted mission.

IWL is bound by an obligation of means and not an obligation of result, unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing.

Article 13 — Supplier research and verification

IWL exercises reasonable due diligence to identify and pre-select suppliers meeting the Client’s criteria. Information gathered (legal existence, production capacity, commercial track record) is verified using the means available at the date of the mission.

IWL does not guarantee the future performance of the suppliers introduced, nor the final quality of the products or services provided by them. The definitive contractual relationship with the supplier is established directly between the Client and the supplier, under the Client’s own responsibility.

Article 14 — Quality control

When a quality control service is included in the mission, IWL organises inspections according to the standards and criteria jointly agreed with the Client. The inspection report is provided to the Client.

Quality control carried out by IWL or its local service providers constitutes a verification at a given point in time and shall not constitute an absolute guarantee over the entire production, nor engage IWL’s liability in the event of a defect not detectable at the time of inspection.

Article 15 — Negotiation

IWL assists the Client in negotiating commercial terms with suppliers. The final terms of any commercial agreement are decided by the Client, who bears full contractual responsibility.

IWL is not a party to contracts concluded between the Client and suppliers and is not jointly and severally liable thereunder.

Article 16 — On-site support in China

Missions involving on-site support in China are the subject of a specific proposal specifying the services included (travel, interpretation, appointment scheduling, factory visits) and associated costs. Travel, accommodation and transport expenses incurred by IWL in the context of the support are invoiced to the Client on presentation of supporting documents, unless a flat fee has been previously agreed.

The Client remains responsible for their own visa procedures, insurance and legal obligations related to their travel in China.

Article 17 — Trade fair assistance

IWL provides assistance at trade fairs in China and internationally, including the Canton Fair and specialised fairs. Services include, depending on the case: visit planning, on-site support, interpretation, identification of suppliers present, post-fair follow-up.

Registration fees for trade fairs, travel and accommodation are not included in IWL’s fees, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Article 18 — Logistics and transport

IWL may coordinate the transport of goods from Chinese suppliers to the Client’s final destination. IWL acts as an intermediary and logistics coordinator, and not as a carrier.

The allocation of risks and responsibilities relating to transport is determined by the Incoterms® (rules of the International Chamber of Commerce) expressly agreed in writing between the Client and the transport service providers. IWL ensures that the Client properly understands the applicable Incoterms, without assuming the obligations specific to the carrier.

IWL shall not be liable for damage, loss, delays or damage to goods occurring during transport, except for any direct and proven fault on its part in the context of its coordination mission.

Article 19 — Limitation of liability

IWL’s liability is expressly limited to the amount of fees actually received in respect of the mission concerned. IWL shall not be liable for indirect, consequential or intangible damages, or any loss of profit suffered by the Client, whatever the circumstances.

IWL shall not be liable for the acts, omissions or defaults of suppliers, carriers or any other third party involved in the context of the mission.

Article 20 — Force majeure

Neither IWL nor the Client shall be liable for failure to fulfil its contractual obligations as a result of a force majeure event within the meaning of article 1470 of the Civil Code of Quebec, including without limitation: natural disasters, pandemics, wars, embargoes, border closures, government decisions, general strikes or any other unforeseeable and unavoidable event.

The affected party shall notify the other as promptly as possible. If the event continues for more than sixty (60) consecutive days, either party may terminate the mission by operation of law, without compensation other than payment for services effectively rendered up to the date of termination.

Article 21 — Mission cancellation

Any cancellation of a mission by the Client must be notified to IWL in writing. The cancellation terms are as follows:

• Before effective commencement of the mission: the deposit paid is retained by IWL as a lump-sum indemnity;
• During the course of the mission: the Client shall be liable for payment of services effectively rendered, as well as expenses incurred or irrecoverable at the date of the cancellation notice.

IWL reserves the right to cancel the mission in the event of non-payment of the deposit or an overdue interim payment, following a formal notice that has remained unanswered for ten (10) business days.

Article 22 — Refund policy

The deposit paid upon mission acceptance is non-refundable, except in the following cases:

• Proven and documented impossibility for IWL to carry out the mission for reasons attributable to IWL, not attributable to the Client or to a case of force majeure;
• Express written agreement by IWL granting a total or partial refund.

Any refunds granted shall be made by the same payment method used by the Client, within thirty (30) business days of the refund decision.

22.1 Digital products sold in the online shop

The guides, ebooks and PDF catalogues sold in our online shop are digital products: the file is available for download as soon as payment is confirmed. Once the download has been made available, these products can be neither returned nor refunded, subject to the rights granted to the Client by applicable law.

If a file is unreadable or inaccessible, the Client may write to us at contact@investworldlimited.com and we will send a working copy.

The study deposit paid for a custom sourcing request is non-refundable; it is credited in full against our invoice if the project goes ahead.

Article 23 — Personal data protection

Personal data collected in the context of missions is processed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Law 25 (An Act to Modernise Legislative Provisions as regards the Protection of Personal Information — Quebec).

For information on the processing of your personal data, please consult our Privacy Policy available on the website investworldlimited.com.

Article 24 — Intellectual property

The methods, tools, databases, reports, studies, presentations and any other deliverable produced by IWL in the context of its missions remain the exclusive property of IWL until full payment of all amounts due by the Client.

Upon full payment, the Client benefits from a non-exclusive licence to use the deliverables produced for their own purposes in the context of the mission concerned. Any reproduction, distribution or use for other purposes is subject to IWL’s prior written consent.

IWL’s identity elements (logo, trade name, brand, slogan) may not be used by the Client without prior written authorisation.

Article 25 — Governing law

These GTCS are governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec and applicable federal laws of Canada, to the exclusion of any other legislation. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) does not apply to these GTCS.

Article 26 — Dispute resolution

In the event of a dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of these GTCS, the parties undertake to seek an amicable resolution in the first instance. Failing agreement within thirty (30) days of written notification of the dispute, the matter shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Quebec, Canada.

Article 27 — Contact details

IKM Invest World Limited
72, rue des Cerisiers, Shannon, Quebec, G3S 0T3, Canada
Email: contact@investworldlimited.com
Website: investworldlimited.com

General Terms and Conditions of Sale — IKM Invest World Limited — investworldlimited.com
Last updated: October 1, 2026