Common use of General Operating Procedures Clause in Contracts

General Operating Procedures. a. The participating Shipper that makes a shipment of Display Fireworks to a participating Importer will arrange with AFSL to have all Display Fireworks certified prior to being containerized for shipment from China. The Shipper will report to AFSL’s Escrow Agent all cartons shipped to a participating Importer, and collect and pay the appropriate fee to the Escrow Agent. b. The Shipper also will arrange with AFSL to have the Importer's certified Display Fireworks securely loaded into shipping containers for shipment from China. Requirements for container loading are spelled out in the AFSL Standards for Display Fireworks. c. AFSL currently has contracted with SGS, an independent and internationally recognized consumer product testing laboratory to provide factory audits, product testing and certification services, and container loading supervision for Display Fireworks in China. This service is designed to determine whether specific Lots of fireworks destined for the U.S. market comply with all AFSL requirements. Note that all Display Fireworks must be issued an EX Number by the DOT to assure safety in transportation. AFSL’s testing laboratory confirms the presence of an EX Number on each carton but it is the Factories’ responsibility to confirm that the number is correct. d. AFSL’s testing laboratory maintains a staff of professional technicians trained by AFSL to conduct the evaluation program under the direction of AFSL. All technicians must be re- certified annually. e. AFSL’s testing laboratory maintains multiple test sites in China strategically located to accommodate peak shipment volumes and provide timely testing service. Upon approval by AFSL, the testing laboratory also may test at other locations, when requested to do so by the Factory. In such instances, AFSL may establish a minimum number of cases to be tested per visit to maximize the use of resources. f. A Shipper must request that a shipment destined for a participating U.S. Importer be tested to confirm that it complies with program requirements prior to shipment to the U.S. The Shipper must notify the testing laboratory that the shipment is available to be tested at a specific location and time. The Shipper must also confirm that the goods to be tested are manufactured by an AFSL certified Factory. The Shipper should provide as much notice as possible to allow for timely scheduling of the inspection. Except in emergencies, notification to SGS should be by email, fax, or through the AFSL E-Booking system. g. When a shipment is not available for evaluation at the scheduled time and the Shipper or participating Factory fails to inform the testing laboratory by close of business of the work day prior to the scheduled inspection, the participating Factory may be charged an "abortive inspection" fee at a rate specified in the AFSL operating guidelines.