COMPANY: COSMETIC INNOV ACCESS (CIA)
Industry & E-commerce Specifications – Updated: May 2026
ARTICLE 1 – SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND BUYER STATUS
1.1. Scope: These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) legally govern all contractual relationships between CIA and its professional Clients. They shall prevail over any purchase conditions or documents issued by the Buyer.
1.2. Electronic Signature: By express agreement, the order validation process via the "double-click" procedure constitutes a qualified electronic signature having, between the Parties, the same legal value as a handwritten signature.
1.3. Declaration of Status: The Buyer certifies acting exclusively in a professional capacity for the purposes of their business activity. CIA declines any application of the protective provisions of the Consumer Code. In the absence of a valid intra-community VAT number, the Buyer assumes full responsibility for any tax consequences.
1.4. Territorial Sectorization and Restrictions: CIA operates as an authorized distributor subject to geographic sectorization agreements that vary by product line.
- Category A (Strict Exclusivity): For certain references, CIA ensures exclusive distribution within the French territory. Any request from outside this zone will result in a referral of the Client to the original manufacturer, who alone is authorized to designate the local distribution channel.
- Category B (Prior Consent): For other references, exportation is subject to the express and discretionary authorization of the original manufacturer, requested by CIA on a case-by-case basis.
CIA reserves the right to refuse or cancel any international order that violates these distribution agreements, without any liability for compensation to the Buyer.
ARTICLE 2 – REGISTERED OFFICE AND JURISDICTION
The registered office of CIA is located at 105 Av. Victor Schoelcher, 91170 Viry-Châtillon, France. ANY DISPUTE RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION OR EXECUTION OF THESE GTC SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMERCIAL COURT OF ÉVRY (91), notwithstanding multiple defendants or third-party appeals.
ARTICLE 3 – FORMATION OF CONTRACT AND TAXATION
The sale is deemed final upon effective receipt of payment. Splitting and processing fees are considered ancillary to the sale of goods and follow the same tax regime. CIA reserves the right to a weight tolerance of +/- 10% at the time of shipment, which shall not entitle the Buyer to any cancellation of the sale.
ARTICLE 4 – PRICING AND SERVICE FEES
The applicable rate is the one displayed on the day of the order. For any order with a net amount excluding tax of less than €100.00, a flat fee for preparation, precision bottling, and regulatory compliance of €30.00 excl. VAT shall be applied by right.
ARTICLE 5 – PRICE REVISION AND HARDSHIP
In the event of an external occurrence (fluctuation in commodity prices, energy, transport) increasing the cost price of the goods by more than 10%, CIA reserves the right to renegotiate the sale price or cancel the order without any compensation being due.
ARTICLE 6 – REPACKAGING AND TRACEABILITY
ARTICLE 7 – SHELF LIFE WARRANTY (BBD)
CIA guarantees, on the day of shipment, a minimum Shelf Life (BBD/Expiration) of one (1) month. No non-compliance action may be initiated for an expiration occurring beyond 30 calendar days following delivery.
ARTICLE 8 – LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
CIA's warranty regarding equipment is strictly limited to compliance with the manufacturer's CE standards. CIA declines all responsibility in the event of inadequate handling, use outside of technical specifications, or improper assembly by the Buyer.
ARTICLE 9 – DELIVERY AND INCOTERMS
9.1. Transfer Terms: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, delivery terms are governed by Incoterms® 2020 as follows:
- EUROPE ZONE (EU & Switzerland): Sales are concluded under DAP (Delivered At Place). CIA bears the risks and costs of transport to the agreed delivery point, excluding unloading and local taxes.
- GLOBAL EXPORT (Outside EU): Sales are concluded under FCA Viry-Châtillon (Free Carrier). The transfer of risk occurs upon delivery of the goods to the carrier appointed by the Buyer at our warehouse.
9.2. Export Taxation: Under FCA terms, the Buyer irrevocably undertakes to provide CIA with the proof of export (EXA) within thirty (30) calendar days after pick-up. Failure to provide this document will result in CIA re-invoicing the French VAT at the current rate, payable immediately.
9.3. ADR Security: CIA reserves the sovereign right to refuse the release of goods if the vehicle or the appointed carrier does not comply with the security protocols related to the transport of dangerous goods (ADR).
ARTICLE 10 – RECEIPT AND IRREBUTTABLE WEIGHING
CIA's calibrated scales shall prevail. The weight recorded at the departure from the warehouse constitutes irrebuttable proof of the quantity delivered. Claims must be notified within 48 hours (transport) or 15 days (apparent defects), and imperatively before any processing or incorporation.
ARTICLE 11 – LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
By express agreement, CIA's liability is strictly capped at the reimbursement of the net value (excl. VAT) of the disputed product line. Any consequential, financial, or commercial damages (loss of operation, product recalls) are expressly excluded from compensation.
ARTICLE 12 – INSURANCE AND TESTING OBLIGATION
The Buyer undertakes to hold a valid Professional Civil Liability insurance policy. The Buyer is required to perform their own stability and compatibility tests before any industrial use. CIA shall not be held liable for any unstable mixture or unforeseen chemical reaction during the use of the products supplied.
ARTICLE 13 – RETURN CONDITIONS AND ECO-RESPONSIBILITY
13.1. Returns: No return is permitted if the warranty seal has been broken. For accepted returns (seal intact), a restocking fee of 25% of the net amount shall be deducted from the refund.
13.2. Environment: The professional Buyer, as the final waste holder, assumes sole responsibility for the disposal and recycling of secondary packaging.
ARTICLE 14 – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The purchase does not confer any right to use partner brands (Seppic, Lessonia, etc.). The Buyer indemnifies CIA against any infringement action resulting from the illicit or abusive use of the manufacturers' names or logos.
ARTICLE 15 – MUTUAL CONFIDENTIALITY
The Parties undertake to keep technical information, formulations, and pricing conditions strictly confidential. CIA protects its Buyers' formulation projects as trade secrets.
ARTICLE 16 – DUTY OF LOYALTY AND NON-DISPARAGEMENT
The Buyer shall refrain from any public or digital statement detrimental to CIA's reputation. Any breach of this duty of loyalty shall result in the payment of a flat-rate indemnity of €5,000.00, without prejudice to additional damages.
ARTICLE 17 – EXPORT CONTROL AND FORCE MAJEURE
The Buyer certifies that the products will not be re-exported to countries under international sanctions. CIA's obligations are suspended by right in the event of force majeure, global shortage, or crisis making execution economically exorbitant.