General Conditions of Contract (GCC Table of Clauses
General Conditions of Contract (GCC Table of Clauses
General Conditions of Contract (GCC Table of Clauses
Table of Clauses
1. Definitions
2. Application
3. Country of origin
4. Standards
5. Use of contract documents and information
6. Patent rights
7. Performance security
8. Inspection and tests
9. Packing
10. Delivery of goods
11. Transportation
12. Insurance
13. Distribution of dispatch documents
14. Incidental services
15. Spare Parts
16. Warranty
17. Payment
18. Prices
19. Modification of contract
20. Assignment
21. Sub contracts
22. Delays in suppliers’ performance
23. Liquidated damages.
24. Termination for default
25. Force Majeure
26. Termination for insolvency
27. Termination for convenience
28. Resolution of disputes
29. Governing language
30. Applicable law
31. Notices
32. Taxes and duties
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GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT (GCC)
1. Definitions
1.1 In this contract the following terms shall be interpreted as indicated:
2. Application
2.1 These general conditions of contract (as contained in this section) shall apply to the extent they are not
superseded by provisions in other parts of the contract.
3. Country of Origin
3.1 All goods and services supplied under the contract shall have their origin in India or in the countries, with
which the Government of India has trade relations.
3.2 For purposes of this clause, “origin” means the place where the goods are mined, grow or produced or from
which the services are supplied. Goods are produced when, through manufacturing, processing and
substantial or major assembling of components, a commercially recognized new product results that is
substantially different in basic characteristics or in purpose or utility from its components.
3.3 The origin of goods and services is distinct from the nationality of the supplier.
4. Standards
4.1 The goods supplied under this contract shall conform to the standards mentioned in the “Technical
Specification” and when no applicable standard is mentioned, to the latest authoritative standards, as
applicable to the goods country of origin.
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5.3 Every document other than the contract itself, mentioned in GCC sub-clause 5.1 shall remain the property of
the purchaser and shall be returned (in all copies) to the purchaser on completion of the supplier’s
performance under the contract, if so required by the purchaser.
6. Patent rights
6.1 The supplier shall at all times indemnify the purchaser, free of cost, against all third-party claims of
infringement of patent, trade mark or industrial design rights arising from use of the goods or any part
thereof in India.
7. Performance Security
7.1 Within 21(twenty one) days after the issue of notification of award by the purchaser, the supplier, shall
furnish performance security to the purchaser for an amount of 10% ( Ten per cent ) of the contract value,
valid up to 60 (Sixty) days after the date of completion of all contractual obligations by the supplier, including
the warranty obligations.
7.2 In the event of any correction of defects or a replacement of defective material during the warranty period,
the warranty for the corrected/replaced material shall be extended to a further period of twelve months from
the date of the correction/replacement and the Performance Security for the proportionate value (which will
be determined by the purchaser in consultation with the supplier) shall be extended by 60 (Sixty) days over
and above the extended warranty period.
7.3 In the event of any contract amendment, the supplier shall, within 21( twenty- one) days of issue of such
amendment, furnish the necessary amendment to the Performance Security, rendering the same valid in all
respect in terms of the contract, as amended.
7.4 The proceeds of the Performance Security shall be payable to he purchaser as compensation for any loss
resulting from the supplier’s failure to complete its obligations under the contract.
7.5 The Performance security shall be denominated in Indian Rupees or in the currency of the contract and shall
be in one of the following forms:
7.6 Subject to GCC sub-clause 7.4 above, the performance security will be discharged by the purchaser and
returned to the supplier on completion of the supplier’s contractual obligations including the warranty
obligations under the contract.
8.2 The inspections and tests may be conducted on the premises of the supplier or its subcontractor(s), at the
point of delivery and/or at the goods final destination. If conduced on the premises of the supplier or its sub-
contractor(s), all reasonable facilities and assistance, including access to relevant drawings, design details
and production data, shall be furnished by the supplier to the inspectors at no charge to the purchaser.
8.3 Should any inspected or tested goods fail to conform to the required specifications and standard, the
purchaser may reject them and the supplier shall either replace the rejected goods or make all alterations
necessary to meet the specifications and standards, as required, free of cost to the purchaser and resubmit
the same to the purchaser for conducting the inspections and tests again.
8.4 Where the contract stipulates pre-despatch inspection by the purchaser’s nominated inspecting agency, the
supplier shall put up the goods for inspection to the inspecting agency well ahead of time so that the
inspecting agency is able to complete the inspection, within the stipulated delivery period. If the goods are
tendered for inspection at the 1st moment without providing reasonable time to the inspection agency for
completing the inspection, the inspecting agency may carry out the inspection and complete the formality
beyond the contractual delivery period at the risk and expense of the supplier. The fact that the items have
been inspected after the contractual delivery period will not have the effect of keeping the contract alive and
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this will be without any prejudice to the legal rights and remedies available to the purchaser under the terms
and conditions of the contract.
8.5 The purchaser’s right to inspect, test and where necessary, reject the goods after the goods arrival at the
final destination shall in no way be limited or waived by reasons of the goods having previously been
inspected, tested and passed by purchaser or its representatives prior to the dispatch of the goods from the
country of origin or form the supplier’s premises.
8.6 Nothing in GCC clause 8 shall, in any way, release the supplier from any warranty or other obligations under
the contract.
9. Packing
9.1 The supplier shall provide such packing of the goods as is required to prevent their damage or deterioration
during their transit to their final destination as indicated in the contract. The packing shall be sufficient to
withstand, without limitation, rough handling and exposure to extreme temperatures, humid weather and
precipitation during transit and open storage. The sizes and weights of the packing cases shall also take into
consideration, where applicable, the available inland mode(s) of transport in India, the remoteness of the
goods’ final destination and the absence of heavy handling facilities at all points in transit. Further, limitations
and/or mandatory instructions, if any, in the weights, volumes and sizes of the packages shall also be taken
care of by the supplier.
9.2 The packing, marking and documentation within and outside the packages shall comply strictly with such
special requirements if any, as shall be expressly provided for in the contract, including additional
requirements, if any, specified in the Schedule of Requirements and any subsequent instructions given by
the purchaser.
The supplier will be required to make separate packages for each consignee named in the contract. Each
package will be marked by supplier at its own expense, on three sides with indelible ink/paint, with the
following details:
11. Transportation
11.1 Where the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the goods F.O.B., transportation of the goods, up
to and including the point of putting the goods on board the vessel at the specified port of loading, shall be
arranged and paid for by the supplier and the cost thereof shall be included in the contract price.
11.2 Where the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the goods C.I.F. or C.I.P., transportation of the
goods to the port of destination or such other specified place of destination in India, as shall be mentioned in
the contract, shall be arranged and paid for by the supplier and the cost thereof shall be included in the
contract price.
11.3 Where the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the goods CIF or CIP within India, the supplier
shall arrange the shipment by Indian flag vessels or vessels belonging to Conference Lines in which India is
a member. Where the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the goods FOB and also to arrange
on behalf and at the expense of the purchaser for ocean transportation on Indian flag vessels or vessels of
Conference Lines in which India is a member country, the supplier may arrange for such transportation on
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alternative carrier also, if the Indian flag vessels or Conference Line vessels are not available to transport
the goods within the time frame specified in the contract. However, before arranging such alternative
transportation, the supplier shall obtain prior concurrence of the purchaser for the same.
11.4 The supplier shall not arrange part-shipments and/or transshipment without the prior written consent of the
purchaser.
11.5 In case the supplier violates any of the aforementioned instruction, the supplier shall be liable for all
consequences (including financial loss) that the purchaser may face to such violations.
12. Insurance
12.1 The goods supplied under the contract, shall be fully insured in a freely convertible currency against loss or
damage incidental to manufacture or acquisition, transportation, storage and delivery as indicated below in
this clause (Viz. GCC clause 12).
12.2 Where delivery of the goods is required by the purchaser on C.I.F. or C.I.P. basis, the supplier shall arrange
and pay for the cargo insurance, naming the purchaser as the beneficiary. Where delivery is on FOB basis,
the insurance shall be the responsibility of the purchaser.
12.3 In the case of a contract on CIF or CIP basis, the insurance shall be for an amount equal to 110% ( one
hundred and ten per cent ) of the CIF or CIP value of the goods from “ warehouse to warehouse” ( final
destination) on “ all risks” basis including war risks and strikes.
Within 24 hours of shipment, the supplier shall notify the purchase and its nominated authorities (as
specified in the contract and the insurance company by cable or telex or fax, the full details of the shipment
including contract number, description of goods, quantity, the vessel, the bill of lading number and date/airway
bill number and date, port offloading, date of shipment, port of discharge, expected date of arrival at the port of
entry etc. Further, the supplier shall also immediately dispatch by registered air-mail the specified number of
copies of the following documents to the above authorities.
i) Supplier’s invoice showing contract number, description of goods, quantity, unit price and total
amount.
ii) Original and copies of the negotiable, clean, on-board bill of lading marked freight to pay and
copies of non-negotiable bill of lading;
iii) Copies of packing list identifying the contents of each package:
IV) Insurance certificate:
V) Manufacturer’s /supplier’s warranty certificate;
VI) Pre-despatch inspection certificate issued by the purchaser’s nominated inspection agency (if so
specified) and the supplier’s factory inspection report’ and
Vii) Certificate of origin.
The above documents shall be received by the purchaser and other authorities mentioned above at
least one week before the arrival of goods at the port or place of arrival and, if not received, the supplier will
be responsible for any consequent expenses.
Within 24 hours of dispatch of the goods, the supplier shall notify the complete dispatch details to the purchase
and/or the purchaser nominated authorities (as specified in the contract) and the insurance company. The
supplier shall also mail the specified number of copies of the following documents to them:
i) The supplier’s invoice showing contract number, description of goods, quantity, unit price and the total
amount:
ii) Railway receipt or Delivery note;
iii) Packing list identifying contents of each package;
iv) Insurance certificate;
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v) Manufacture’s Supplier’s warranty certificate;
vi) Pre-despatch inspection certificate issued by the purchaser’s nominated inspection agency (is so specified)
and the supplier’s factory inspection report: and.
vii) Certificate of origin.
The purchaser shall receive the documents at least one week before the arrival of the goods (except where
it is handed over to the consignee withal the documents) and if not received, the supplier will be responsible
for any consequent expenses.
The documents to be provided by the supplier for claiming payment are specified in GCC clause 17
(“Payment”)
e) Training the purchaser’s personnel, at the supplier’s plant and/or on-site, in assembly, start-up, operation,
maintenance and/or repair of the supplied goods.
14.2 Prices charged by the supplier for the above mentioned incidental services, if not included in the quoted
price for the goods, shall be quoted separately in the bid itself and shall not exceed the prevailing rates,
charged to other parties by the supplier for similar services.
a) such spare parts as the purchaser may elect to purchase from the supplier, provided that this will not relieve
the supplier of any warranty obligations unde4rthecontract; and
b) in the event of termination of production of the spare parts;
i) advance notice to the purchaser of the pending termination, in sufficient time to permit the purchaser to
procure needed requirements; and,
ii) Immediately following such termination, furnishing at no cost to the purchaser, the blueprints, drawings and
specifications of the spare parts, if requested.
15.2 Supplier shall carry sufficient inventories to assure ex-stock supply of consumable spares for the goods.
Other spare parts and components shall be supplied as promptly as possible but in any case within three
months of placement of order and opening the letter of credit.
15 Warranty
15.1 The supplier warrants that the goods supplied under the contract is new unused, of the most recent of
current models and incorporate all recent improvements in design and materials unless provided otherwise
in the contract: The supplier further warrants that the goods supplied under the contract shall have no
defect arising from design, materials ( except when the design adopted and/or the material used areas per
the purchaser specifications) or workmanship or form any act or omission of the supplier, that may develop
under normal use of the supplied goods under the conditions prevailing in India.
15.2 This warranty shall remain valid for 12 (twelve) months after the goods or any portion thereof as the case
may be, have been delivered to the final destination and installed and commissioned at the final destination
and accepted by the purchaser in terms of the contract or for 18 (eighteen) month form the date of dispatch
form the suppliers works for domestic goods or for 21 ( twenty-one) months after the date of shipment from
the Porto place of loading in the source country for imported goods, whichever is earlier, unless specified
otherwise in the Schedule of Requirements .
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15.3 The purchaser shall promptly notify the supplier in writing of any claim arising under this warranty.
15.4 Upon receipt of such notice, the supplier shall, with all reasonable speed (or within the period, if specified in
the Schedule of Requirements and the contract), repair or replace the defective goods or parts thereof,
free of cost, at the ultimate destination. The supplier shall take over the replaced parts/goods at the time of
their replacement. No claim what so ever shall lie on the purchaser for the replaced parts/goods thereafter?
15.5 In the event of any correction of a defect or replacement of any defective material during the warranty
period, the warranty for the corrected/replaced material shall be extended to a further period of12 (twelve)
months from the date, such corrected/replaced material starts functioning to the satisfaction of the
purchaser.
15.6 If the supplier, having been notified, fails to remedy the defect (s) within a reasonable period (or within the
period, if specified in the Schedule of Requirements and the contract), the purchaser may proceed to take
such remedial action as may be necessary, at the supplier’s risk and expense and without prejudice to any
other rights, which the purchaser may have against the supplier, under the contract.
17 Payment
17.1 The payment shall be made in the currency/currencies specified in the contract. The supplier shall send its
claim (with relevant documents, as required) to the appropriate pay in authority as specified in the Schedule
of Requirements and the contract. Before claiming any payment, the supplier shall ensure that all the
contractual obligations for claiming that payment have been duly fulfilled.
17.2 The payment shall be made in the following manner and on production of the following documents:
i) on shipment;
90% of the contract price shall be paid through irrevocable letter of credit established in favour of
the foreign supplier in a scheduled commercial bank in India or a bank in the supplier’s country acceptable
to the purchaser, upon submission of the following documents:
a) Certified copy of the fax sent by the supplier to the purchaser and others as per GCC sub-clause 10.3 (a)
b) Supplier’s signed commercial invoice showing contract number, description of the supplied goods,
corresponding quality, unit price and the total value and names(s) of the consignee(s) for the supplied
goods.
c) Original clean on board bill of lading marked freight pre-paid consigned to the interim/port consignee
evidencing description of the goods, quantities, relevant details about the contract number etc.
d) Packing list, identifying contents of each package.
e) Insurance policy or certificate in duplicate endorsed in blank with claims payable in India in the currency of
the Letter of Credit.
f) Manufacturer’s /supplier’s warranty certificate and supplier’s factory inspection report.
g) Pre-despatch inspection certificate issued by the purchaser’s nominated inspection agency, if so specified.
h) Certificate of origin.
i) Supplier’s certificate confirming that the required documents have been sent to all concerned in terms of
GCC sub-clause 10.3(a).
j) Supplier’s certificate confirming that the amounts shown in the invoice are correct in terms of the contract
and that all the terms and conditions of the contract have been complied with for claiming this payment.
k) Any other document(s) and/or modification of above documents specified in the Schedule of Requirement
and the contract.
10% of the contract price of goods received shall be paid within 30 (thirty) days of receipt of goods on
submission of the claim supported by the acceptance certificate issued by the purchaser or the purchaser’s
nominated representative in the proforma given in the concerned section on the bidding documents.
Payment shall be made in Indian rupees within 30(thirty) days of presentation of claim supported by a
certificate from the purchaser confirming that the goods have been delivered, full 100% payment has been
made to the foreign suppliers and all other contractual obligations, have been performed by the supplier and
its agent for claiming this payment.
The payment (towards agency commission) will be made by the purchaser’s paying authority specified ion
the contract and not through Letter of Credit.
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B). Payment for goods supplied from India:
Payment shall be made in Indian rupees by the purchaser’s paying authority, as specified in the contract
(and not through Letter of Credit), in the following manner:
i) on delivery: 90% of the contract price shall be paid on receipt of the goods by the consignee and upon
submission of following documents to the paying authority:
a) The supplier’s invoice showing contract number, description of goods, quantity, unit price and the total
amount;
b) Railway receipt or Delivery note;
c) Packing list identifying contents of each package;
d) Insurance certificate.
e) Manufacturer’s /supplier’s warranty certificate;
f) Pre-despatch inspection certificate issued by the purchaser’s nominated inspection agency, if so
specified and the supplier’s factory inspection report,
g) Certificate of origin.
h) Provision receipt certificate for the corresponding delivery, issued by the consignee; and
i) Any other document(s) and/or modification of above documents specified in the Schedule of
Requirement and the contract.
the remaining 10% of the contract price shall be paid to the supplier within 30( thirty) day of receipt of
its claim, duly supported by the final acceptance certificate for the corresponding delivery issued by the
purchaser’s representative in then proforma given in the concerned section on the bidding documents.
The incidental services and supervision, if required separately, will be specified in the Schedule of
Requirements and in the contract. The payment terms applicable for such services and supervision will also
be specified therein.
(i) The payment effected through letter of credit, shall be subject to the latest Uniform Customs and Practice for
Documentary Credit, of the International Chamber of Commerce;
ii) If requested specifically by the supplier, the letter of credit will be confirmed, but the cost for the same shall
be charged to the supplier’s account.
iii) If the letter of credit is required to be extended/reinstated for reasons not attributable to the purchaser; the
charges thereof shall be to the supplier’s account.
18. Prices
18.1 Prices charged by the supplier for the goods supplied and the services performed under the contract shall
not vary from the places quoted by the supplier in its bid with the exception of any price adjustment
authorized in the Schedule of Requirements.
a) drawings, designs or specifications where goods to be supplied under the contract are to be
specifically manufactured for the purchaser.
b) the mode of packing,
c) the mode of dispatch,
d) the place of delivery,
e) the services to be provided by the supplier, and /or
f) any other area(s) of the contract, depending on the merits of the case.
19.2 If any such change causes in increase or decrease in the cost of or in the time required for the supplier’s
performance of any provision under the contract, an equitable adjustment shall be made in the contract price
or contract delivery schedule or both, and the contract shall be amended accordingly. Any claim by the
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supplier for adjustment under this clause must be asserted within 21 (twenty one) days from the date of the
supplier’s receipt of the purchaser’s amendment/modification of the contract.
19.3 Subject to GCC sub-clauses 19.1 and 19.2, no variation in or modification of the terms of the contract shall
be made except by written amendment signed by both the parties.
20. Assignment
20.1 The supplier shall not assign, in whole or in part, its obligations to perform under the contract, except with
the purchaser’s prior written consent.
22.2 Except as provided under GCC clause 25, any unexcused delay by the supplier in maintaining its
contractual delivery obligations shall render the supplier liable to any or all of the following actions:
22.3. If at any time during the performance of the contract, the supplier or its subcontract(s) should encounter
conditions hindering timely delivery of the goods and performance of services, the supplier shall promptly
notify the purchaser in writing of the fact of the delay, its likely duration and its cause(s). After the receipt of
the supplier’s notice the purchaser, as soon as practicable in which case the situation and may at its
discretion extend the supplier’s time for performance, in which case the extension of the delivery period shall
be ratified by issuing an amendment to the contract.
22.4 The supplier shall not despatch the goods after expiry of the delivery period. The supplier is required to
apply to the purchaser for extension of delivery period and obtain the same before dispatch. In case the
supplier dispatches the goods without obtaining an extension, it would be doing so at its own risk and no
claim for payment for such supply and/or any other expense related to such supply shall lie against the
purchaser.
Further, during the above mentioned delayed period of supply and /or performance, the supplier,
notwithstanding any stipulation in the contract for increase in price for any ground, shall be entitled to any increases
in priced and cost, whatsoever, which take place during the period of delay. But, nevertheless, the purchaser shall be
entitled to the benefit any decrease in price and cost on any ground during that period of delay.
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24. Termination for default
24.1 The purchaser, without prejudice to any other remedy for breach of contact, may by written notice of default
sent to the supplier, terminate the contract in whole or in part, if the supplier fails to delivery any or all of the
goods or fails to perform any other contractual obligation(s) within the time period specified in the contract,
or within any extension thereof granted by the purchaser pursuant to GCC clause 22.
24.2 In the event the purchaser terminates the contract in whole or in part, pursuant to GCC sub-clause 24.1, the
purchaser may procure, upon such terms and conditions and in such manner as it deems appropriate,
goods and/or services similar to those undelivered and the supplier shall be liable to the purchaser for any
excess cost for such similar goods and /or services. However, the supplier shall continue to perform the
contract to the extent not terminated.
25.2 For purpose of this clause, “Force Majeure” means an event beyond the control of the supplier and not
involving the supplier’s fault or negligence and not foreseeable. Such events may include, but are not
restricted to acts of the purchaser in its sovereign capacity, wars or revolutions, fires, floods, epidemics,
quarantine restrictions and freight embargoes.
25.3 If a Force Majeure situation arises, the supplier shall promptly notify the purchaser in writing of such
conditions and the cause thereof. Unless otherwise directed by the purchaser in writing, the supplier shall
continue to perform its obligations under the contract as far as reasonably practical, and shall seek all
reasonable alternative means for performance not prevented by the Force Majeure event.
27.2 The goods that are complete and ready for shipment within 30 (thirty) days after the supplier’s receipt of
notice of termination shall be accepted by the purchaser at the contract terms and prices. For the remaining
goods, the purchaser may elect:
a) to have any portion completed and delivered at the contract terms and prices; and/or
b) to cancel the remainder and pay to the supplier an agreed amount for partially completed goods and
services and for materials and parts already procured by the supplier for fulfilling the contractual
obligations.
28.2 If, after thirty (30) days, the parties have failed to resolve their dispute or difference by such mutual
consultation, then either the purchaser or the supplier may give notice to the other party of its intention to
commence arbitration, as hereinafter provided, as to the matter in dispute, and no arbitration in respect of
this matter may be commenced unless such notice is given.
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28.3 A dispute or difference, in respect of which a notice of intention to commence arbitration has been given in
accordance with GCC sub-clause 28.2, shall be finally settled by arbitration. Arbitration may be commenced
prior to or after delivery of the goods under the contract.
28.4 The dispute resolution mechanism to be applied pursuant to GCC sub-clause 28..3, shall be as follows:
a) In the case of a dispute or difference arising between the purchaser and the supplier relating to any
matter arising out of or connected with the contract, such disputes or difference shall be settled
in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three
arbitrators, one each to be appointed by the purchaser and the supplier. The third arbitrator shall be
chosen by the two arbitrators so appointed by the parties and shall act as presiding arbitrator. In case of
failure of the two arbitrators appointed by the parties to reach upon a consensus within a period of thirty
days form the appointment of the arbitrator appointed subsequently, the presiding arbitrator shall be
appointed by the Indian Council of Arbitration or President of the Institution of Engineers (India).
c) The decision of majority of arbitrators shall be final and binding upon both the parties.
d) The cost and expenses of the arbitration proceedings will be paid as determined by the arbitral tribunal.
However, the expenses incurred by each party in connection with the preparation, presentation etc. of
its proceedings as also fees and expenses paid to the arbitrator appointed by such party or on its behalf
shall be borne by each party itself.
28.5 However, where the value of the contract is Rs.15 lakhs (Rupees one and a half million) and below, the
disputes or differences arising in it shall be referred to a sole arbitrator. The sole arbitrator shall be
appointed by mutual agreement between the parties. If the parties fails to agree on the arbitrator within
30(thirty) days from the receipt of a request by one party from the other party to so agree, the appointment
shall be made upon request of a party, by the Indian Council of Arbitration or the President of the Institution
of Engineers (India).
28.6 The venue of arbitration shall be the place from where the contract is issued.
31. Notices
31.1.1 Any notice given by one party to the other pursuant to the contract shall be sent in writing or by cable, telex
or facsimile and confirmed in writing to the addresses specified in the Schedule of Requirements.
31.2 A notice shall be effective when delivered or on the notice’s effective date whichever is later.
32.1.2 A local supplier shall be entirely responsible for all taxes, duties, license fees etc. incurred until delivery of
the contracted goods to the purchaser.
32.3 Further instruction, if any, shall be as provided in the Schedule of Requirements.
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