UTEX POLICIES FOR IMPORT FACILITATORS AND PROCUREMENT INTERMEDIARIES

UTEX reserves the right to refuse service, cancel orders, or prohibit future transactions with any Import Facilitators or organization that misrepresents its relationship with UTEX, redistributes materials without authorization, or engages in conduct that could negatively impact the integrity, reputation, or scientific reliability of the UTEX Culture Collection of Algae.

ORDER & PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS

• All orders must be placed directly with UTEX through the website [utex.org].
• The end user/customer must be clearly identified on all order documents.
• Import Facilitators may facilitate payment, import paperwork, or communications, but may not present themselves as the seller or supplier of the material.
• UTEX reserves the right to communicate directly with the end user regarding technical, shipping, compliance, or viability matters.

SHIPPING & CHAIN OF CUSTODY

• All cultures and media must ship directly from UTEX to the end user.
• Import Facilitators may not receive, store, split, repackage, relabel, forward, or redistribute cultures or media.
• Import Facilitators may not alter shipping documentation, strain designations, labels, or accompanying instructions.
• Any deviation from direct shipment voids UTEX viability and replacement policies.

BRANDING & REPRESENTATION

• Import Facilitators may not advertise themselves as an authorized distributor, reseller, partner, or representative of UTEX unless explicitly authorized in writing.
• UTEX trademarks, logos, strain names, product descriptions, and images may not be used in marketing materials without permission.
• Import Facilitators may not create independent product listings implying local stock or fulfillment capability.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT & LIABILITY

• Import Facilitators may not provide independent scientific claims, culturing guarantees, authentication claims, or viability assurances on behalf of UTEX.
• UTEX technical support is limited to products shipped directly from UTEX under verified chain-of-custody conditions.
• UTEX is not responsible for issues arising from delays, mishandling, improper customs processing, or unauthorized third-party handling.
• Viability assessments based solely on photographs are limited and may not be definitive.

COMPLIANCE & IMPORT RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Import Facilitator/end user is responsible for ensuring all import permits, customs paperwork, biosafety approvals, and local regulatory requirements are satisfied before shipment.
• Returned shipments will be destroyed in accordance with UTEX biosafety and contamination-control policies.
• UTEX is not responsible for losses caused by customs delays, seizure, abandonment, refusal of entry, or returned/destroyed shipments due to import or regulatory issues. Orders affected by these circumstances are not eligible for reimbursement, refund, or replacement.

RESTRICTIONS ON REDISTRIBUTION

• Materials obtained from UTEX may not be resold, redistributed, or used for commercial propagation without prior written authorization.
• Import Facilitators services must terminate upon delivery to the end user and may not continue into resale activities.