Standard Supplier Terms and Conditions
Standard Supplier Terms and Conditions
These terms apply to all suppliers to Sterner AS (the customer/buyer) and are valid unless otherwise agreed in writing.
1. Service/Delivery Requirements
The service must be professionally executed by qualified personnel. It must meet Sterner’s and the end customer’s quality requirements and adhere to generally accepted industry standards. Additionally, the service must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and official decisions.
The supplier is aware that Sterner AS strives for a high and professional service level, aiming for high customer satisfaction. Therefore, the supplier is obliged, whenever possible, to contribute to strengthening Sterner’s position as a leading supplier in the market. Furthermore, the supplier must act in a way that does not harm the reputation, brand, market trust, or goodwill of Sterner AS.
2. Inspection/Audit
Sterner AS reserves the right to conduct inspections and audits at the supplier’s premises and those of any subcontractors at any time. The supplier must assist Sterner free of charge before and during such inspections. Upon request, the supplier must present all necessary documentation to fulfill the requirements of the agreement. If Sterner AS deems the quality system to be inadequate, the supplier must promptly implement reasonable and necessary corrective measures at their own cost.
3. Price Changes
The agreed prices cover all expenses related to the supplier’s work, including wages, social costs, materials, travel, etc. The supplier is entitled to adjust their prices in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index established by Statistics Norway, once a year. The price adjustment should be 2% lower than the index, assuming the supplier compensates through increased efficiency, procurement savings, etc. Adjustments due to currency fluctuations shall not occur unless specifically agreed upon.
Prices also include packaging, pallets, taxes, and other charges, as well as certificates and any required documentation. If agreed, prices also include transportation.
4. Delivery
Delivery terms are agreed upon according to Incoterms between the buyer and seller. The supplier must notify Sterner AS of any delays and postponed deliveries from suppliers and subcontractors. The supplier may not deliver earlier than agreed without specific agreement from the buyer. If the goods are received earlier than agreed, the buyer may:
- Return the delivery at the seller’s expense, or
- Keep the delivery and demand that the supplier covers any costs for storage, preservation, or other unforeseen expenses.
If the buyer keeps the delivery, payment can be postponed to the date it would have been made if the supplier had delivered according to the agreed delivery date
5. Packing Slip/Invoice
The buyer must receive a packing slip or invoice per delivery. The packing slip/invoice must follow the instructions given in the order. All parts of the delivery must be labelled according to the packing slip and order instructions. The packing slip must accompany the goods. The supplier’s driver must actively ensure the packing slip is reviewed, checked against the goods, and signed by authorized personnel at the buyer’s premises.
6. Order
Orders are made via written requisition and are only valid with written order confirmation from an authorized person at the customer/supplier. The order number/requisition number and the purchaser’s name must always be included in the order. In the event of non-performance, Sterner AS may cancel the service, in whole or in part, via written notice to the supplier with immediate effect. If work has been performed or commenced, the customer shall pay for the completed work.
7. Payment Terms
Sterner AS’s standard payment terms are 45 days net unless otherwise agreed in writing. The supplier is not entitled to send an invoice before delivery has taken place unless otherwise agreed. The credit period runs from the valid receipt of the invoice. No fees will be charged.
8. Documentation
The supplier is responsible for product documentation (technical, operational, environmental, product information, product data sheets, etc.) and required safety data sheets (HSE data sheets) and must deliver such electronically in the format specified by the customer. For goods subject to the Machinery Directive and the EU directive (Directive 2006/42/EC), a user manual in Norwegian must be provided along with the CE certificate.
9. Code of Ethics
The supplier shall conduct its business in accordance with Sterner AS’s code of ethics and ensure these are followed throughout the entire supply chain.
10. Complaints
Sterner AS will provide feedback to the supplier as soon as possible regarding all types of complaints or issues related to the delivery. Sterner AS reserves the right to take time to review the delivery’s content and quality. However, complaints must be communicated to the supplier within a reasonable time.
11. Work Environment and Safety
The supplier must have a system in place to protect its employees and ensure that they are not exposed to safety risks.
12. Quality
The supplier must have an approved quality control management system, preferably certified according to ISO 9001. The goods must also meet the specifications ordered by Sterner AS.
13. Environmental Impact
The supplier must be conscious of environmental impacts, including tracking environmental footprints through environmental accounting that covers waste produced, packaging, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. Sterner AS aims to be certified as an Eco-Lighthouse and is continuously working on environmental improvements. Therefore, the supplier should minimize packaging and send in bulk where possible.
14. Force majeure
Parties are exempt from their obligations if it can be proven that the work was prevented by «force majeure,» which refers to an event beyond a party’s control that could not have been foreseen or prevented when the agreement was entered into. Force majeure includes, but is not limited to, strikes, lockouts, natural disasters, war, and other warlike situations.
15. Disputes
In case of disputes between the parties regarding the agreement, they shall first attempt to resolve the matter through negotiations. If negotiations fail, the dispute shall be resolved by the ordinary Norwegian courts. The venue shall be Follo District Court.
16. Confidentiality
The parties are obliged to maintain confidentiality between themselves. This includes keeping confidential any information gained in connection with the execution of the agreement and the contents of the agreement itself.