1. Introduction
Welcome to Parcel Gateway Ltd (“we,” “us,” “our”). By creating an account and using our services, you (“customer,” “user,” “member”) agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read carefully before registering.

2. Scope of Services
We provide UK-based freight forwarding, consolidation, storage, and international shipping services.
We are not the manufacturer, supplier, or retailer of goods shipped.
Customers are solely responsible for purchases made using their Parcel Gateway UK address.

3. Account Registration & Use
Users must be at least 18 years old to register.
Information provided during registration must be accurate and up to date.
Misuse of our service (fraud, illegal imports, using false identities, money laundering, etc.) will result in immediate account termination.

4. Prohibited & Restricted Items
Customers may NOT ship:
Explosives, ammunition, fireworks, or weapons.
Flammable liquids, fuel, chemicals, aerosols, paint, or hazardous substances.
Drugs, alcohol, narcotics, controlled substances.
Counterfeit goods, pirated media, or items violating intellectual property.
Live animals, perishable food, or plants subject to restrictions.
Cash, currency, precious metals, stones.
Loose lithium batteries (UN3480).
Any items prohibited under IATA regulations, UK export law, or laws of the destination country.
This list is not exhaustive and may change without notice. Customers are responsible for checking import restrictions in their country.

5. Customs & Import Duties
Parcel Gateway is not responsible for customs clearance, duties, taxes, confiscation, or delays.
All shipments are subject to inspection by customs in the UK and destination country.
The customer bears all risks and costs of duties, VAT, or penalties.

6. Storage & Consolidation
We provide temporary storage at our warehouse subject to published limits and fees.
We may re-pack or consolidate packages to reduce shipping costs, unless the customer requests otherwise.
Fragile/restricted items may require special handling charges.

7. Packaging & Liability
Customers must ensure goods are packed safely.
We may add extra packaging (bubble wrap, security tape, plastic wrap) at our discretion.
Liability for loss/damage is limited to the declared value and subject to the carrier’s terms.

8. Insurance & Claims
Optional shipping insurance is available upon request.
Without insurance, liability is limited to £50 per shipment or the shipping fee paid, whichever is lower.
In case of loss or damage:
The customer must report it immediately and provide documents (invoice, photos, description).
We will open a case with the shipping carrier.
The customer must cooperate with any carrier requests.
Compensation is only paid once the carrier approves and releases funds.
Refunds are credited to the customer’s Parcel Gateway wallet only.

9. Payments & Billing
All services must be prepaid.
Additional services (consolidation, repacking, disposal, etc.) may incur extra fees.
Unpaid balances may result in account suspension.

10. Refunds & Wallet Balance
By default, all refunds are issued as credit in the customer’s Parcel Gateway wallet.
Refunds to the original payment method (via Stripe) are exceptional and subject to Stripe’s processing limits and fees.
Wallet credits are non-transferable and non-exchangeable for cash, except where legally required.

11. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Withdrawals
Withdrawals to external payment methods are subject to AML checks and may only be processed to the original payment method.
We reserve the right to request ID, proof of address, and proof of source of funds before processing withdrawals.
Refunds or withdrawals may be delayed, limited, or refused if suspicious activity is detected.
Parcel Gateway may freeze accounts and report suspicious activity to authorities under UK AML law.

12. Abandoned or Rejected Shipments
If a customer refuses to pay duties or delivery fees, the shipment may be abandoned or returned at the customer’s cost.
Parcel Gateway is not liable for losses in such cases.

13. Data Protection & Privacy
Customer data is collected only to provide services.
Data may be shared with carriers, customs, or legal authorities when required.
We do not sell customer data to third parties.

14. Indemnity
Customers agree to indemnify and hold Parcel Gateway harmless against any claims, damages, fines, or penalties arising from misuse of the service, shipment of prohibited items, or non-compliance with laws.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in UK courts.