In foreign trade terminology, "Dent" refers to a localized depression or deformation on the surface of goods or packaging caused by external forces such as impact or compression. It is commonly seen in metal products, plastic parts, home appliances, auto parts, etc. Usage scenarios include: inspection reports, claim letters, quality inspection clauses, pre-shipment inspections, etc. Note: Dents may affect product appearance, structural strength, or sealing performance, and in severe cases lead to functional failure. It is necessary to distinguish "dent" from "scratch" (surface linear damage), "indentation" (usually a deeper or sharper impression), and "deformation" (a broader change in overall shape). In trade contracts, acceptable criteria for dents (such as size, quantity, location) should be clearly specified, along with inspection methods and liability allocation. If caused by transportation, evidence should be retained to claim against the carrier or insurance company; if it is a factory defect, the supplier should be held liable. The difference lies in: dent emphasizes surface depression, scratch emphasizes linear surface damage, and deformation emphasizes overall shape change.
📝 Examples
1. Inspection Report: Upon inspection, 10% of the metal housings have obvious dents, exceeding the acceptable range of AQL 2.5%. It is recommended to return the entire batch or request a price reduction from the supplier. (Note: Determine whether dents exceed the standard during quality inspection and accordingly propose return or claim.)
2. Claim Letter: Regarding the 200 units of equipment under Contract No. AB123, after unpacking, 15 units were found to have dents on the panels, caused by compression during transportation due to improper packaging. Please compensate our company for repair costs totaling USD 5,000. (Note: File a specific claim amount against the responsible party due to dent issues.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
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