A Warranty Certificate is a written commitment document issued by an exporter or manufacturer to an importer or end user, guaranteeing that if the product experiences non-artificial quality issues within a specified period (the warranty period), it will be repaired, replaced, or refunded free of charge. Usage scenarios include: shipping with the product, serving as a contract annex, or being used for customs clearance and after-sales claims. Precautions: the warranty scope, period, exemption clauses, claim procedures, and whether it is transferable must be clearly stated; different countries have different legal requirements for warranty terms, e.g., the EU requires a minimum 2-year warranty. It differs from a Quality Certificate, which proves the product meets agreed standards, whereas a Warranty Certificate focuses on after-sales repair responsibility; it also differs from an Insurance Policy, as a Warranty Certificate is a seller's commitment, while an Insurance Policy is a third-party risk transfer. In foreign trade contracts, a Warranty Certificate is often listed alongside inspection certificates, packing lists, etc., as one of the proofs of the seller's performance.
📝 Examples
1. Please provide a Warranty Certificate for each piece of equipment with the shipment; the warranty period is 12 months from the date of the bill of lading, and during the warranty period, non-artificial damage shall be repaired or parts replaced free of charge. (Note: This illustrates requiring a Warranty Certificate in an export contract and specifying the period and scope.)
2. The buyer shall file a claim with the seller based on the Warranty Certificate; after confirmation that it falls within the warranty scope, the seller shall repair or replace free of charge within 30 days. (Note: This demonstrates the use of a Warranty Certificate as the basis for a claim.)
💡 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)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner