Time Limit for Claim

Time Limit for Claim refers to the statutory or contractual period within which the buyer or seller, after discovering that goods or services do not conform to the contract, must file a claim against the other party in a foreign trade contract. If this period is exceeded, the aggrieved party loses the right to claim. This term is commonly found in international sales contracts, letters of credit, and transport insurance clauses, and is usually related to inspection periods and quality guarantee periods. Usage scenarios include: the buyer must raise issues within the agreed time after receiving the goods; the seller's defense basis against unreasonable claims by the buyer. Precautions: the starting point of the time limit (e.g., arrival date, inspection date) and duration (e.g., 30 days, 60 days) must be clearly stipulated; time limits vary greatly for different goods (e.g., machinery, perishables); distinguish it from the 'quality guarantee period,' which may be longer than the claim period. Unlike the 'statute of limitations,' the claim time limit is contractual, while the statute of limitations is statutory. Practitioners should send written claim notices strictly within the time limit and retain evidence, otherwise they may lose the case.