Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to food-sector inspection services provided by Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. unless a written agreement signed by authorized representatives states otherwise. The accepted quotation, application, inspection agreement and these Terms together form the service contract.

Guardian is in the process of seeking accreditation for its food-sector inspection activities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020. Accreditation has not yet been granted. Services and reports shall not be represented as accredited unless Guardian confirms in writing that formal accreditation covers the specific activity and location.

The client shall provide complete and accurate information necessary to review the requested inspection. Guardian may request additional information and may decline work that is outside its defined scope or competence, creates an unacceptable impartiality risk, cannot be performed safely or cannot be completed using suitable methods and resources.

No assignment is accepted until Guardian issues written confirmation or an authorized agreement.

The service is limited to the item, process, facility, lot, consignment, location, date, inspection stage and criteria identified in the agreement. Changes require review and written acceptance by Guardian.

The client is responsible for identifying contractual requirements and providing current specifications unless Guardian has expressly accepted responsibility for identifying them.

The client shall:

• provide safe and timely access to relevant premises, products, records and personnel;
• identify site hazards, hygiene rules and protective-equipment requirements;
• obtain permissions required for access, sampling, photography or release of information;
• provide truthful, complete and current information;
• ensure inspected items are available in the agreed condition and quantity;
• avoid influencing inspectors or inspection conclusions;
• promptly communicate material changes; and
• pay agreed fees and expenses.

Guardian is not responsible for delays or incomplete work caused by unavailable items, unsafe conditions, denied access, missing records or inaccurate client information.

Guardian determines the assignment of authorized personnel and the methods necessary to perform the agreed inspection. Inspection is based on evidence available at the agreed time and place. Hidden conditions, subsequent changes and matters outside the agreed scope may not be detected or reported.

Guardian may suspend or terminate work where conditions are unsafe, independence is threatened, access is restricted or the agreed inspection cannot be performed reliably.

Where sampling or testing is required, the sampling plan, laboratory arrangements, responsibility for transport and treatment of samples will be agreed. A sample represents only the defined lot and method to the extent supported by the sampling plan.

Guardian may use a competent subcontractor or external laboratory where necessary and permitted. Guardian will manage such arrangements in accordance with its published Testing, Sampling and Subcontracting policy.

Reports relate only to the agreed inspection and the evidence available. Reports must be used in full and must not be altered, selectively reproduced or represented as product certification, management-system certification, regulatory approval or a guarantee of continuing conformity.

Guardian retains ownership of its report format, marks and intellectual property. The client may use an authentic report for its intended contractual purpose subject to these Terms.

Fees, taxes, travel and other expenses are specified in the quotation or agreement. Additional work arising from changed scope, delay, reinspection, waiting time, incomplete access or client-requested amendments may be charged separately after notification.

Guardian may withhold scheduling or delivery of reports where agreed payment conditions have not been met, subject to applicable law and contract terms.

The client shall provide reasonable notice of cancellation or rescheduling. Guardian may charge committed travel, personnel, laboratory or administrative costs and any cancellation fee stated in the quotation.

Guardian may reschedule due to safety, force majeure, inspector unavailability or circumstances beyond reasonable control and will seek to minimize disruption.

Guardian will protect information in accordance with its Confidentiality, Privacy and Disclosure page. The client authorizes information sharing reasonably required to perform agreed laboratory, subcontracted or technical activities.

Complaints and eligible appeals are handled according to Guardian's published Complaints and Appeals process. Commercial disputes do not require Guardian to change technically valid findings.

Inspection reduces uncertainty but cannot eliminate all risk. Guardian's liability, exclusions and any financial limitation shall be governed by the signed agreement and applicable law. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

The client remains responsible for food safety, legal compliance, product release, recall decisions and use of inspection results.

If these website Terms conflict with a signed inspection agreement, the signed agreement prevails. The agreement shall identify applicable law, dispute resolution and competent jurisdiction.