SHIPPING AND DUTIES POLICY
SHIPPING AND DUTIES POLICY
This policy is effective February 20, 2026.
Scope and Purpose
This Shipping and Duties Policy explains how Snowtrack.shop handles shipping, delivery, customs duties, taxes, insurance, and related charges for domestic and international orders.
It applies to all purchases made on Snowtrack.shop and supplements the site Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
1. Shipping Methods, Carriers, and Availability
- Carriers: Snowtrack uses reputable international couriers and local logistics partners such as DHL and FedEx for international shipments and selected local couriers for domestic delivery. Availability depends on destination and product.
- Service Levels: Snowtrack offers standard, expedited, and economy shipping options where supported by the destination and carrier.
- Geographic Coverage: International shipping is available to countries listed at checkout. Some destinations may be restricted due to carrier limits or local import rules.
Carrier Summary Table
| Carrier | Service Types | Typical Transit Time | Availability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL | Express; Door to door | 3–10 business days | International; subject to customs delays |
| FedEx | Express; Economy | 3–12 business days | International; service depends on destination |
| Local Couriers | Standard; Same day where available | 1–5 business days | Domestic only; coverage varies by city |
| Postal Services | Economy international | 7–30 business days | May be used for low-value items or where courier not available |
2. Shipping Costs, Handling, and Calculation
- How Costs Are Calculated: Shipping charges are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight and dimensions, service level, and carrier rates. Any handling or packaging fees applied by Snowtrack will be shown at checkout.
- Who Pays Shipping: The buyer pays shipping charges unless Snowtrack offers a promotion or free-shipping threshold that explicitly states otherwise.
- Non-Refundable Shipping Fees: Shipping fees are generally non-refundable if the buyer refuses delivery or if the shipment is returned due to buyer action, except where required by law or Snowtrack error.
3. Customs Duties, Taxes, and Import Charges
- Buyer Responsibility: For international shipments, customs duties, import taxes, VAT, and other government charges are the responsibility of the buyer unless Snowtrack explicitly states that duties are prepaid. These charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost shown at checkout.
- Legal Basis and Rates: Customs duties and VAT are levied by the destination country customs authority. In Zimbabwe these are administered by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and rates vary by product classification and tariff schedule. Buyers should consult the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for applicable duty and VAT rates.
- Declared Value and Customs Documentation: Snowtrack will declare the full transaction value on customs documentation and will not under-declare or mark commercial shipments as gifts. Buyers must provide accurate recipient information and any required import licenses or permits.
- Brokerage and Handling Fees: Carriers or customs brokers may charge brokerage or clearance fees. These are payable by the buyer unless Snowtrack has agreed in writing to cover them.
- Advance Payment of Duties: Where available, Snowtrack may offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) or prepayment of duties for certain destinations. Options will be shown at checkout with a clear breakdown of charges.
4. Customs Delays, Refusal, and Returned Shipments
- Customs Delays: Customs clearance times are outside Snowtrack control. Snowtrack is not liable for delays caused by customs inspections, additional documentation requests, or local regulatory checks.
- Refusal to Pay Duties: If a recipient refuses to pay duties or taxes, the shipment may be returned to Snowtrack or abandoned by the carrier. In such cases shipping fees are non-refundable, and the buyer may be charged for return shipping, customs penalties, or disposal costs. Snowtrack will notify the buyer of options where possible.
- Returned Goods: If goods are returned to Snowtrack through no fault of Snowtrack, Snowtrack may deduct reasonable return and restocking costs from any refund, subject to statutory consumer rights.
5. Insurance, Loss, Damage, and Inspection
- Insurance: Snowtrack recommends and may offer optional shipment insurance to cover loss or damage in transit. Insurance costs will be shown at checkout if selected.
- Damage on Arrival: Buyers must inspect packages on delivery and note visible damage on the carrier proof of delivery. For damaged or missing items, buyers must notify Snowtrack and the carrier immediately and preserve packaging and goods for inspection.
- Claims Process: Snowtrack will assist with carrier claims but timely buyer cooperation is required to support evidence collection and claim submission.
6. Prohibited Items, Restricted Imports, and Compliance
- Prohibited Items: Snowtrack will not ship items that are illegal to import into the destination country or that violate carrier policies. Buyers must not order restricted goods without confirming import eligibility and permits.
- Compliance Checks: Snowtrack may refuse or cancel orders that fail compliance checks or where required documentation is not provided.
7. Returns, Refunds, and Consumer Rights for Imported Goods
- General Returns Policy: Snowtrack standard policy is that sales are final once goods are delivered, except where Snowtrack agrees otherwise or where statutory consumer rights apply.
- Zimbabwe Consumer Protection Act Remedies: Buyers in Zimbabwe retain statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, including remedies where goods are defective, not of merchantable quality, or not fit for purpose. Where the Act requires repair, replacement, or refund, Snowtrack will comply and provide the remedy mandated by law. Buyers should report defects promptly and follow Snowtrack returns procedure.
- Customs-Related Returns: If goods are returned to Snowtrack because of customs refusal or incorrect documentation provided by the buyer, Snowtrack may charge return shipping and handling fees and will process refunds only after deducting such costs, subject to statutory consumer protections.
8. Tracking, Communication, and Delivery Instructions
- Tracking: Snowtrack provides tracking numbers for carrier-tracked shipments. Tracking updates are available via the carrier tracking portal.
- Delivery Instructions: Buyers may provide delivery instructions at checkout. Snowtrack and carriers will attempt to follow reasonable instructions but cannot guarantee special delivery requests.
- Failed Delivery Attempts: If delivery cannot be completed, carriers will follow their standard procedures such as reattempt, hold at depot, or return to sender. Additional charges for redelivery or storage may apply and will be charged to the buyer.
9. Dispute Resolution, Contact Information, and Escalation
- Contact for Shipping Issues: For shipping, customs, or delivery queries, buyers must contact Snowtrack customer support using the contact details on the website. Snowtrack will investigate and respond promptly.
- Escalation: If a dispute cannot be resolved directly, buyers in Zimbabwe may pursue remedies through the Consumer Protection Commission or other statutory dispute resolution mechanisms under the Consumer Protection Act.
10. Practical Buyer Guidance Checklist
- Before You Buy: Verify product description, HS code if known, and whether the item is permitted in your country.
- At Checkout: Review shipping method, estimated transit time, and whether duties can be prepaid.
- On Delivery: Inspect packaging and goods and note any visible damage on the carrier delivery record.
- If Customs Contacts You: Respond promptly and provide requested documents to avoid return or abandonment.
11. Effective Date and Changes
This policy is effective February 20, 2026 and may be updated by Snowtrack. The current version will be posted on Snowtrack.shop.
Continued use of the site after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.








