I. Pre-Claim Preparation
- Liability Determination
- Transport Liability: Verify damage occurred during transit using tracking records. Intact packaging with internal damage suggests packaging flaws; visible external damage (tears/dents) indicates carrier liability.
- Packaging Compliance: Confirm adherence to Alibaba’s International Logistics Packaging Standards:
- Corrugated carton edge crush strength ≥7 kN/m
- Buffer material fill rate ≥80% void space
- Clear fragile labels (minimum two sides)
- Evidence Collection
- Unboxing Video: Record full unpacking process (≥1080p, timestamped) showing packaging condition and damage.
- Damage Photos: Capture 5+ images (overall & close-ups) of defects, packaging, and serial numbers.
- Shipping Documents: Retain waybill, B/L, and POD (signed by consignee noting “damaged packaging”).
- Value Proof: Provide purchase contracts, commercial invoices, or third-party appraisal reports.
II. Alibaba Logistics Claim Procedure
- Time Limits
- Domestic: File claim within 48 hours of delivery.
- International (sea/air): Submit within 7 business days of port arrival.
- Platform Operations
- Log in to Alibaba.com Backend → Transaction Management → Logistics Orders → Select order → Click “File Claim”.
- Complete Cargo Damage Claim Form including:
- Damaged quantity ratio (e.g., 5/30 boxes = 16.7%)
- Loss calculation (cost + freight + duties)
- Preliminary liability assessment (citing INCOTERMS 2020)
- Supporting Documents
- Third-party inspection reports (e.g., SGS/BV, cost 300–300–500, typically borne by liable party).
- Carrier incident report (if driver confirmed damage on-site).
III. Compensation Standards & Dispute Resolution
- Compensation Limits
- Uninsured: Maximum 3x freight per Alibaba Logistics T&C (e.g., 500𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡→500freight→1,500 cap).
- Insured: 100% declared value if “Cargo Damage Insurance” purchased (requires value proof).
- Dispute Handling
- Platform Arbitration: Decision within 15 business days; 65% success rate with complete evidence.
- Legal Action: For claims >$10,000, file under CISG with:
- Transport contract copy
- Independent inspection report
- Historical intact shipment records
IV. Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Enhanced Packaging
- Use 5-ply BC-flute cartons + EPE cushioning (density ≥30kg/m³) + steel strapping (tension ≥500kg).
- Conduct ISTA 3A drop tests (1.2m height, 6 surfaces).
- Insurance Recommendations
- All Risks coverage for high-value goods (>$5,000; premium ≈0.3% value).
- Include Warehouse-to-Warehouse clause for full coverage.
- Contract Optimization
- Specify in agreements:
- Carrier inspection obligations (pre-delivery packaging check)
- Governing law (prefer Singapore/Hong Kong jurisdiction)
- Compensation basis (market value vs. cost)
- Specify in agreements:
V. Claim Process Flowchart
[Damage Found at Delivery] ↓ [Collect Evidence Within 48h] ↓ [Platform Claim Submission] ↓ [Upload Docs + 3rd-Party Report] ↓ [Platform Review (5–10 Days)] ↓ [Result: Compensation/Rejection] ↓ [Dispute → Arbitration/Litigation]
VI. Key Communication Templates
- To Logistics Provider:
“Re: Order #XXXX delivered on [Date] with evident impact marks (video 05:23 attachment). 30% glass bottles damaged. Per Alibaba Logistics Clause 8.2, initiate damage investigation and respond within 48h.” - Insurance Claim:
“Attaching Policy #XXX and SGS Report #XXX for $12,000 loss. Under All Risks Clause 5.3, complete assessment within 10 business days.”