General Terms and Conditions

Legal

General Terms and Conditions of Zeros GmbH

Date: 06.06.2023

1. Services of Zeros GmbH

1.1 For all services of Zeros GmbH, exclusively the following provisions apply, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Deviating conditions are only binding if confirmed in writing by an authorized signatory of Zeros GmbH.

1.2 A contract is only deemed concluded once the client unconditionally accepts an offer from the contractor, or the client receives a written order confirmation, or the contractor commences execution of the contract.

1.3 Zeros GmbH performs the work independently with its own personnel and equipment suitable for the respective requirements. In individual cases, specialists from other accredited testing companies may also be used.

1.4 Zeros GmbH carries out all tests according to the rules or specifications provided by the client. After completion, the client receives a test report and, if applicable, test objects, film material, or digital files.

1.5 For test requests not covered by ZEROS accreditation certificates, Zeros GmbH can only issue an accredited test report once the activities have been created and approved within its flexible scope of accreditation. The current list of accredited activities is publicly available on our website.

2. Client Information, Services & Additional Costs

2.1 The test objects must be in proper condition so that testing can be carried out. The parts to be tested must be properly labeled to ensure traceability.

2.2 Dates for execution as well as processing times must be agreed with Zeros GmbH before work begins.

2.3 For agreed test appointments cancelled by the client at short notice (within 24h), 100% of the test scope will be charged. For radiographic inspections, the period is 48h.

2.4 Flat-rate billing requires efficient working conditions. Items must not be heavily obstructed, and accessibility must be ensured. Heavily obstructed items, e.g. in plants, trenches, manholes, entry hatches, or work requiring scaffolds/ladders from +/-3 m height/depth, incur surcharges:

Heavily obstructed:+ 17.5 %
+/- 3 – 5 m:+ 22.5 %
+/- 5 – 10 m:+ 35.0 %
Over 10 m:+ 50.0 %
Manhole or entry hatch:+ 25.0 %
High alpine terrain:+ 20.0 %

2.5 In addition to the quoted costs, Zeros GmbH charges the following surcharges:

Sunday and public holiday surcharge:100 %
Saturday surcharge:50 %
Night surcharge:25 %

Public holidays of the federal state where the order is placed apply (Berlin, Bavaria, or Saxony-Anhalt).

2.6 Radiographic inspections must be registered by law. A 48-hour notice should be observed if possible. The site manager must always be informed by the client in advance. If ignored, work will be stopped and costs charged. The client must ensure safe access to the test area with lighting, scaffolds, lifts, ladders. If not ensured, work cannot be carried out and 100% of the test scope will be charged.

2.7 Safety instructions, initial briefings, and waiting times for escorts/site managers are invoiced based on time at the usual hourly rates.

2.8 Invoices issued by Zeros GmbH are subject to binding payment terms.

2.8.1 If the payment term is not met, the client agrees to pay the following reminder fees:

  • 1st reminder: €0.00
  • 2nd reminder: €2.50
  • 3rd reminder: €5.00
3. Obligations of Zeros GmbH

3.1 Zeros GmbH is obliged to comply with project-specific requirements provided, and is released from liability for their correctness or suitability.

3.2 Zeros GmbH allows the client to attend tests unless prevented by safety or radiation regulations.

4. Warranty

4.1 Zeros GmbH guarantees professional and timely execution of services according to the recognized state of the art.

4.2 All services must be accepted immediately. If not rejected in writing within 14 days with reasons, acceptance is deemed given. Minor defects will be remedied at no cost. Rejection is not possible.

4.3 Within the warranty period, if test services are incomplete or defective and Zeros GmbH is responsible, it must remedy them free of charge within a reasonable time.

4.4 Warranty excludes errors caused by the client or third parties, and consequential damages.

4.5 If the client delays cooperation, delivery and service times extend accordingly.

4.6 Destructive tests alter the original condition of parts. Unless return is explicitly requested in writing, tested parts will be scrapped 5 working days after report delivery without entitlement to scrap value.

4.7 Test results represent an objective assessment and are not warranties or guarantees of quality, classification, or usability. Reports remain property of Zeros GmbH until fully paid.

4.8 Warranty claims expire one year after receipt of service/delivery.

4.9 Claims for subsequent performance, reduction, or rescission not subject to §634a(1) No.2 BGB expire after 1 year unless defects were fraudulently concealed.

5. Liability, Risk Coverage

5.1 Zeros GmbH is insured against compensation claims arising from order execution. If not covered by insurance, liability is limited to the contract value, except for intent or gross negligence.

5.2 Further liability, especially for indirect damages such as downtime or lost profit, is excluded.

5.3 Zeros GmbH is not liable for errors caused by the client in technical supervision.

6. Confidentiality, Rights

6.1 Zeros GmbH ensures confidentiality of all information and documents learned during work. Obligation continues after contract end.

6.2 All results created by Zeros GmbH for the client are the client's property.

6.3 Confidential information may only be shared with third parties with prior written consent. Zeros GmbH may use the client’s name in marketing with prior consent.

6.4 Zeros GmbH commits to confidentiality. If legally obliged or authorized to disclose, the client will be informed unless prohibited by law.

7. Copyright

7.1 Zeros GmbH reserves its copyrights to reports, test results, calculations, and similar documents.

7.2 Reports may only be forwarded in complete form. Partial forwarding requires prior written consent.

7.3 The client may not alter or use reports outside its business. Publication requires prior written consent.

8. Final Provisions

8.1 If execution of tests becomes impossible due to technical defects or other circumstances beyond Zeros GmbH's control, it is released from delivery obligations.

8.2 Claims against Zeros GmbH beyond these GTC are excluded.

8.3 Claims not related to contract services are limited to the contract amount.

8.4 German law applies.

8.5 Exclusive jurisdiction is Berlin.

9. GTC as Part of the Contract

9.1 The GTC of Zeros GmbH apply to all contracts concluded with clients.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zeros GmbH?

Zeros GmbH is an independent testing laboratory for destructive and non-destructive materials testing. We support companies from incoming inspection to series release – including digital test reports and full traceability.

We operate under accreditation to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (quality management for laboratories). See our current accreditation information here.

Which standards is Zeros GmbH accredited to?

We are accredited by DAkkS to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. This standard ensures that test methods, equipment control, personnel qualification and reporting meet the highest requirements.

An overview of services and scopes is available on our homepage.

What services does Zeros GmbH offer?

Our portfolio covers NDT (UT, RT, MT, PT, VT), mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, Charpy), metallography (microstructure, grain size, coating thickness) and chemical analysis (e.g. OES, XRF). We also provide specimen preparation, documentation and consulting.

How can I use Zeros GmbH's services?

Please contact us by email or use the contact option on the website. Share material, standard/specification and quantity – we'll get back to you promptly with a solution.