Refund & Returns Policy

1 Scope & Company Identification

This Refund and Returns Policy applies to all purchases, rentals, and storage agreements concluded with Dutch Container Trading (DCT) B.V. ("DCT", "we", "us", or "our"), trading under Dutch Container Trading (DCT) B.V., DCT, and Marcoan Vastgoed.

As an established Dutch provider operating out of Rotterdam, we adhere strictly to the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek - BW), the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) guidelines, and European Union distance selling directives.

2 Statutory 14-Day Right of Withdrawal (Herroepingsrecht)

Under Dutch law and European distance selling regulations, consumer buyers (individuals purchasing outside trade or business operations) are entitled to a statutory cooling-off period of 14 calendar days without providing any reason.

• Start of period: The 14-day period begins on the day you, or a designated third party (excluding the carrier), physically takes receipt of the container(s).
• Notification: To exercise this right, you must notify us before the 14 days elapse by emailing verkoop@dutchcontainertrading.com with your order number and intention to withdraw.

3 Container Return Conditions & Inspection

Due to the industrial nature and structural classification of intermodal freight containers, returned units must meet the following criteria upon return inspection:

• Original Condition: The container must remain in the same condition as delivered (wind and watertight, cargo worthy, or as agreed upon in the sales invoice).
• Clean & Empty: The container must be completely empty, broom-clean, and free of any cargo residues, chemicals, or contaminants.
• CSC Plate & Identification: Structural safety certification (CSC safety plates) and manufacturer serial markings must remain unaltered and intact.
• Usage Limitation: You are liable for any reduction in value resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics, and functioning of the container.

4 Return Logistics & Freight Costs

Shipping containers are oversized freight commodities requiring specialized transport (crane trucks, side-loaders, or flatbed trailers):

• Customer Responsibility: In accordance with Article 6:230s of the Dutch Civil Code, the direct costs of returning heavy freight items are borne by the customer, unless the return is due to an error, damage, or defect on our part.
• Return Method: Containers may be returned via authorized heavy-haul logistics carriers directly to our designated Rotterdam depot, or scheduled through our transport partners at standardized carrier rates.
• Restocking Fee: We charge €0.00 restocking fee. Customers only pay for direct logistics and crane handling fees incurred during transit.

5 Damaged, Defective, or Non-Conforming Items

All containers undergo rigorous inspection prior to dispatch. However, if a container arrives damaged, structurally compromised, or not matching the specifications ordered:

• Immediate Notification: Note visible exterior damage on the carrier delivery note (CMR / vrachtbrief) and report it within 48 hours to verkoop@dutchcontainertrading.com with clear photos.
• Resolution: We will inspect the issue immediately and provide either an on-site structural repair, a replacement unit at zero additional cost to you, or a full refund including initial delivery fees.

6 Custom Modifications & Exemptions

7 Business-to-Business (B2B) Transactions

For commercial purchases, container leasing, and storage contracts concluded between Dutch Container Trading (DCT) B.V. and corporate/business entities (B2B):

• Statutory consumer cooling-off periods do not apply to B2B contracts.
• B2B returns and contract cancellations are subject to our general commercial terms and written mutual agreement.
• Container survey reports and depot acceptance protocols signed at time of gate-out serve as conclusive proof of condition.

8 Refund Process & Timeline

Once your returned container is received at our Rotterdam depot and passes structural inspection:

• We will notify you by email confirming receipt and inspection status within 2 business days.
• Approved refunds are processed within 7 to 14 calendar days from the date of physical receipt and verification.
• Refunds are executed using the same payment method used for the initial transaction (e.g., SEPA bank transfer, iDEAL, or credit card) without charging any transaction deduction fees.

9 Authorized Return Depot & Contact Details

All returns must be pre-authorized with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) reference before transport to our depot.