Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Aotara platform ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a business or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind such entity to these Terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or via email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Platform Description

Aotara operates a controlled trade infrastructure platform that connects verified New Zealand health and wellness product suppliers with verified buyers in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. The Platform provides compliance verification tools, product listing management, document management, and communication facilitation between approved participants.

Aotara is not a party to any transaction between suppliers and buyers. We facilitate introductions and provide compliance infrastructure, but do not act as an agent, distributor, or importer/exporter on behalf of any participant. All commercial terms, including pricing, payment, shipping, and delivery, are agreed directly between the transacting parties.

3. User Accounts

Access to the Platform requires a verified account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or use of your account.

All accounts are subject to our verification and approval process. We reserve the right to reject, suspend, or terminate any account at our discretion, including accounts that provide false or misleading information during the application process.

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration and verification process, and to update such information promptly when it changes.

4. Supplier Obligations

Suppliers listed on the Platform agree to the following obligations:

• All product information, certifications, and compliance documents uploaded to the Platform must be accurate, current, and authentic.
• Suppliers must maintain valid certifications and licenses for the duration of their Platform listing and promptly update any changes in certification status.
• Products must comply with all applicable New Zealand export regulations and, to the best of the supplier's knowledge, with the import regulations of the target GCC market.
• Suppliers must respond to buyer inquiries in a timely and professional manner, and must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct.
• Suppliers are solely responsible for the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of their products.

5. Buyer Obligations

Buyers approved on the Platform agree to the following obligations:

• All business information and import credentials provided during the application process must be accurate and current.
• Buyers must hold all necessary import licenses and permits required by their local jurisdiction.
• Buyers are responsible for ensuring that imported products comply with all applicable local regulations at the point of import.
• Buyers must engage with suppliers in good faith and must not use the Platform to solicit confidential business information for competitive purposes.

6. Fees & Payments

Certain features and services on the Platform may be subject to fees. All applicable fees will be clearly communicated before any charges are incurred. Fees are denominated in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) unless otherwise specified.

Payment terms, including subscription fees, transaction fees, and any other charges, are set out in the applicable service agreement or pricing schedule provided to you upon account approval.

All payments between suppliers and buyers are transacted directly between the parties. Aotara does not process payments on behalf of suppliers or buyers unless a specific escrow or payment facilitation service has been agreed to in writing.

7. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, content, and underlying technology, is the intellectual property of Aotara and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works based on the Platform without our prior written consent.

Content uploaded by users (including product listings, images, descriptions, and documents) remains the intellectual property of the uploading party. By uploading content to the Platform, you grant Aotara a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display, distribute, and use such content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Aotara shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities.

Aotara does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by third parties on the Platform, including supplier certifications and product claims. While we undertake verification processes, users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any transaction.

Our total liability for any claims arising under these Terms shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to Aotara in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

Where a dispute arises, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful within thirty (30) days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation under the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) mediation rules before commencing legal proceedings.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: