Last updated: January 15, 2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the African Standards, Trade & Investment Accreditation Commission (“ASTIAC”) website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you must discontinue use immediately. These terms apply to all visitors, applicants, accredited entities, and any person accessing our platform or services.
2. Definitions
“Accreditation” means the formal recognition by ASTIAC that an applicant meets the required standards of integrity, compliance, and operational competence. “Certificate” refers to the digital and/or physical accreditation document issued upon successful completion of the review process. “Applicant” means any entity or individual who submits an application for ASTIAC accreditation.
3. Accreditation Services
ASTIAC provides accreditation services across three tiers: Corporate, Non-Profit, and Individual. Accreditation involves comprehensive AML/CTF screening, due diligence review, and compliance verification. ASTIAC reserves the sole right to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke any accreditation based on its assessment criteria. Accreditation does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty of the applicant's commercial performance or financial solvency.
4. Application Process
Applicants must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information during the application process. Submission of false, misleading, or fraudulent information is grounds for immediate denial or revocation of accreditation and may be reported to relevant authorities. ASTIAC reserves the right to request additional documentation at any stage of the review process.
5. Fees and Payment
Accreditation fees are published on our Pricing page and are payable in full at the time of application. Fees are non-refundable once the compliance screening process has commenced, except as outlined in our Refund Policy. ASTIAC reserves the right to modify pricing with 30 days' notice on our website.
6. Certificate Validity
Accreditation certificates remain valid for as long as the accredited entity continues to meet ASTIAC's standards of integrity, compliance, and operational competence. ASTIAC conducts periodic compliance monitoring and reserves the right to revoke or suspend a certificate at any time if new information indicates the accredited entity no longer meets the required standards.
7. Intellectual Property
All content on the ASTIAC website, including text, graphics, logos, certifications marks, and software, is the property of ASTIAC and protected by intellectual property laws. Accredited entities may display the ASTIAC accreditation mark only in accordance with our Brand Usage Guidelines and only for the duration of their valid accreditation.
8. Limitation of Liability
ASTIAC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to the use of our services. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount of fees paid by the applicant for the accreditation in question.
9. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware.
10. Contact
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, contact us at accreditation@astiac.org or write to: ASTIAC, 651 North Broad Street, Suite 206, Middletown, Delaware 19709, USA.