Shipping Policy — STS  Apostille & Attestation Service

Last Updated: 25-5-2025

This Shipping Policy explains how STS  Apostille & Attestation Service (“STS”, “we”, “us”, “our”) manages the collection, secure handling, transportation, shipping, and return of original documents and certified copies for apostille, attestation, notary, translation, and related document-processing services within India and internationally.

This policy applies to all clients (“you”, “your”) who submit documents to STS  Apostille & Attestation Service.

1. Overview & Key Principles

• STS securely handles all original documents submitted for apostille, attestation or other legalisation services.
• All documents are logged, tracked, sealed in tamper-evident packaging, and returned using trusted courier partners.
• Delivery is made only to authorised recipients, with ID or OTP verification where applicable.
• Chain-of-custody is maintained at every stage to protect document integrity and traceability.

2. Document Chain-of-Custody Protocol

• Each document received is recorded with a timestamp, client details, and service type.
• Documents are stored in access-controlled secure lockers when not in process.
• Only authorised staff may handle originals.
• A dispatch log is maintained for all outgoing shipments.

This system ensures transparent and auditable document movement from receipt to return.

3. Pickup Options (Domestic — India)

3.1 Paid Pickup (Metro & Tier-2 Cities)

Paid pickup is available from residential or business addresses in major cities. Pickup typically occurs within 1–3 business days of confirmed booking.

3.2 What to Provide for Pickup

Clients must provide:

• Complete address
• Contact person name & phone number
• Landmark or instructions for courier
• Confirmation message once the package is handed over

4. Processing & Handling Before Shipping

4.1 Standard Processing Time

Document processing (verification, state/SDM authentication, MEA apostille, embassy/consulate attestation, notarisation, etc.) is completed before dispatch.

Estimated timelines vary by:

• Document type
• Government authority workload
• Destination country requirements

Typical MEA apostille processing ranges from 6-8 business days, but complex or peak-season cases may require more time.

4.2 Government or Third-Party Delays

Delays caused by state authorities, MEA, consulates, or verification agencies are outside STS’s control. Clients will be informed of revised timelines whenever such delays occur.

5. Packaging Standards

• All documents are enclosed in a waterproof inner sleeve and a tamper-proof outer courier packet.
• High-value documents (passports, degree certificates, corporate papers) may include rigid protective backing.
• Minimal personally identifiable information is printed on the exterior to ensure privacy.

6. Shipping & Delivery Options

6.1 Domestic Standard Delivery

Delivered through trusted carriers (e.g., Blue Dart, DTDC, Speed Post).
Estimated delivery: 1–5 business days depending on destination.

6.2 Domestic Express Delivery

Express or same-day/next-day options may be available in select cities for an additional fee.

6.3 International Delivery

International shipping is handled via DHL, FedEx, or equivalent carriers.
Transit times vary by country, customs, and courier capacity.

6.4 Courier Selection

STS selects the most reliable courier based on route and urgency. Client preferences will be accommodated where possible, but availability is not guaranteed.

7. Tracking, Notifications & Proof of Dispatch

• Every shipment is issued a tracking number shared via SMS/WhatsApp/email.
• For Speed Post consignments, updates may also appear on the India Post tracking system.
• Upon request, STS may share:
  • A photo of completed apostille/attestation
  • A photo of the sealed courier packet prior to dispatch

Delivery is attempted only to you or your authorised representative with valid ID/OTP.

8. Shipping Charges & Payments

• Shipping fees depend on pickup location, delivery destination, weight, urgency (standard/express), and courier selection.
• Charges are communicated clearly in the invoice or order summary.
• All fees must be paid before dispatch.
• Promotional offers (e.g., discounted or free return shipping) may apply to specific services.

9. Insurance, Liability & Damaged/Lost Shipments

9.1 Insurance

Insurance for original documents is strongly recommended.
Where insurance is selected, cost will be added to the invoice.

9.2 Liability

STS  Apostille & Attestation Service packs documents securely; however:

• STS’s liability for loss or damage in transit is limited to the courier’s declared/insured value.
• If you decline insurance, you accept the courier’s standard liability limits.

9.3 Reporting Claims

Report lost or damaged shipments within 48 hours of delivery failure or receipt of a damaged parcel.
STS will initiate the claim with the courier and assist in documentation.

10.International Shipments — Customs & Duties

• International returns are declared as “documents,” but customs regulations vary by country.
• Some countries may require additional paperwork, fees, or taxes.
• Clients are responsible for any customs charges, duties, taxes, or clearance requirements imposed at destination.

11. Address Accuracy & Recipient Responsibilities

• Provide complete, accurate delivery information and an active contact number.
• Additional charges apply for re-dispatch due to incorrect addresses or failed delivery attempts.
• If delivery is unsuccessful after courier attempts, documents may be returned to STS for collection or re-shipping at your cost.

12. Special Handling for Original & High-Value Documents

• Original passports, educational degrees, affidavits, company documents and notarised papers are treated as high-priority shipments.
• STS  Apostille & Attestation Service may require:

• OTP confirmation
• Recipient ID checks
• In-person handover for sensitive or high-value consignments

For international shipping of originals, additional declarations or ID proofs may be required.

13. Refunds, Cancellations & Returns

13.1 Cancellation Before Processing

Full refund minus any irreversible third-party fees (if incurred).

13.2 Cancellation After Dispatch

Shipping fees are non-refundable.
Return shipping costs must be paid by the client unless the error is attributable to STS  Apostille & Attestation Service.

13.3 Unclaimed Returns

If courier returns a package to STS due to address errors or failed delivery attempts, re-dispatch costs will apply.

14. Multi-Stage Embassy / Consulate Processing

For services requiring multiple rounds of submission (e.g., embassy attestation, MOFA processes):

• Documents may be transported between offices several times.
• STS will notify clients when each stage is complete.
• Final tracking details will be provided once the last stage is completed and the document is ready for return.

15. Cut-Off Times

• Documents received after 3:00 PM (IST) are processed the following business day.
• Couriers typically dispatch outgoing consignments before 4:00 PM (IST).

16. Delays Beyond STS’s Control

STS  Apostille & Attestation Service is not responsible for delays caused by:

• State/SDM/HRD offices
• MEA processing queues
• Embassy/consulate workload
• Courier network disruptions
• Customs hold-ups
• Government shutdowns or verification requirements
• Strikes, natural disasters, or any force majeure events

Contact & Claims

STS  Apostille & Attestation Service
Address: 29-C, KC Block, Ashok Vihar Phase-1, New Delhi – 110052, India

📞 Phone / WhatsApp: 9910602390 | 8178082008
📧 Email: info@meaapostilleindia.com / sts.enterprises3610@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://meaapostilleindia.com