General terms and conditions of sale

1. Purpose

The purpose of these General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC) is to define the terms and conditions under which the company FIV-DROP provides a specialized transport service for frozen cells, intended for individuals engaged in a Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) process.

2. Description of services

FIV-DROP ensures the transport of frozen reproductive cells (oocytes, spermatozoa, embryos, ovarian tissue, testicular tissue) in compliance with safety, traceability and preservation standards, within the national and international territory.

3. Order

The client submits a service request via the website or by direct contact. The service is confirmed after acceptance of the quote, signing of the mandate and the terms and conditions, and receipt of payment.

4. Price and payment terms

The price quoted is in euros, inclusive of all taxes (VAT). Payment is due before the service is provided, by bank transfer. A surcharge applies for urgent requests and will be communicated to the client.

5. Transportation arrangements

5.1 THE CONTAINER

FIV-DROP uses cryopreservation containers validated for human cells. The model used is the Dry Shipper V2 from Cryopal and Cryolab, specifically designed for transporting reproductive cells. It contains a material that absorbs the liquid nitrogen poured in and releases it in the dry phase as nitrogen vapor. This technology allows the samples to be maintained at continuously low temperatures. In addition, the containers are equipped with a temperature probe that records the temperature throughout transport. The container is placed in a dedicated transport case.

5.2 THE STARTING LABORATORY

The transporter arrives at the laboratory reception with a container pre-filled with liquid nitrogen (already chilled). The laboratory biologist identifies the straw(s) and places them in the container. They are solely responsible in case of an identification error. They then hand the container over to the transporter, who performs a final identity check before sealing the container.

5.3 DELIVERY

The transport is provided by a courier trained in the transport of biological tissues, the handling of liquid nitrogen containers, and compliance with hygiene standards and confidentiality rules.

The container remains sealed throughout its journey from the departure laboratory to the arrival laboratory. For transport by road, the container is securely fastened and kept upright in the vehicle throughout the journey. For transport by rail and air, the container is constantly kept upright, either carried by the transporter or placed on the ground under their continuous supervision.

5.4 THE ARRIVAL LABORATORY

The transporter hands the container to a member of the on-site biological team. The seal is removed by the healthcare professional responsible for receiving the straws. They check the container's temperature, identify and count the straws, and then transfer them from the container to the designated tank.

5.5 IDENTITY CHECK AND NUMBER OF SEQUINS

The originating laboratory is solely responsible for identifying and counting the straws. The FIV-DROP carrier performs a final check before sealing the container but will not be held liable for any loading errors (straw identity or number). Therefore, the carrier has no responsibility for straw identification or quantity, which remains the sole responsibility of the originating laboratory.

5.6 TRANSPORT DELAY

The carrier strives to adhere to the scheduled times, but these are approximate and subject to unforeseen transportation issues. It will not be held liable for delays due to force majeure or the actions of a third party (e.g., flight delays, train cancellations).

6. Right of withdrawal

In accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code, you may exercise your right of withdrawal within 14 days of payment using the dedicated form. Please note that this right does not apply to "urgent" services. If you have already incurred expenses to provide the service (e.g., plane or train tickets), the amount of the refund will be determined at the discretion of FIV-DROP.

7. Responsibilities

The company FIV-DROP is bound by an obligation of means. It cannot be held responsible in the event of an error by the sending or receiving laboratory, a failure related to a case of force majeure, or a failure by a third party (station staff, airport staff, etc.).

Regarding the identity and count of the straws: no error can be attributed to FIV-DROP.

Regarding cell preservation: FIV-DROP uses certified dry-shippers to maintain the low temperature necessary for preserving human reproductive cells during transport (several days of autonomy). Each container is checked before shipment and monitored during transit. However, unforeseen temperature variations due to external events (unforeseen interventions or malfunctions, transport breakdowns, force majeure) cannot be attributed to FIV-DROP beyond the reasonable care taken.

Furthermore, FIV-DROP will also not be held responsible for the success or failure of subsequent treatment during the later use of the transported cells.

8. Personal Data

The personal data collected is used solely for the purpose of providing the service. In accordance with the GDPR, the client may request access to, rectification of, or erasure of their data by contacting FIV-DROP: contact@fivdrop.com

9. Disputes and applicable law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by French law. In the event of a dispute, an attempt at amicable settlement will be made first. Failing that, the French courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

10. Acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions

The customer acknowledges having read and accepted without reservation these General Terms and Conditions of Sale.