Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all transactions, services, and purchases made through Northern Lights Reptile Imports (“NLRI”), The Exotic Empire, Riveting Reptiles, and Reptile Express International (collectively referred to as “Seller,” “we,” or “us”). By placing an order, submitting payment, or engaging our services, the Buyer (“you”) agrees to be legally bound by these Terms.

1. Payments & Deposits

1.1 Accepted Payment Methods

The following payment methods are accepted:

  • PayPal
  • Email Money Transfer (EMT)
  • Wire Transfer

At the Buyer’s request, NLRI may remit payment directly to a third-party seller on the Buyer’s behalf, provided verifiable proof of payment is supplied. NLRI assumes no responsibility for payment disputes, processing errors, or third-party failures, though reasonable efforts will be made to assess reported issues.

1.2 Deposits & Balances

  • A non-refundable deposit of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total purchase price is required to reserve animals.
  • The remaining balance must be paid no later than three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled shipping date.
  • Failure to remit payment in accordance with agreed deadlines may result in order cancellation without refund.

All deposits are strictly non-refundable under all circumstances.

1.3 Late Payments

Payments not received by the agreed deadline are subject to a ten percent (10%) late payment fee, unless a prior written agreement has been executed. This policy applies equally to NLRI and its partner entities.

2. Pricing & Availability

  • All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Availability of animals is not guaranteed until payment obligations are satisfied, as animals may be concurrently offered within seller countries.
  • Orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • In the event of any underpayment resulting from currency exchange fluctuations, banking fees, or unforeseen charges, the Buyer shall remain responsible for remitting the outstanding balance.

3. Shipping & Importation

  • All orders must be paid in full prior to shipment.
  • Shipping fees are not included in animal pricing unless expressly stated in writing.
  • A five percent (5%) Canadian customs tax, calculated on the total declared value and converted to Canadian currency, is the Buyer’s responsibility.
  • NLRI is not responsible for delays caused by weather, airline schedules, customs clearance, regulatory changes, acts of God, or other circumstances beyond our control.

4. Restrictions & Disclaimer of Liability

  • Front-fanged venomous snakes are not shipped, except by special arrangement for accredited zoological institutions.
  • Live arrival is not guaranteed.
  • NLRI and its partners expressly disclaim liability for:
    • Injury, illness, or death of any animal
    • Tail loss or stress-related conditions (e.g., geckos)
    • Incorrect sexing or species identification
    • Shipping or customs delays
    • Buyer non-compliance with municipal, provincial, or federal laws

Reasonable efforts may be made to assist with seller disputes; however, no outcomes are guaranteed.

5. Holding, Care & Forfeiture

Animals held due to Buyer delay, inability to receive shipment, or scheduling conflicts are subject to additional care and holding fees.

If animals are not picked up or shipped within thirty (30) days of arrival, despite prior agreement, such animals shall be deemed forfeited to NLRI with no refunds or credits issued.

NLRI assumes no liability for animals that die while held, as animals are not bred or raised by us and may possess undisclosed or latent conditions.

6. Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Claims

The Buyer acknowledges and voluntarily assumes all inherent risks associated with the purchase, holding, exportation, and transportation of live animals.

The Buyer agrees that NLRI, The Exotic Empire, Riveting Reptiles, Reptile Express International, third-party couriers, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any claims arising from injury, illness, death, loss, delay, or damage, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.

This waiver is binding upon the Buyer and their heirs, executors, administrators, and legal representatives.

7. CITES, Export Permits & International Orders

  • CITES and export permits (including U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service approvals) may require several months and incur additional costs.
  • Permit approval is not guaranteed.
  • If permits are denied for any reason:
    • Animals may be sold on the Buyer’s behalf to mitigate losses, with no guarantee of resale or price recovery.
  • If animals perish while pending export, Seller assumes no responsibility.

Australian & Sensitive Species

All Australian and other sensitive species transactions are conducted entirely at Buyer’s risk. Applicable CITES permit costs shall be divided among participating buyers. Permit denial invokes Buyer’s Risk without exception.

8. Refund Policy

  • No refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including DOA, illness, or mortality, unless expressly approved by the originating seller.
  • Approved refunds exclude shipping fees, customs taxes, and associated costs.
  • No refunds, including deposits, will be issued if:
    • The Buyer cancels an order
    • Payment deadlines are missed
    • Shipment capacity has been allocated

Shipping refunds, if applicable, are determined solely by NLRI or Reptile Express International.

Animals not sourced directly through NLRI or Reptile Express International are
ineligible for refunds

.

9. Isopods & Invertebrates

Isopods must be shipped immediately. Due to transport stress:

  • No refunds or replacements are provided for mortality, loss, or escape.
  • NLRI is not responsible for escapees during government inspection, as importer access limitations may apply.

10. Regulatory Changes

Laws governing reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate ownership may change without notice. Should regulatory changes affect shipments:

  • No refunds or credits shall be issued unless approved by the seller.
  • Such changes are beyond Seller’s control.

11. General Provisions

  • Sellers are cross-referenced for legitimacy; however, Seller assumes no responsibility for seller conduct.
  • These Terms apply to all partner entities, whether explicitly named or not.
  • By placing an order, the Buyer confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms in full.