6. Commercial relations

The commercial relationships that develop between foundries and their customers take several forms.

• General terms and conditions of sale: these are set out in a document issued by the SGFF (Syndicat Général des Fondeurs de France) entitled Conditions Générales de Vente des Fonderies Européennes, which defines the rights and obligations of the foundry and the customer, and constitutes the legal basis for contracts for the supply of parts, both from the point of view of part design and from that of studies, models, tooling, lead times, part weights, prices, inspection, warranty (replacement of non-conforming parts), industrial property, etc.

• Partnerships: certain principals may enter into partnership agreements with their selected suppliers, involving them more closely in the design of...