Terms of Use
Effective Date: August 19, 2025
Last Updated: August 19, 2025
Welcome to the Certified Traceable Shrimp™ website operated by Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. (“CTS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). CTS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing transparency, sustainability, and accountability in the shrimp industry.
By accessing or using our website, services, certification programs, QR code verification tools, or related offerings (collectively, the “Services”), you agree to these Terms of Use (“Terms”). If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.
1. Purpose of Our Services
Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. operates as an independent nonprofit certification authority. Our mission is to:
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Establish and maintain the Certified Traceable Shrimp™ standard
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Provide shrimpers, restaurants, and consumers with transparency and accountability tools
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Promote sustainability, ethical labor, and responsible sourcing within the shrimp industry
The Services are provided for educational, informational, and certification purposes only.
2. Eligibility
By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you are:
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At least 18 years old
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Legally capable of entering into binding agreements
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Using our Services in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
3. Certification Program Participation
If you are a shrimper, restaurant, distributor, or other industry participant applying for or maintaining certification, you agree to:
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Provide accurate and truthful information during the application process
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Comply with ongoing verification, audits, and transparency requirements
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Display and use the Certified Traceable Shrimp™ seal and QR code system only as authorized
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Refrain from misrepresentation, misuse, or unauthorized reproduction of our trademarks or certification marks
Violation of these requirements may result in suspension or revocation of certification status.
4. User Responsibilities
When using our Services, you agree not to:
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Violate any applicable laws or regulations
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Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation
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Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our website or systems
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Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our Services
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Post, transmit, or distribute any harmful, fraudulent, or unlawful material
We reserve the right to restrict access or remove content at our sole discretion.
5. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, videos, and software, is owned or licensed by Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
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The Certified Traceable Shrimp™ name, logo, and certification seal are registered or pending trademarks of CTS.
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Unauthorized use of our intellectual property is strictly prohibited.
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Certified shrimpers, restaurants, and approved partners may only use the marks in compliance with our certification guidelines.
6. Disclaimer of Warranties
Our Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
We do not warrant that:
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The Services will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
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Information provided through QR codes or listings will always be complete, accurate, or up to date
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Certification guarantees absolute compliance by participants (our role is to verify and enforce to the best of our ability, but we cannot guarantee every participant’s conduct)
7. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
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Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to your use of our Services.
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Our total liability for any claim relating to the Services will not exceed $100 or the amount you paid to us for certification or services in the past 12 months, whichever is greater.
8. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc., its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from:
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Your use or misuse of the Services
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Your violation of these Terms
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Your violation of any applicable law or third-party rights
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. These links are provided for convenience only. We are not responsible for the content, practices, or policies of third-party websites.
10. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Delaware.
11. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Use at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
12. Contact Us
For questions regarding these Terms of Use, please contact us at:
Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc.
8 The Green, Suite A
Dover, DE 19901