DropOff Couriers API Terms of Use

Effective date: 17 October 2026. These terms govern use of the DropOff Couriers Integration API by DropOff Couriers LTD.

By creating an API key or calling the Integration API, you agree to these terms. They cover only the API; the dashboard and delivery services have their own terms.

1. Acceptable use

Use the API to create, track and manage your own business’s shipments through DropOff Couriers. You may not use it to access another business’s data, to probe or disrupt the service, or to resell access to it. Each API key acts for exactly one business account.

2. API keys

Keys are issued from the business dashboard (API / Integrations) and are shown once at creation; DropOff stores only a hash. Keep your key secret — store it as a server-side secret, never in browser code, a mobile app bundle, or a public repository. You are responsible for all calls made with your key. Revoke a key from the dashboard at any time; revocation takes effect immediately. A key carries a set of abilities (scopes), and a call outside its abilities is rejected.

3. Rate limits

Each key is limited to 120 requests per minute. Over the limit, requests receive HTTP 429 with a Retry-After header; honour it and retry.

4. Test and live modes

A key is either test (dk_test_) or live (dk_live_). A test key creates isolated test shipments that are not dispatched, invoiced, or sent to recipients. A live key books real deliveries. Use test mode to build and verify your integration before going live.

5. Data handling and retention

To create a shipment you send recipient details, including the receiver’s name, phone number and address. DropOff Couriers processes this data to fulfil the delivery and retains shipment data for 3 years. Test-mode data is deleted automatically after 14 days. Do not send data you are not entitled to share, and only send the fields the API asks for.

6. Changes to the API

The API is versioned in its path (/api/v1/business). Additive changes — new endpoints, new optional request fields, and new fields on existing responses — are not breaking and may ship without notice, so your integration should ignore response fields it does not recognise. Breaking changes ship under a new version with at least 90 days’ notice.

7. Support

For help with an integration, contact info@dropoffcouriers.com or (+256) 760 212 600, 9am–5pm East Africa Time (UTC+3). See the API documentation for the full reference.