apply / applied

[kohyoongliat]

Terms and Conditions Apply

Why should "apply" be used but not "applied"?

[Mister Micawber]

.
They apply at any time. Simple present for nontemporal, universal condition.
.

[BobK]

Terms and Conditions Apply

Why should "apply" be used but not "applied"?

Talking about a contract you signed at some time in the past, you could say - for example - I couldn't get my money back because Ts&Cs applied.... Alternatively, if someone - for some reason - wants to make it clear that Ts&Cs have been applied (to an agreement that perhaps doesn't spell them out), he could say Ts&Cs [are/have been] applied.

But by far the most likely context is the one MrM has covered.

b

[kohyoongliat]

Many thanks for the replies.

With warmest wishes

[Mordant]

I believe the original phrase was,

The Terms and Conditions do apply.

and has since been shortened.