Release / Direct Purchase Order: Terms and Conditions
1. Contract.
These terms and conditions are hereby incorporated into any Buyer issued purchase order that references these terms and conditions, and the first page of such purchase order and any similarly formatted following page that describes item numbers, item descriptions, quantity or pricing are referred to herein as the "front side" or "front" of this purchase order.
a. Release Order.
If a blanket purchase order number is included on the front side of this purchase order then this purchase order constitutes a release purchase order ("Release Order") issued under such blanket purchase order (the "Blanket Order") and constitutes Buyer's offer to purchase from Seller, and not an acceptance of any offer to sell, the goods and supplies described on this Release Order (collectively, "Products"). In such instance, this Release Order is governed by, and Seller's performance hereunder is subject to, the terms and conditions of the Blanket Order, which are incorporated herein by reference and none of the terms set forth in this purchase order after this Section 1(a) shall apply. In such instance, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Blanket Order, Seller must accept this Release Order unless it exceeds the maximum quantity limitations set forth in the Blanket Order. SELLER'S ACCEPTANCE OF THIS RELEASE ORDER IS LIMITED TO AND CONDITIONED UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE EXPRESS TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED ON THE FRONT HEREOF AND IN THE BLANKET ORDER, AND, UPON ACCEPTANCE, THIS ORDER BECOMES A BINDING CONTRACT SUBJECT TO ALL SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Absent a specific written agreement between Buyer and Seller or as otherwise provided herein, no revision, addition, alteration or deletion may be made to this Release Order, and any inconsistent, conflicting or additional terms or conditions on Seller's acceptance, billing or any other forms are hereby objected to and rejected by Buyer and shall not be effective. If the parties have entered into a signed written agreement relating to the subject matter of this Release Order or the Blanket Order attached to this Release Order (if applicable), and there is a conflict between the signed written agreement and the Blanket Order and/or this Release Order, the terms and conditions of the signed written agreement shall control.
b. Purchase Order.
If no blanket purchase order number is included on the front side of this purchase order, then all of the provisions hereof other than Section 1(a) shall apply. In such an instance, this purchase order ("Order") constitutes Buyer's offer to purchase from Seller, and not an acceptance of any offer to sell, the goods and supplies described on the front side of this Order (collectively, "Products"). Failure to object to this Order within five (5) days of receipt of this Order or shipment to Buyer (or to such third party as Buyer has designated on the front of this Order) of any Products under this Order issued hereunder (whether or not Seller has acknowledged this Order), whichever comes first, shall constitute Seller's acceptance of this Order in its entirety. ANY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS ORDER IS LIMITED TO AND CONDITIONED UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE EXPRESS TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THOSE SET FORTH ON THE FRONT HEREOF) AND, UPON ACCEPTANCE, THIS ORDER BECOMES A BINDING CONTRACT SUBJECT TO ALL SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Absent a specific written agreement between Buyer and Seller or as otherwise provided herein, no revision, addition, alteration or deletion may be made to this Order, and any inconsistent, conflicting or additional terms or conditions on Seller's acceptance, billing or any other forms are hereby objected to and rejected by Buyer and shall not be effective. If the parties have entered into a signed written agreement relating to the subject matter of this Order, and there is a conflict between the signed written agreement and this Order, the terms and conditions of the signed written agreement shall control.
2. Prices; Taxes.
This Order shall not be filled at higher prices than specified herein. If a price is omitted, Products shall be billed at the price last quoted to Buyer, last paid by Buyer or at the prevailing market price, whichever is lower. Seller represents to Buyer that the price charged for the Products is the lowest price charged by Seller to buyers of a class similar to Buyer purchasing in quantities comparable to those specified in this Order ("Other Buyers"). Any general price reduction made by Seller or lower price given to Other Buyers with respect to the Products after the placement of this Order but prior to Buyer's acceptance of such Products shall apply to the Products ordered hereunder, and Seller shall promptly inform Buyer of such price reduction and grant Buyer a corresponding price reduction or account credit for each affected unit of the Products. Such lower price shall also apply to future orders of such Products. Unless otherwise provided herein, all prices shown on this Order are deemed to include all taxes not expressly imposed by law on Buyer.
3. Invoices; Payment.
The invoice issued by Seller with respect to this Order shall include this Order's number. Payment terms shall be as set forth on the front of this Order and shall run from, and applicable prompt payment discount shall be calculated from, the last to occur of: (i) the scheduled delivery date; (ii) the date of actual delivery; or (iii) the date an original invoice containing this Order number is received by Buyer. Payment is made when Buyer's check is mailed or when an electronic payment is initiated. Seller agrees to invoice Buyer no later than one-hundred twenty (120) days after shipment of Products under this Order. Buyer shall not be obligated to make payment against invoices submitted after such period. Buyer may set off any claim or charge it may have against Seller against any amount payable under this Order.
4. Packaging; Shipping; Delivery.
a. Packaging.
All shipments will be packed in a manner that follows good commercial practice, is in compliance with all applicable transportation regulations, is adequate to ensure safe and undamaged arrival, assures the lowest transportation costs and meets carrier's tariff requirements. Buyer is not responsible for any charge for packing, boxing, storage or cartage. Any expense incurred by Buyer as a result of improper preservation, packing, packaging or marking shall be reimbursed by Seller.
b. Shipping.
The terms, choice of carrier and routing of all shipments shall be as specified on the front of this Order, or as Buyer otherwise directs. Buyer may revise the shipping instructions as to any unshipped Products. All shipments of Products shall be accompanied by appropriate shipping documents, including without limitation a certificate of analysis ("CofA") in a form acceptable to Buyer certifying that the Products meet the required specifications for the Products.
c. Delivery Schedules.
Delivery schedules specified by Buyer on each Order shall be binding upon Seller. Time is of the essence with respect to the delivery of Products, and Seller shall use its best efforts, including overtime and premium shipment at Seller's expense, to meet the scheduled delivery date, provided, however, that the failure of such efforts to achieve timely delivery of conforming Products shall not relieve Seller of liability for such failure. If, despite such efforts, Seller anticipates a delay or an actual delay occurs, Seller shall immediately notify Buyer, and upon receiving such a report, Buyer may, at its sole discretion, either approve a revised schedule or by written notice terminate this Order in whole or in part, except for Products delivered in accordance with these terms and conditions prior to the date on which notice of termination is given to Seller. If, without authorization from Buyer, Seller ships Products that arrive more than five (5) days in advance of the scheduled delivery date, Buyer may either return such Products or store them at Seller's risk and expense, and may inspect, accept or reject, and pay for such Products in accordance with the original delivery schedule.
d. Timely Delivery of Conforming Products in the Full Quantities Specified.
Seller shall furnish the exact quantities called for in this Order, and no variation will be accepted as compliant, except with Buyer's prior written consent. Buyer may return excess shipments (or make other disposition at Seller's direction) at Seller's risk and expense or choose to accept the Products at Buyer's sole discretion. If any shipment or delivery is made which is not in all respects in accordance with this Order (including time of shipment or delivery), Buyer may treat this Order as repudiated by Seller. In such instance, Buyer reserves the right (without authorization from Seller and without limiting its rights to seek further recourse) to reject such delivery and return any shipment at Seller's risk and expense, including, without limitation, incoming and outgoing freight, storage and handling charges where applicable, and/or cancel any outstanding delivery hereunder.
5. Changes.
Buyer may, at any time prior to delivery of all Products ordered hereunder, by written change purchase order issued to Seller, modify this Order for any reason with respect to any one or more of the following: (i) drawings, designs, or specifications; (ii) method of shipping or packing; (iii) place of delivery; (iv) quantity of Products purchased; and (v) delivery schedule. Should any such change increase or decrease the cost of, or the time required for, performance of this Order, an equitable adjustment of the price, delivery schedule, or both may be requested in writing by Seller or by Buyer. No request by Seller for an adjustment shall be recognized unless it is submitted to Buyer, together with a statement of the amount of the requested adjustment and the reason therefore, within five (5) business days after Seller's receipt of the notice of change. Changes shall not be binding upon Buyer unless evidenced by a written change purchase order issued by Buyer. Nothing contained in this Section 5 shall relieve Seller of the obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of this Order as modified by any change requested by Buyer.
6. Cancellation.
Buyer may cancel this Order or Release Order, in whole or in part, and for any reason at any time prior to shipment of all of the Products ordered hereunder, without charge or penalty or any liability to Seller, upon written notice to Seller, and Seller shall, unless otherwise directed, immediately stop work, terminate all orders and subcontracts to the extent that they relate to the terminated work, and if applicable, follow Buyer's directions as to disposal of work in progress and finished Products. In addition, Buyer may cancel this Order or any Release Orders, in whole or in part at any time hereunder, and without charge or penalty or any liability to Seller: (i) if, as a result of changes in Laws (as defined in Section 10 below) including, without limitation, such Laws or guidelines set forth in Sections 10, 17 and 18 below, Buyer determines that it can no longer use a Product for such Product's intended purpose, by written notice to Seller at any time; (ii) if any Products fail to meet Buyer's specifications, by written notice to Seller at any time; and/or (iii) pursuant to Sections 4, 13 and/or 19 of this Order.
7. Inspection and Acceptance.
Buyer, or its authorized representative, shall have the right (but not the obligation or duty) to inspect and test any and/or all Products at the premises of Seller or any approved subcontractor engaged in the performance of this Order or any manufacturer of the Products, which must be approved by Buyer, if Seller is not the manufacturer of the Products ("Manufacturer"), or upon or after receipt, at Buyer's election, and to accept such Products in writing or to reject for full credit or refund of the purchase price any Products that do not conform to Buyer's specifications, the terms set forth herein or are otherwise defective. Buyer may alternatively require Seller to replace, correct or repair such rejected Products at Seller's cost and expense. If Buyer or its authorized representative conducts such inspection on premises of Seller or any such subcontractor or any such Manufacturer, Seller shall provide or require its approved subcontractor or Manufacturer to provide, at Seller's cost and expense, all facilities and assistance necessary or advisable for the performance of such inspection or testing. Buyer's right to reject Products shall apply to any Products when found to be defective (which may be based on the results of Buyer's inspection and tests) at any time and notwithstanding any prior payment. In addition, Seller shall pay Buyer for all costs incurred and damages sustained by Buyer as a result of such defective Products, including, without limitation, other material and labor costs, inspection, unpacking, repacking, freight, storage, shipping and handling charges. Buyer's failure to specify any defect or nonconformance in rejecting any or all of the Products shall not prevent Buyer from relying on such defect or non-conformance to establish a failure of the Products to conform to the applicable specifications or to otherwise justify rejection hereunder. Payment for Products, or use of a portion of such Products for purposes of inspection or testing, shall not constitute acceptance thereof. Failure of Seller to object to a rejection of Products by Buyer within five (5) business days of such rejection shall constitute Seller's acceptance of Buyer's rejection and the reasons therefore. Nothing contained in this Order shall relieve Seller in any way from its obligation of independent testing, inspection and quality control, and neither such testing nor Buyer's inspection shall limit Buyer's rights or diminish any of Seller's obligations hereunder.
8. Title; Insurance.
Title to, and risk of loss of, Products purchased under this Order shall pass in accordance with the shipping terms set forth on the front side of this Order. If shipment as specified in this Order is "F.O.B. Destination," then Seller shall retain title to the Products, pay shipping costs, and bear the risk of loss or damage until delivery is made to Buyer at the place designated on this Order. If shipment as specified in this Order is "F.O.B. Seller's Plant," then Seller shall bear the cost of delivery of the Products to a carrier of the type specified by Buyer. In addition, Seller shall bear all risk of loss as to rejected Products two (2) days after the notice of rejection has been provided by Buyer to Seller. Seller shall not insure the Products for Buyer's account unless the terms of this Order so require. Seller shall maintain, and shall cause its approved subcontractors, brokers and distributors to maintain, insurance in accordance with Buyer's then-current insurance requirements, which insurance shall in no event be less than what is usual and customary in Seller's industry. Before the initial delivery of Products hereunder, and thereafter no less frequently than annually, Seller shall provide Buyer with certificates of insurance evidencing such insurance, which certificates shall name Buyer and its affiliates as additional insureds on such policies. All such insurance shall be primary to any insurance carried by Buyer.
9. Manufacturing Processes & Facilities.
Without providing Buyer with at least 8 weeks prior written notice and obtaining the Buyer's prior written approval, Seller shall not, and shall not permit any Manufacturer to, make any changes to: (i) the manufacturing process of the Products, including without limitation changing the ingredients used to produce the Products; (ii) the packaging of the Products; (iii) the location of the manufacturing and packaging facilities for the Products; or (iv) the Products that would require any changes to any of the Product Documents (as such term is defined below) in order for any of such Product Documents to continue to remain accurate and complete. For purposes hereof, the term "Product Documents" means Buyer’s specifications for the Products and all of the following documents provided to Buyer by Seller or Manufacturer or their respective representatives prior to the time of the first order by Buyer of the Products or with 8 weeks prior notice and Buyer’s written approval: the manufacturing flowcharts for the Products, the manufacturing specifications for the Products, the ingredient specifications for the Products, and any Ingredient Information Worksheet, composition statements or lists, allergen statements, non-GMO statements, solvent statements, country of origin statements, safety data sheets, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy statements, and any sub-component ingredient statements. If Seller is not the manufacturer of the Products, Seller will not change the Manufacturer of the Products without obtaining the prior written approval of Buyer. Seller agrees to abide by, and to cause any Manufacturer to abide by, any product and process change procedures and process change forms that Buyer may adopt. Buyer shall have the right (but not the obligation or duty) to inspect the manufacturing operations and Product recall readiness of Seller or any approved subcontractor or Manufacturer during normal business hours and without advance notice. Seller shall provide to Buyer upon request a copy of its and its approved subcontractors' or manufacturers' product recall manual and permit Buyer representatives to participate in any recall training conducted by such entities. Seller shall obtain all rights necessary from its approved subcontractors and Manufacturers to be able to fulfill its obligations under this Section.
10. Warranties.
Seller and its employees, agents, brokers, contractors, subcontractors and representatives (collectively, "Seller Representatives") shall comply with Buyer's policies and procedures when they are at Buyer's facilities. Seller represents, warrants and covenants to Buyer, its affiliates, parents, successors and assigns, and all distributors, sub-distributors, resellers, customers, dealers and users of Products ("Buyer Parties") that all Products delivered hereunder: (i) have been manufactured, tested, produced, performed, packaged, labeled, invoiced, transported, sold, delivered and, if required, certified or registered in accordance with, and on the date of delivery will not be in violation of, and in all other respects shall comply with (a) Buyer's manufacturing and ingredient specifications, and (b) all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards, guidelines, judgments, orders, decrees, or rules of common law, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of or determination by, any national, state, or local government, whether now or hereafter in effect (collectively, "Laws"), including without limitation Laws governing product safety, labor practices, labeling, packaging and the use of pesticides, hazardous substances and other chemicals, and California Proposition 65 and related statutes and regulations; (ii) shall conform to any samples submitted by Seller to Buyer; (iii) shall not contain any ingredient not listed in Buyer's specifications or provided to Buyer in writing in the composition worksheets or the vendor documents that are the equivalent thereof; (iv) shall be on the date of delivery free from defects, of good quality and workmanship, merchantable, and, if the Products are to be sold as dietary supplements or food or if they will be used to manufacture dietary supplements or food, safe and fit for human consumption, and/or safe and fit for any other intended or reasonably foreseeable purpose, and the use of such Products for such purposes will not violate any applicable Law; (v) shall not be on the date of delivery (a) adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively the "Act"), or (b) articles which may not, under the provisions of §§ 404, 505, 512 or any other provisions of the Act, be introduced into interstate commerce; and (vi) do not and shall not infringe on any patents, trademarks, copyrights, service mark, trade secrets, intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights held by third parties. Seller also represents, warrants and covenants to the Buyer Parties that Seller has the necessary right, title, and interest to provide the Products, and such Products will be free and clear of liens and encumbrances. If any Products are derived from or contain gelatin, Seller further represents and warrants to the Buyer Parties that such Products have been produced either: (i) in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Food and Drug Administration's Guidance for Industry bulletin entitled "The Sourcing and Processing of Gelatin to Reduce the Potential Risk Posed by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ("BSE") in FDA-Regulated Products for Human Use" dated September 1997, as the same may be amended or updated from time to time, and any successor bulletins thereto; or (ii) using an alternative approach, described in writing to Buyer prior to the date of this Order, which satisfies the requirements of applicable statutes and regulations. Seller further warrants that the Product Documents (defined above), certifications, certificates of analysis, worksheets, statements, flowcharts, specification sheets, corporate documents, or any other documents provided by Seller with respect to the Products are true, correct, complete, accurate, and not misleading. The foregoing representation, warranties and covenants shall be in addition to any implied warranties and any representations, warranties or covenants of a broader scope given to Buyer by Seller other than hereunder. Seller's obligations under the foregoing representations, warranties or covenants shall not be affected by Buyer's approval of any designs or materials furnished by Seller, or Buyer's inspection, test, acceptance or use of Products subject hereto. In addition to any other rights or remedies hereunder, if any Products do not conform to the foregoing representations, warranties or covenants, Buyer may, at its option, return for a full credit or require Seller to replace, correct or repair, promptly upon request by Buyer and without expense to Buyer, any such non-conforming Products. If Seller fails to promptly so replace, correct or repair such Products after Buyer's request, Buyer shall have the right to replace, correct or repair such Products at Seller's cost and expense.
11. Indemnification.
Seller shall indemnify, hold harmless and, at each Buyer Party's option, defend each of Buyer Parties and their officers, directors, agents, employees and contractors from and against any and all demands, claims, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, liabilities, liens, judgments, costs and expenses of every type and nature (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expert witness fees actually incurred or to be incurred) (collectively, "Claims"), foreseen or unforeseen, which actually or allegedly arise out of or in any manner relate to or result from: (i) any actual or alleged act or omission that constitutes or might constitute a breach by Seller of any representation, warranty or covenant contained herein; (ii) any injury to, or illness or death of, any person or animal, or property damage or economic loss, actually or allegedly resulting from or arising out of the handling, purchase, consumption or use of, or otherwise relating to, any Products, or arising out of any goods produced using the Products (to the extent arising as a result of the inclusion of the Products in such goods) or arising out of the performance of this Order; (iii) any recall or withdrawal of any Products or any goods produced using the Products, whether voluntary or involuntary, actually or allegedly arising out of or resulting from any Products or any act or omission by any Seller Representatives; (iv) any assertion that any Product is adulterated, misbranded, defective, or unsafe or that any goods produced using the Products is adulterated, misbranded, defective, or unsafe arising out of or resulting from any Products; (v) any actual or alleged infringement of any patents, trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights held by third parties by the Products or the sale or use of the Products; (vi) any actual or alleged violation of any Laws set forth in Sections 10, 18 or 19 of this Order; or (vii) any actual or alleged negligence, errors, omissions, or misconduct by any Seller Representatives.
12. Defense of Claim.
Seller shall pay for all costs, expenses and charges resulting from the defense of any Claim. If requested by a Buyer Party, Seller shall assume and be responsible for the defense of all Claims with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Buyer Party; provided that such Buyer Party may, at its option, participate in the defense of any such Claims with its own counsel if it so chooses. Seller shall keep such Buyer Party fully informed at all times with respect to any material developments in all Claims, and, without limiting the foregoing, shall provide such Buyer Party with written status reports on such matters at least on a quarterly basis. Seller shall not settle any Claim without such Buyer Party's written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
13. Force Majeure.
Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure of performance due solely to war, acts of terrorism, Acts of God, strikes, fires, earthquakes, or other similar causes beyond its reasonable control and without its fault or negligence, provided that the party subject to such delay shall have given written notice to the other of any such cause for delay or anticipated delay promptly following the commencement thereof. If Seller should be unable, due to such a cause, to meet all of its delivery or performance commitments for Products ordered pursuant to this Order as they become due, Seller shall not discriminate against Buyer or in favor of any other customer in making deliveries or performance commitments for such Products. Seller shall use its best efforts to make deliveries or perform as expeditiously as possible taking such cause of delay into account. However, if Buyer believes that the delay or anticipated delay in Seller's deliveries or performance may impair Buyer's ability to meet its production or delivery schedule or may otherwise interfere with its operations, Buyer may at its option, and without liability to Seller, cancel outstanding deliveries of Products in whole or in part.
14. Materials & Equipment.
Seller, at its risk and cost, shall supply all material, equipment, tools and facilities required to satisfy Seller's obligations under this Order. Any material, equipment, tools, designs, blueprints, specifications, parts, intellectual property or other property furnished by Buyer or specifically paid for by Buyer to enable Seller to deliver under this Order shall be Buyer's property. Any such property: (i) shall be used only to enable Seller to deliver under this Order; (ii) shall not be used by Seller in the production of materials for any third party or for itself without Buyer's prior written authorization; (iii) may, on demand, be removed by Buyer without charge; and (iv) unless otherwise specified by Buyer, shall be returned to Buyer at Seller's risk and expense at the earlier of completion or cancellation of this Order. Seller shall use such property at its own risk, insure such property, and shall be responsible for all loss or damage to the same while in Seller's custody. Seller acknowledges that all such property supplied by Buyer to Seller to be used in producing Products have been received in good condition, and Seller shall, at its cost and expense, store and maintain all such property in good condition and repair. Seller shall pay Buyer for all such property lost, damaged or destroyed while not in Buyer's immediate custody. If Seller requires additional property from Buyer to complete Seller's satisfaction of its obligations under this Order, Seller shall purchase the same from Buyer at such property's then-current prices. At Buyer's direction, Seller, at its own expense, will separately account for all property supplied by Buyer, maintain current and accurate inventory records thereof and take accurate physical inventory thereof as required by Buyer. BUYER MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROPERTY OR SPECIFICATIONS IT MAY FURNISH AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR THE SAME.
15. Liability.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BUYER’S LIABILITY FOR BREACH OR ALLEGED BREACH OF THIS ORDER EXCEED THE TOTAL EXTENDED PRICE OR PRICES SHOWN ON THIS ORDER, NOR SHALL BUYER BE LIABLE TO SELLER FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY SUCH BREACH OR ALLEGED BREACH. If Seller breaches this Order, Seller shall be liable for all resulting damages, including any direct, indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages. Seller's liability may exceed the total extended price or prices shown on this Order, and Buyer and Seller each acknowledge that this liability provision allocates risks between the parties, as authorized by the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable laws.
16. Confidentiality.
Seller shall comply with the terms and conditions of the latest version of, if any, the Nondisclosure Agreement by and between Buyer and Seller ("NDA"). Should there be any inconsistencies between this Section 16 and the NDA, the terms and conditions of the NDA shall govern with respect to the subject matter hereof this section. The terms and existence of this Order, everything supplied in connection with it by Buyer, and all related information and data shall be confidential information of Buyer and shall be held in confidence by Seller. Seller shall not publicly announce or disclose this Order or its contents without Buyer's prior written consent. Seller shall not use Buyer's name in any way, including without limitation, a general or sample listing of Seller's customers, without Buyer's prior written consent. Any violation of this Section 16 shall be deemed a default hereunder.
17. Environmental Compliance.
Seller shall ensure that performance of Seller's obligations under this Order complies will all applicable Laws relating to the indoor or outdoor environment, natural resources, or to the health, safety or welfare of natural persons affected by the environment, or to the release or disposal or threatened release or disposal of Hazardous Materials or Substances (as defined herein) into the indoor or outdoor environment including, without limitation, ambient air, soil, surface water, groundwater, sea water, wetlands, land or subsurface strata or otherwise relating to the use of Hazardous Materials or Substances or otherwise applicable to Hazardous Materials or Substances, whether now or hereafter in effect (collectively, "Environmental Laws"). A "Hazardous Material or Substance" shall mean any of the following: any chemicals, chemical mixtures, wastes or materials in solid, liquid or gaseous form, including but not limited to those that are now or hereafter become (i) defined or listed as, or included in the definition of, "hazardous substances," "hazardous wastes," "hazardous materials," "extremely hazardous wastes," "restricted hazardous wastes," "toxic substances," "toxic pollutants," "contaminants," "pollutants" or terms of similar import under any Environmental Law, or (ii) prohibited, limited or regulated under any Environmental Law. Seller shall obtain and maintain all licenses, authorizations, certifications, and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Law. Seller shall not permit the unauthorized release or disposal of any Hazardous Material or Substance into the environment and, in the event of any such unauthorized release or disposal, shall, at its own expense and liability, promptly perform any investigation, study, sampling, testing, cleanup, removal, and remedial or other action necessary to remove and clean up any such Hazardous Material or Substance in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws.
18. Compliance with Other Laws.
Any provision which is required to be a part of this Order by virtue of any Law, including, without limitation, The Equal Employment Opportunity Clause and the Affirmative Action Clauses set forth in Executive Order #11246, as amended, the regulations at 41 CFR Parts 60-1 through 60-50, 38 U.S.C. §§ 4211-4212 (Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act), Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the regulations at 41 CFR Parts 60-250 and 60-741, as each may be amended, is incorporated herein by specific reference. Seller represents and covenants that Products to be furnished pursuant to this Order were or will be produced in compliance with the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and all applicable employment Laws. Seller agrees to submit all reports, certifications, and other documents required pursuant compliance with the terms of this Section.
19. Default.
Seller shall be in default of this Order if Seller: (i) fails to comply with any of the terms and conditions of, or breaches any representation, warranty or covenant provided for in, this Order; (ii) Seller ceases to conduct its operations in the normal course of business, becomes insolvent, or makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (iii) a bankruptcy petition is filed by or with respect to Seller. If Seller defaults, Buyer may, in its sole discretion upon written notice to Seller: (a) withhold from any amount due Seller under this Order such amount as is required, in Buyer's reasonable judgment, to protect Buyer from loss or damage; (b) immediately terminate this Order in whole or in part; and (c) exercise any other right or remedy provided for herein or by law. BUYER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO SELLER AS A RESULT OF TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT.
20. Miscellaneous.
This Order, any other document referred to herein, any signed written agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, any signed nondisclosure agreement between the parties, and any other warranties provided by Seller to Buyer constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Order and supersedes all previous negotiations, commitments, purchase orders, and writings with respect thereto. Except for written change purchase orders issued by Buyer, this Order may only be modified by a writing signed by a duly authorized representative of both parties. No part of this Order or any of the rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned or subcontracted by Seller without the prior written approval of Buyer. All rights granted to Buyer Parties hereunder are in addition to and not in lieu of all other rights and remedies available to Buyer whether at law or in equity. Buyer's failure or delay in insisting on any right shall not operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. This Order shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Seller hereby agrees that any and all disputes arising under this Order shall be subject to adjudication only in the state courts of Los Angeles County, California, or the United States District Courts for the Central District of California, and Seller hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. If any action is commenced in connection with this Order, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party its costs of suit incurred including without limitation, its attorneys' fees and expert witness fees. Should any of the provisions of this Order be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent possible so as to effect the intent of the parties, or, if incapable of such enforcement, shall be deemed to be deleted from this Order, and the remainder of this Order shall remain in full force and effect.
21. Compliance with Supplier Code of Conduct; Audits.
. Seller agrees to comply with Buyer’s Supplier Code of Conduct posted at https://www.megafood.com/supplier-code-of-conduct.html and Buyer’s parent corporation’s Otsuka Global Code of Business Ethics posted at https://www.otsuka.com/en/company/conduct/(collectively, the "Codes of Conduct"). Buyer and Buyer’s parent corporation (the “Otsuka Group”) reserve the right to modify the Codes of Conduct and Seller should periodically (and no less frequently than semi-annually) review the Codes of Conduct to ensure compliance with the then current Codes of Conduct. Seller agrees from time to time as requested by Buyer to certify that it is in compliance with the Codes of Conduct. Seller further agrees (i) to monitor and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with the above referenced Codes of Conduct, and to promptly disclose any failure of compliance to Buyer; (ii) to disclose the identity, address and ownership of each and every facility, including each subcontractor facility, (collectively, the "Facilities") supplying materials, goods, or services to Buyer; (iii) to be subject to periodic on-site audits by Buyer´s in-house auditors and/or independent third party auditors designated by Buyer (collectively, "Buyer Audits") to verify compliance with the Codes of Conduct and with Seller´s warranties under this Order or Release Order and the Blanket Order, which audits may be reasonably arranged by Buyer on prior written notice to Seller; (iv) to cooperate and ensure that all Facilities cooperate with Buyer Audits and make their facilities, records, employees and contract workers available to auditors at any time; (v) not to discriminate or retaliate against workers for their comments to auditors; (vi) to promptly implement and submit to Buyer, for its review and approval, a plan for corrective action if Seller fails to comply with any aspect of the Codes of Conduct; (vii) to maintain records of assessments or Buyer Audits at its own Facilities and require its subcontractors to provide corresponding records of any corrective actions undertaken in response to such assessments or Buyer Audits, and (viii) to make such records available for review and inspection by Buyer or its duly appointed agent(s) upon request.