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International Terms of Service
 

Terms and Conditions (International Sales)

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") apply to all sales transactions conducted by Kitagawa Seian (hereinafter referred to as "we," "us," or "our") with customers located outside Japan, including both retail (BtoC) and wholesale (BtoB) transactions.

By placing an order from outside Japan, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

 

1 – Scope of Application

 

These Terms apply to:

  • Individual customers residing outside Japan (BtoC)

  • Overseas corporations, businesses, and distributors (BtoB)

2 – Nature of Products and Responsibility After Delivery

 

Our products consist of food items, including sweet red bean paste (anko) and related Japanese confectionery ingredients.

Due to the nature of food products, proper temperature control and storage are required.

We shall not be liable for any deterioration in quality caused by:

  • Improper storage after delivery

  • Inadequate temperature control

  • Reprocessing, modification, or misuse by the customer

  • Any handling after the transfer of possession

3 – Orders and Contract Formation

 

An order shall be deemed accepted only upon our formal approval.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Inventory limitations

  • Export restrictions

  • Trade risks

  • Compliance concerns

For wholesale transactions, the contract may be confirmed upon issuance of a quotation or invoice.

4 – Prices and Additional Costs

 

Prices may be displayed in Japanese Yen (JPY) or U.S. Dollars (USD).

Shipping costs are charged separately unless otherwise stated.

All import-related costs including but not limited to:

  • Customs duties

  • Import taxes

  • Value-added tax (VAT)

  • Customs clearance fees

  • Local regulatory compliance costs

shall be borne solely by the customer.

5 – Payment

 

Payments are processed through Stripe.

For wholesale transactions:

  • First transaction: Full prepayment is required

  • Ongoing transactions: Subject to separate agreement

We do not store or retain customer credit card information.

6 – Import Regulations and Customs Responsibility

 

Products are shipped from Japan.

We are not responsible for:

  • Customs delays

  • Import rejection under local laws

  • Seizure or confiscation due to food regulations

  • Delays caused by additional documentation requests

Customers are solely responsible for verifying:

  • Local food import regulations

  • Labeling requirements

  • Ingredient restrictions

  • Any other regulatory obligations in their country

7 – Shipping

 

Shipping-related accidents or delays shall be handled in accordance with the carrier’s policies.

We shall not be liable for delays caused by force majeure events, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters

  • War

  • Pandemics

  • Government regulations

  • Other unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control

8 – Returns and Refunds

 

Due to the nature of food products, all sales are final and non-returnable.

However, in the case of defective or incorrectly delivered goods, customers must contact us within three (3) days of delivery.

We may request photographic or other evidence.

Refunds or replacements shall be determined at our reasonable discretion.

9 – Limitation of Liability

 

Our total liability arising from any order shall not exceed the total amount paid by the customer for that order.

We shall not be liable for:

  • Indirect damages

  • Consequential damages

  • Special damages

  • Loss of profits

  • Business interruption or loss

10 – Resale and Brand Protection (Wholesale Customers)

 

Wholesale customers agree to:

  • Maintain proper hygiene and temperature control

  • Accurately display ingredient information

  • Refrain from unauthorized alteration of our brand

  • Not use

  • our trademarks, logos, images, or materials without permission

11 – Intellectual Property

 

All product names, logos, product images, texts, and related intellectual property rights belong to Kitagawa Seian.

Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

12 – Governing Law and Jurisdiction

 

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.

Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Japanese courts having jurisdiction over our principal place of business.

 

Effective Date: February 20, 2026

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