Terms & Conditions of Purchase

These terms and conditions govern the sale of products (collectively, “Products”) and the provision of services (collectively, “Services,” Products and/or Services are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Goods”) by Simcona Electronics Corporation and its affiliates (“Purchaser” or “Simcona”) to the party who was provided a Purchase Order from Purchaser for the provision of Products and/or Services (the “Supplier”). From time to time, Purchaser and Supplier are referred to individually herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 The  Parties intend for the express terms and conditions contained in these General Terms & Conditions of Purchase, as they appear on the Purchaser’s website as of the date of Supplier’s receipt of Purchaser’s Purchase Order (this “Agreement”) and the Basic Purchase Order Terms (as such terms are hereinafter defined) contained in the applicable Purchaser’s Purchase Order to exclusively govern and control each of the Parties’ respective rights and obligations regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, and this Agreement is expressly limited to such terms and conditions which supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, negotiations, representations and warranties, and communications, both written and oral. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY ONLY BE WAIVED OR MODIFIED IN A WRITTEN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF SUPPLIER THAT SPECIFICALLY REFERENCES THIS AGREEMENT BY REFENCE TO THE URL AS MAINTAINED ON THE PURCHASER’S WEBSITE. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement takes precedence over Supplier’s supplemental or conflicting terms and conditions to which notice of objection is hereby given. Acceptance is limited to and conditioned upon Supplier’s assent to these terms and conditions. Purchaser’s acceptance of delivery of Goods shall not be deemed or constituted as acceptance of Supplier’s supplemental or conflicting terms and conditions. This Agreement does not limit Purchaser’s right to purchase from third parties, or preclude Purchaser from purchasing from any Person, or entering into any agreement with any other Person related to the manufacture or sale of, Goods that are similar to or competitive with the Goods purchased or ordered by the Purchaser.

 “Basic Purchase Order Terms” means, collectively, any one or more of the following terms specified by Purchaser in its purchase order submitted to Supplier: (a) a list identifying the Products and/or Services requested to be purchased, including make/model number/UPC/SKU, and any specifications provided by Purchaser for the Products or Services to be purchased (the “Specifications”); (b) the quantity of each of the Products and/or Services ordered; (c) the requested delivery date; (d) the unit prices for each of the Products and/or Services to be purchased; (e) the billing address; and (f) the Delivery Location.” Delivery Location” means the street address for delivery of the Goods specified in the applicable Purchase Order.

 1.       Acceptance-Order of Precedence-Modification. This Agreement pertains to the Purchase Order for the purchase of Goods together with the Basic Purchase Order Terms which have been issued by Simcona Electronics Corporation to Supplier. This Agreement, the Basic Purchase Order Terms, and the Purchase Order are deemed accepted upon the earlier of the return of the acknowledgment copy of the Purchase Order or the commencement of performance by Supplier with respect to the Purchase Order.  Purchaser expressly rejects any additional or inconsistent terms and conditions offered by Supplier at any time, whether or not such terms or conditions materially alter the applicable Purchase Order and irrespective of Purchaser’s acceptance of or payment for Supplier’s Goods.  Any reference to Supplier’s quotation, bid or proposal will not be deemed acceptance of any term, condition, or instruction contained in that document.  No course of prior dealing or usage of the trade will be used to modify, supplement or explain any term herein.  These terms and conditions together with the specifications, drawings, or other documents referred to on the face of the applicable Purchase Order, or attached, or any documents incorporated by reference, supersede any prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, promises, or negotiations, whether oral or written, with respect to the subject matter of the applicable Purchase Order.  All contract documents related to the Purchase Order are to be interpreted together as one agreement.  However, if there is an irreconcilable conflict among the provisions of those contract documents, the following order of precedence applies: a) any master purchase agreement between the parties; then (b) any consignment agreement; then (c) any contract for labor services; then d) the face of the applicable Purchase Order and any supplemental terms included or incorporated by reference; and finally e) other contract documents agreed to in writing by the parties.  No change to or modification of the applicable Purchase Order will be binding upon Purchaser unless in writing, specifically identifying that it is amending the applicable Purchase Order, and signed, or approved electronically, by an authorized procurement representative of Purchaser.  If Supplier becomes aware of any ambiguities, issues or discrepancies between the applicable Purchase Order and any specification, design or other technical requirement applicable to the applicable Purchase Order, Supplier will immediately submit the matter to Purchaser for resolution.  This Agreement applies to Purchaser’s acquisition of Goods both from Suppliers a) whose principal place of business is located within the United States or whose Goods are sourced within the United States (“Domestic Transactions”) and b) whose principal place of business is located outside the United States (“International Transactions”).

 2.       Delivery, Shipment and Packaging 

2.1.    Supplier will deliver Goods in accordance with the quantities and date(s) specified on the Purchase Order or the Purchase Order schedule releases.  If delivery dates are not stated, Supplier will offer its best delivery date(s), which will be subject to acceptance by Purchaser.  Unless otherwise directed, all Goods shipped in one day from and to a single location must be consolidated on one bill of lading or air waybill, as appropriate.

2.2.    Supplier will, at its expense, deliver Goods by the most expeditious shipping method if the delivery schedule is endangered for any reason other than Purchaser’s fault.  If Goods are delinquent to Purchaser’s requirements, Supplier will grant Purchaser first priority for Goods allocation and shipment.  Purchaser reserves the right to reject, at no expense to Purchaser, all or any part of any delivery that varies from the quantity authorized by Purchaser for shipment. Supplier will not make any substitutions without Purchaser’s prior written approval.  All items will be packaged in accordance with Purchaser’s instructions or, if none are specified, in accordance with good commercial practice in a manner sufficient to ensure receipt in an undamaged condition.  As applicable, Supplier will ensure that all packaging conforms to the country of destination’s adoption of the ISPM15 solid wood packaging requirements, whether or not expressly indicated by Purchaser, and will designate conformance on the appropriate shipping documents. In addition to all other remedies available to Purchaser, Purchaser reserves the right to charge back the Supplier for any costs or damages incurred by Purchaser as a result of Supplier’s failure to comply with the packaging requirements of this paragraph.  Purchaser will not be liable for any discharge, spill or other environmental incident (including clean-up costs) involving any Goods shipped under the Purchase Order until received by Purchaser.  All containers will be properly marked for identification per the instructions on Purchaser’s Purchase Order and contain a packing slip that details, at a minimum, the Purchaser Purchase Order number(s), product part number, detailed product description, total number of boxes in shipment, quantity of product shipped, and final delivery address.  Items shipped in advance of Purchaser’s delivery schedule may be returned at Supplier’s expense.  For domestic shipments, if requested by Purchaser, and for all international shipments, Supplier will give notice of shipment to Purchaser when the Goods are delivered to a carrier for transportation.  The Purchase Order number(s) must appear on all correspondence, shipping labels, and shipping documents, including all packing sheets, bills of lading and air waybills.

2.3.    All Goods, unless specifically exempted by the destination country’s governing authorities, must be marked with the country of origin (manufacture) of the Goods in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article or container permits.

2.4.    Supplier will provide Purchaser with (a) the Harmonized Tariff Schedule number, country of origin information or certificates, manufacturer’s affidavits, applicable free trade agreement (“FTA”) certificates, and any other documents or information Purchaser may require to comply with international trade regulations or to lawfully minimize duties, taxes, and fees, and (b) FTA certificates for all Goods that qualify under one or more FTAs.  Supplier will provide Purchaser all documents, records, and other supporting information necessary to substantiate the Goods’ qualification under such FTA. Supplier will exert reasonable efforts to qualify the Goods under FTAs.

2.5.    Within one business day after Supplier delivers the Goods to the carrier, Supplier will send Purchaser a complete set of shipping documents including the commercial invoice, packing list, and air waybill or three original parts of the combined through bill of lading, clean without notation, necessary to release the Goods to Purchaser’s custody.

3.       Notice of Delay. Whenever anything delays or threatens to delay the timely performance of the applicable Purchase Order, Supplier must immediately notify Purchaser in writing of all relevant information with respect to such delay.

4.       Excusable Delay (Force Majeure). Any delay or failure of either party to perform its obligations shall be excused if and to the extent that the party is unable to perform due to: Acts of God; restrictions, prohibitions, priorities or allocations imposed or actions taken by a governmental authority; or acts of war.  Supplier’s ability to sell Goods at a more advantageous price or Supplier’s economic hardship in buying materials or processing necessary for manufacture of the Goods will not constitute an excusable delay event.  The party affected by an excusable delay will promptly provide written notice to the other, explaining in detail the full particulars and expected duration of the excusable delay, and will use its best efforts to remedy the delay if it is capable of being remedied.  If Supplier’s delivery is delayed, Purchaser may, at Purchaser’s sole option, cancel deliveries that had been scheduled during the excusable delay period or elect to extend the period of performance commensurate with the period of delay caused by the excusable delay.  If an excusable delay occurs that affects delivery of Goods to Purchaser, Supplier will allocate its available supply of Goods in a manner that assures Purchaser of at least the same proportion of Supplier’s total output of Goods as was allocated to Purchaser prior to the excusable delay event.  If delivery of any Goods is delayed for more than 30 days, Purchaser may, without liability, cancel all or any part of the applicable Purchase Order.

5.       Performance Assurance Plan. If Purchaser, in its sole discretion, determines there is a significant risk that Supplier will fail to meet its performance or delivery requirements under the applicable Purchase Order, Purchaser may require Supplier to perform under a Purchaser Performance Assurance Plan.  The Performance Assurance Plan may include specific reporting and performance requirements reasonably tailored to ensure Supplier’s adequate performance under identified provisions of the applicable Purchase Order.  Any failure by Supplier to satisfy the terms of the Performance Assurance Plan is a material breach of the applicable Purchase Order.

6.       Shipping Terms, Title and Risk of Loss.

6.1. If the Goods will be transported from Supplier’s location in the U.S. to Purchaser’s location in the U.S., unless otherwise specified on the face of the applicable Purchase Order or in a separate agreement, the point of delivery, as defined in Incoterms®2020, is the Purchaser’s location and Incoterm DAP will apply.  When the point of delivery, as defined in Incoterms®2020, is Supplier’s location, Supplier bears all risk of loss or damage to the Goods and title passes to Purchaser upon delivery of the Goods to the carrier designated or approved by Purchaser; Incoterm FCA will apply.  When the point of delivery, as defined in Incoterms®2020, is Purchaser’s location, Supplier bears all risk of loss or damage to the Goods and title passes to Purchaser upon delivery of the Goods at Purchaser’s location.

6.2. In all other cases, unless otherwise specified on the face of the Purchase Order or in a separate agreement, Supplier will deliver the Goods DAP (Incoterms®2020) at Purchaser’s location.  Title to Goods passes to Purchaser upon receipt at Purchaser’s location.

6.3. The foregoing does not relieve Supplier of any responsibility for hidden damages discovered after acceptance of the Goods.  Notwithstanding 6.1 and 6.2 above, title and risk of loss to Goods subject to a consignment stock agreement pass upon release of the Goods from the consignment stock.  Purchaser may direct Supplier to ship the Goods to Purchaser or to any third party designated by Purchaser.

 7. Import/Customs Compliance. Supplier assumes all responsibility and liability for any shipments covered by the applicable Purchase Order requiring any government import clearance.  If government authorities declare or otherwise impose countervailing duties, antidumping duties, or retaliatory duties on the Goods imported under the applicable Purchase Order, Purchaser reserves the right to terminate the applicable Purchase Order in accordance with the Termination provisions of the applicable Purchase Order.  Supplier will be debited for any duties, fees, or freight incurred by Purchaser due to Supplier’s failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the applicable Purchase Order.

8. Offset. If Supplier is a non-U.S. entity, Supplier will assist Purchaser in obtaining credit from Supplier’s government for the value of relevant Goods purchased hereunder to meet any present or future contractual offer or industrial benefit requirements imposed upon Purchaser or its subsidiaries or affiliates.  Such assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing upon Purchaser’s request evidence of the existence, value, content and other pertinent information relating to such purchases.  Purchaser reserves the right to claim these credits for itself or third parties.  If Supplier is a U.S. entity which awards any portion of the work hereunder to lower tier non-U.S. suppliers, Supplier will assign to Purchaser any credits obtained from the non-U.S. sub-tier supplier’s government relating to this transaction and assist Purchaser in obtaining any such credits.

9. Price. Supplier will furnish the Goods at the lower of the prices stated on the face of the applicable Purchase Order or the price of Supplier in effect on the date of delivery to customers in the same class as Purchaser for like quantities of Goods of like grade and quality.  If prices are not stated on the face of the applicable Purchase Order, Supplier will offer its lowest prices subject to written acceptance by Purchaser, which acceptance incorporates all of the terms and conditions of the applicable Purchase Order.  Unless otherwise provided on the face of the applicable Purchase Order, the prices include all packaging, applicable taxes and other government charges including, but not limited to, all sales, use or excise taxes; and all customs duties, fees or charges.  To the extent that value added tax (or any equivalent tax) is properly chargeable on the supply to Purchaser of any Goods, Purchaser shall pay such tax as an addition to payments otherwise due Supplier under the applicable Purchase Order, provided that Supplier provides to Purchaser a value added tax (or equivalent tax) invoice.

10. Invoicing and Payment. After each shipment made or service provided, Supplier will submit an invoice listing a description of the Goods provided and, as applicable, part numbers, quantity, unit of measure, and the unit and total prices.  Any incidental charges such as royalties, selling commissions, non-recurring engineering, or other incidental charges must be separately itemized and identified on the invoice.  The invoice must also include the following information in English, or in the destination country’s official language if required: (a) name and address of Supplier and the Purchaser entity purchasing the Goods; (b) name of shipper (if different from Supplier); (c) Purchaser’s Purchase Order number(s); (d) country of export; (e) detailed description of the Goods; (f) Harmonized Tariff Schedule number; (g) country of origin (manufacture) of the Goods, or if multiple countries of origin, the country of origin of each part shipped; (h) weights of the Goods shipped; (i) currency in which the sale was made; (j) payment terms; (k) shipment terms used; and (l) all rebates or discounts.  The invoice will be accompanied (if applicable) by a signed bill of lading or express receipt evidencing shipment.  Payment of an invoice does not constitute acceptance of the Goods and is subject to appropriate adjustment should Supplier fail to meet the requirements of the applicable Purchase Order.  Payment terms are net 45 days from receipt of invoice and conforming Goods unless otherwise stated on the face of the applicable Purchase Order or other written agreement executed by both parties.  Payment will be scheduled for the first payment cycle following the net terms for the Purchase Order.

11. Setoff. Purchaser may deduct any amount owing from Supplier to Purchaser as a setoff against any amount due or owing to Supplier under the applicable Purchase Order.

12. Quality Assurance. Supplier agrees to allow Purchaser, during normal business hours, to make reasonable inspections of the facilities where Supplier and its sub-tier suppliers manufacture or process the Goods.

13. Inspection.

13.1. All Goods may be inspected and tested by Purchaser; its customers; higher tier contractors; and end user at all reasonable times and places.  If such inspection or testing is made on Supplier’s premises, Supplier will provide, without additional charge, all reasonable facilities and assistance required for such inspections and tests.  In its standard inspection and testing of the Goods, Supplier will use an inspection system accepted by Purchaser in writing.  All inspection records, including sub-tier supplier records relating to the Goods, will be maintained and made available to Purchaser during the performance of the applicable Purchase Order, and for such longer periods as may be specified by Purchaser. 

13.2. Notwithstanding any prior inspection at Supplier’s premises, the manner and place of final inspection and acceptance by Purchaser will be as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.  Purchaser may inspect 100% or a sample of Goods, at Purchaser’s option, and may reject all or any portion of the Goods or lot of Goods if Purchaser determines them to be defective or nonconforming.  If Purchaser performs any inspection (other than the standard inspection) due to discovery of defective or non-conforming Goods, any additional inspection costs will be paid by Supplier.  No inspection, tests, approval, design approval, or acceptance of the Goods relieves Supplier from responsibility for warranty or any latent defects, fraud, or negligence.  If the Goods are defective or otherwise not in conformity with the requirements of the applicable Purchase Order, Purchaser may, by written notice to Supplier: (a) rescind the applicable Purchase Order as to such Goods; (b) accept such Goods at an equitable reduction in price; or (c) reject such Goods and require the delivery of replacements.  Delivery of replacements will be accompanied by a written notice specifying that such Goods are replacements.  If Supplier fails to deliver required replacements promptly, Purchaser may correct any retained defective or nonconforming Goods at Supplier’s expense; replace them with Goods from another supplier and charge the Supplier the cost thereof (and any incidental costs); or terminate the applicable Purchase Order for cause.

14. Warranty.

14.1. Supplier warrants to Purchaser, its successors, assigns, customers and end users that, all Goods furnished (including all replacement or corrected Goods or components thereof, which are also subject to warranty under this Section 14), regardless of whether such Goods are manufactured by Supplier or a third-party, will (a) be free from defects in material, workmanship, and design, even if the design has been approved by Purchaser, (b) strictly conform to applicable drawings, designs, quality control plans, specifications and samples and other descriptions furnished or specified by Purchaser, (c) be merchantable, (d) be fit for the intended purposes to the extent the Goods are not of a detailed design furnished by Purchaser and operate as intended, (e) comply will all applicable national and local laws, (f) be free and clear of any and all liens, restrictions, reservations, security interests or encumbrances, and (g) not infringe any patent, published patent application, or other intellectual property rights of any third party existing as of the date of delivery, and not utilize misappropriated third party trade secret information.  Services will be performed in accordance with the highest standards in the industry.  These warranties will survive any delivery, inspection, acceptance or payment by Purchaser.  Claims for breach of warranty do not accrue until discovery of noncompliance, even if the Goods were previously inspected.  The warranties provided are cumulative and in addition to any warranty provided by law or equity.  Any applicable statute of limitations runs from the date of discovery of noncompliance or nonconformity.  If conforming Goods are not furnished within the time specified by Purchaser, then Purchaser may, at its election and in addition to any other rights or remedies it may have at law or in equity, have the nonconforming Goods repaired, replaced or corrected at Supplier’s expense.  In addition to the costs of repairing, replacing or correcting nonconforming Goods, Supplier is responsible for all related costs, expenses and damages including, but not limited to, the costs of removal, disassembly, failure analysis, fault isolation, reinstallation, re-inspection and retrofit of the nonconforming Goods or of Purchaser’s affected end-product; all freight charges; all customer charges; and all corrective action costs (i.e., costs of additional inspection or quality control systems).  Unless setoff by Purchaser, Supplier will reimburse Purchaser for all such costs upon receipt of Purchaser’s invoice. 

14.2. Supplier accepts that, at Purchaser’s discretion, warranty can be calculated using statistical methods based upon representative samples as utilized by Purchaser in its reasonable discretion. 

14.3. These warranties, and all other warranties, express or implied, survive delivery, inspection, acceptance and payment. 

14.4. All warranties shall be construed liberally in favor of Purchaser.  There are no exclusions, limitations, or disclaimers or warranty other than those that may be expressly stated in the applicable Purchase Order.

15. Recall. Supplier is liable for all costs or damages associated with any voluntary or involuntary recall of defective or potentially defective Goods or any products containing or incorporating such Goods including, but not limited to, recalls by a customer, regulatory agency or in accordance with applicable laws or regulations.  Supplier will be solely responsible for administering any recall or will fully participate in the administration of any recall conducted by Purchaser or its customer in relation to Supplier’s Goods as Purchaser may so direct.  Each party will cooperate in making available records and other information reasonably required by the other party in connection with any recall.  This Article will survive any termination or expiration of the applicable Purchase Order and apply for at least the same duration as Purchaser’s obligation to its customer(s). In addition to any other indemnification obligation under the applicable Purchase Order, Supplier will defend, indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser from any and all loss, damages, cost or expense, including attorneys’ fees, incurred as result of a recall. Such indemnification obligation shall include Purchaser’s attorneys’ fees incurred in enforcing the indemnification obligation under this Section 15.

16. Changes. Purchaser may, by written or electronic notification, direct changes to specifications, method of shipment or packing, quantity, or time or place of delivery of the Goods; reschedule the services; or require additional or diminished services.  If any change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or the time required for, performing the applicable Purchase Order, an equitable adjustment for reasonable costs will be made in the Purchase Order price, delivery dates or both.  If the cost of property made obsolete or excess as a result of a change is paid by Purchaser, Purchaser may prescribe the manner of disposition of the property.  Notwithstanding any disagreement between the parties regarding the impact of a change, Supplier will proceed diligently with its performance under the applicable Purchase Order pending resolution of the disagreement. Purchaser may cancel the applicable Purchase Order at any time prior to shipment of the Goods and will not be subject to any charges or fees for such cancellation. 

17. Termination. 

17.1. The non-breaching party may terminate the applicable Purchase Order if the other party commits a material breach and fails to remedy the breach within 30 calendar days following receipt of written notice specifying the grounds for the breach.  A material breach includes, but is not limited to, failure to deliver, late delivery or delivery of non-conforming Goods.  The solvent party may terminate the applicable Purchase Order upon written notice if the other party becomes insolvent or if any petition is filed or proceedings commenced by or against that party relating to bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, or assignment for the benefit of creditors.  Termination of Supplier by Purchaser under this Article will entitle Purchaser to all damages and remedies available at law or equity.  Additionally, Supplier grants to Purchaser a fully paid up, non-exclusive, transferrable, irrevocable license to Supplier’s Intellectual Property rights embodied or used in the Goods for Purchaser to make, have made, and sell Goods using such Intellectual Property rights to fulfill Purchaser’s obligations to Purchaser’s customer(s). 

17.2. Notwithstanding any firm time period or quantity, Purchaser may terminate the applicable Purchase Order in whole or in part at any time with or without cause with respect to undelivered Goods or unperformed services. 

17.3. If Purchaser terminates the applicable Purchase Order under either 17.1 or 17.2 above, Purchaser’s sole liability to Supplier, and Supplier’s sole and exclusive remedy, is payment for Goods received and accepted by Purchaser prior to the date of termination, payment for which can be set off against any damages to Purchaser.  Upon termination, Purchaser may require Supplier to transfer title and deliver to Purchaser any completed Goods and Purchaser will pay the Purchase Order price for such Goods subject to set off against any damages to Purchaser.  Purchaser may also require Supplier to transfer title and deliver to Purchaser any or all property produced or procured by Supplier for performance of the applicable Purchase Order and Supplier will be credited with the reasonable value thereof not to exceed Supplier’s actual cost or the Purchase Order value, whichever is less. 

17.4. To the extent that any portion of the applicable Purchase Order is not terminated pursuant to 17.1 or 17.2 above, Supplier will continue performance of that portion. 

18. General Indemnification and No Exclusivity or Non-Compete Arrangement.

18.1 Supplier will, at its expense, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser and its subsidiaries, affiliates and agents, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, and employees, and Purchaser’s customers (collectively “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all loss, cost, expense, damage, claim, demand or liability, including attorney and professional fees and costs, arising out of, resulting from or occurring in connection with Supplier’s negligence, willful misconduct, breach of express or implied warranty, or breach of the terms of the applicable Purchase Order.  Supplier shall be solely responsible, and shall indemnify Indemnities, for all attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by Purchaser arising out of, relating to, or in connection with claims against Supplier for enforcement of the indemnification provisions of the applicable Purchase Order, breach of any provision of the applicable Purchase Order, and breach of any implied warranty. To the extent Supplier defends a third-party claim against Purchaser, prior to service or filing of any significant pleading, motion, brief, discovery response or other document on behalf of Purchaser, Supplier will provide such documents to Purchaser for review and approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld.  In no event will Supplier enter into any settlement without Purchaser’s prior written consent. 

18.2 Supplier represents and warrants that there is nothing that will directly, indirectly, actually or potentially restrict or prevent Supplier in any way from fulfilling all its obligations, duties, and services under the applicable Purchase Order, including without limitation any exclusivity or non-compete arrangement.

19. Intellectual Property Indemnification. With respect to the Goods provided hereunder, Supplier will, at its expense, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitees from and against any and all loss, cost, expense, damage, claim, demand or liability, including reasonable attorney and professional fees and costs and the cost of settlement, compromise, judgment or verdict incurred by or demanded from Indemnitees arising out of, resulting from, or occurring in connection with any alleged: (a) patent, copyright or trademark infringement; (b) unlawful disclosure, use or misappropriation of a trade secret; or (c) violation of any other third party intellectual property right, and from expenses incurred by Indemnitees in defense of such suit, claim or proceeding.  Supplier will have the right to conduct the defense of any such claim or action and, consistent with Indemnitees’ rights hereunder, all negotiations for its settlement; provided, however, in no event will Supplier enter into any settlement without Purchaser’s prior written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.  Indemnitee may participate in such defense or negotiations to protect its interests.  If any injunction or restraining order is issued, Supplier will, at its expense, obtain for Indemnitee either the right to continue to make, use, offer to sell, sell or import the Goods or replace or modify the Goods to make them noninfringing

20. Insurance. Supplier will maintain insurance with a carrier rated a minimum AM Best rated “A”, covering at least the following insurance: commercial general liability (including product liability, and for services to be performed, completed operations liability) in a sum no less than $5 million, automobile liability in a sum no less than $5 million, worker’s compensation in an amount no less than the applicable statutory minimum requirement, employer’s liability in an amount of no less than $1 million, and manufacturer’s errors and omissions, including product recall coverage, in an amount no less than $1 million.  Prior to the delivery of any Goods, Supplier will provide to Purchaser certificates of insurance evidencing that Supplier maintains the foregoing insurance, which will provide that such coverage will not be changed without 30 days advance written notification to Purchaser from the carrier(s).  Except where prohibited by law, Supplier waives its rights of recovery and will require its insurers to waive their rights of recovery or subrogation against Purchaser, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents.  The amount of insurance carried in compliance with the above requirements is not to be construed as either a limitation on or satisfaction of the indemnification obligations in the applicable Purchase Order. 

21. Compliance with Laws and Integrity.

21.1. Supplier will comply with all applicable national, EU, state/provincial and local laws, regulations, ordinances and directives including without limitation those related to the environment, health and safety, and Purchaser’s Code of Business Conduct (“Code”) in performing the applicable Purchase Order.  In addition, and to the extent Purchaser and its suppliers are required to comply with codes of conduct of Purchaser’s customers (“Customer Codes”), Supplier will also comply with these Customer Codes.  Supplier will maintain an integrity and compliance program acceptable to Purchaser and its customers and effective in preventing and correcting ethical violations and in maintaining compliance with laws. 

21.2. Supplier shall maintain quality management standards pursuant to ISO, TS, QS or other related standards to ensure, among other things, the Goods are safe, reliable and of good quality pursuant to applicable industry standards. 

21.3. Unless Supplier provides Purchaser with a written material declaration showing such substances and obtains Purchaser’s prior written approval or Purchaser clearly specifies such substances in its Purchase Order, no Products will contain any of the substances identified in Article 4.1 of the European Parliament Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS Directive) as that Directive is updated from time to time, or similar laws or regulations identified by Purchaser, restricting the use of hazardous materials in other jurisdictions.  Additionally, Supplier will be responsible for all costs and liabilities for or relating to the recycling of Products pursuant to the most current version of European Parliament Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE Directive) as such Directive is implemented in each country, or similar laws or regulations identified by Purchaser. 

21.4. Upon request, in a form and substance satisfactory to enable Purchaser to meet its compliance obligations with regards to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (“REACH”) or similar laws or regulations identified by Purchaser, Supplier will provide Purchaser with complete information regarding the chemical composition of any Goods (substances, preparations, mixtures, alloys or goods) supplied under the applicable Purchase Order, including all safety information required under REACH and information regarding the registration or pre-registration status of any Goods pursuant to REACH.  Supplier agrees that it will include any Purchaser “Identified Use” in its REACH registrations or applications for authorization pursuant to REACH unless Supplier notifies Purchaser in writing that it rejects such “Identified Use” in order to protect human health or the environment and specifies the reason for such rejection.  In such case Purchaser will have the right to terminate the applicable Purchase Order without incurring any costs or damages.  Supplier agrees to indemnify Purchaser for any costs, fines, or damages incurred by Purchaser and arising from Supplier’s failure to comply with the provisions set forth above. 

21.5. Supplier warrants that all representations and certifications furnished by Supplier as required by law or regulation in connection with this order are accurate, current and complete as of the effective date of this order, and that to Supplier’s knowledge no person has been paid a kickback or illegal gratuity in connection with this order.  Supplier agrees to indemnify and hold Purchaser and its customers harmless for any loss, damage or expenses sustained because any certification or representation herein or required by law or regulation made by Supplier was inaccurate, non-current or incomplete or due to Supplier’s non-compliance with any applicable law or regulation. 

21.6 Supplier agrees to provide Purchaser, within five (5) business days of Purchaser’s request, written certification stating the extent of Supplier’s compliance with this section 21, including applicable laws or regulations newly coming into effect during the performance of the order. 

22. Applicable Law and Forum. The construction, interpretation and performance of the applicable Purchase Order and all transactions hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A. without regard to or application of its principles or laws regarding conflicts of laws, and excluding the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods of 1980 (and any amendments or successors thereto).  Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to the applicable Purchase Order or any transaction hereunder, including without limitation the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of the applicable Purchase Order shall be brought exclusively in either the United States District Court for the Western District of New York or the Supreme Court of the State of New York located in Monroe County, New York. Supplier irrevocably submits to the exclusive venue and jurisdiction of the Designated Courts and waives any defense, counterclaim or other right to assert that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Courts, that the Designated Court is not a convenient forum, or that venue is improper in the Designated Court.

23. Remedies. All Purchaser remedies set forth in the applicable Purchase Order are in addition to, and will in no way limit, any other rights and remedies that may be available to Purchaser at law or in equity.

24. Notices. All Notices relating to the applicable Purchase Order must be in writing.  Notices to the parties will be sent to their respective addresses appearing on the face of the applicable Purchase Order.  Notices must be delivered personally; or delivered by recognized overnight courier; or mailed certified first class mail, postage prepaid; or sent by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number provided by Purchaser or Supplier respectively; or sent by electronic transmission (email) with proof of delivery.  Any Notice will be deemed given on the date delivered if delivered personally; three business days after being placed in the mail as specified; or upon confirmation receipt that it was transmitted satisfactorily if transmitted by facsimile or electronic transmission.

25. Publicity. Any news release, public announcement, advertisement, publicity or any other disclosure concerning the applicable Purchase Order to any third party except as may be necessary to comply with other obligations stated in the applicable Purchase Order requires prior written approval of Purchaser.

26. Headings and Captions. Headings and captions are for convenience of reference only and do not alter the meaning or interpretation of any provision of the applicable Purchase Order.

27. Waiver. The failure of Purchaser to enforce at any time any of the provisions of the applicable Purchase Order will not be construed to be a waiver of any provisions hereunder, nor will any such failure prejudice the right of Purchaser to take any action in the future to enforce any provisions hereunder.

28. Severability. If any provision of the applicable Purchase Order is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable by applicable law, that provision will be severed from the applicable Purchase Order; the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect; and a similar legal, valid and enforceable provision will be substituted in lieu of the severed provision.

29. Supply Chain Security. Supplier will implement the Business Partner Criteria of any Supply Chain Security Program that the country of import for the Goods may adopt such as the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) or the Canadian Partners in Protection (PIP) Program. 

 

30. Survival All provisions of the applicable Purchase Order which by their nature should apply beyond its term will remain in force after any termination or expiration of the applicable Purchase Order including, but not limited to, those addressing the following subjects: Import/Customs Compliance, Price, and Meet or Release, Invoicing and Payment, Setoff, Warranty, Recall, General Indemnification, Indemnification, Insurance, Confidentiality, Applicable Law and Forum, Publicity, and Survival.