Shipping & Delivery Policy

Last updated: 3 August 2026

1. About These Terms

This Shipping & Delivery Policy (“Policy”) explains how shipping, freight coordination, customs clearance, delivery, unloading and receipt may be handled for products supplied by:

Legal entity: UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC
Trading name: The Bark Co.
Registration number: 1050003007029
Registered address: 310-0024 Ibaraki, Mito, Bizemmachi 2-5 Tokan Mito Park Heights #216, Japan
Email: sales@barkhabitat.com
Website: barkhabitat.com

In this Policy:

“The Bark Co.”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC trading as The Bark Co.
“Customer”, “you” and “your” mean the person or entity purchasing or proposing to purchase a Product.
“Product” means a modular building, expandable modular home, steel-frame modular home, component, fixture, material or related item supplied under an Order.
“Order” means an accepted agreement for the supply of a Product or service.
“Contract Documents” means the accepted quotation, approved drawings and specifications, this Policy, the Terms of Sale and Supply and any signed project-specific agreement or schedule.
“Carrier” includes an ocean carrier, freight forwarder, trucking provider, rail operator, warehouse provider, port operator or other transportation provider.
“Delivery Point” means the location to which delivery is expressly agreed in the Contract Documents.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in Japan.

This Policy forms part of an Order only where it is incorporated into the Contract Documents.

If this Policy conflicts with a signed project-specific agreement or accepted quotation, the project-specific agreement or accepted quotation will prevail to the extent of the conflict.

Nothing in this Policy excludes, restricts or modifies a right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

2. Scope of Shipping Services

Depending on the accepted quotation, The Bark Co. may:

Arrange international ocean freight
Coordinate container transport
Coordinate inland transportation
Obtain freight quotations
Communicate with manufacturers and freight providers
Arrange transport from the manufacturing facility to a port
Coordinate export documentation
Provide commercial documents within our control
Coordinate delivery from a destination port to an agreed Delivery Point
Assist with cargo-insurance arrangements
Assist with delivery scheduling
Provide available shipment updates
Coordinate other expressly agreed logistics services

Shipping and delivery services are included only to the extent expressly stated in the Contract Documents.

The Bark Co. is not a shipping line, port operator, customs authority, customs broker, crane operator, installation contractor or local transport regulator.

Where we arrange freight, transportation may be performed by independent Carriers and logistics providers.

3. Shipping Is Not Automatically Included

Product prices displayed on the website do not include shipping or delivery unless expressly stated.

Depending on the Order, charges that may be additional include:

Factory-to-port transportation
Export handling
Ocean freight
Container charges
Freight forwarding
Cargo insurance
Destination terminal handling
Port service charges
Documentation charges
Customs-broker charges
Customs duties
Import taxes
Goods and services tax
Value-added tax
Quarantine or biosecurity charges
Inspection charges
Treatment or cleaning charges
Storage
Demurrage
Container detention
Container unpacking
Inland transportation
Route surveys
Transport permits
Escort vehicles
Traffic management
Side-loader services
Crane hire
Lifting equipment
Unloading
Positioning on foundations
Assembly
Installation
Redelivery
Waiting time
Remote-area surcharges
Other destination-specific costs

The accepted quotation will identify the shipping services and charges included at the time it is issued.

4. Shipping Quotations

A shipping quotation is based on information available at the time of preparation, which may include:

Product dimensions
Product weight
Number of units
Packaging configuration
Container requirements
Manufacturing location
Port of departure
Port of destination
Final Delivery Point
Intended shipping date
Carrier availability
Current freight rates
Fuel surcharges
Port charges
Currency exchange rates
Destination access
Required delivery equipment
Customs and regulatory requirements

Unless expressly stated as fixed, a freight quotation is an estimate and remains subject to confirmation when transportation is booked.

A freight quotation may have a shorter validity period than the Product quotation.

If a freight quotation expires before booking, we may obtain an updated quotation. The Customer must approve any material increase before the revised freight arrangement becomes binding, unless the Contract Documents expressly provide another mechanism.

5. Changes to Freight Costs

Freight rates and logistics charges may change because of:

Carrier rate adjustments
Fuel-price changes
Currency movements
Port congestion
Route disruption
Seasonal demand
Container shortages
Vessel availability
Government action
Changes in duties, taxes or tariffs
Changes in port or terminal charges
Product modifications
Changes to dimensions or weight
Customer-requested schedule changes
Changes to the destination
Additional services requested by the Customer
Events outside reasonable control

Where a material change occurs before freight is booked, we will notify the Customer and, where required, obtain approval for a revised charge.

After booking, the Customer may be responsible for reasonable additional charges caused by the Customer, the destination, regulatory intervention or events outside our reasonable control, where permitted by the Contract Documents and applicable law.

The Customer is not responsible for an additional charge to the extent that it results from The Bark Co.’s breach, negligence or failure to follow the agreed shipping instructions.

6. Shipping Method

Products may be transported using methods such as:

Full-container-load ocean freight
Flat-rack container
Open-top container
Standard shipping container
High-cube shipping container
Roll-on/roll-off transport
Break-bulk cargo
Road freight
Rail freight
Oversized-load transport
Another method suitable for the Product

The appropriate method will depend on:

Product type
Folded or assembled dimensions
Weight
Packaging
Number of units
Route
Port capabilities
Destination access
Carrier requirements
Applicable transport regulations

The use of a particular shipping method will not be guaranteed unless it is expressly confirmed in the Contract Documents.

7. Packaging and Preparation for Transport

Products will be packaged or prepared for transportation in a manner reasonably appropriate for:

The Product
The agreed shipping method
Normal handling
Expected transit conditions
Applicable Carrier requirements

Packaging may include:

Protective film
Corner protection
Strapping
Blocking or bracing
Moisture protection
Protective panels
Timber supports
Crates
Component boxes
Internal securing
Other suitable protection

Packaging is intended to reduce ordinary transportation risk. It does not guarantee that damage can never occur.

The Customer must not assume that transport packaging is suitable for long-term outdoor storage after delivery.

8. Product Dimensions and Transport Configuration

Modular buildings may be shipped:

Folded
Collapsed
Flat-packed
Partially assembled
Fully assembled
In separate modules
With components packed internally
In multiple containers or shipments

The transport dimensions may differ significantly from the opened, installed or completed dimensions shown on the website.

The Customer must use the confirmed transport dimensions and weights—not general website dimensions—when planning:

Site access
Road transport
Gates
Turning areas
Bridge clearances
Overhead obstructions
Crane capacity
Lifting plans
Foundations
Unloading
Temporary storage

Confirmed transportation information will be provided where available as part of the project documentation.

9. Estimated Production and Shipping Periods

Production time, freight booking time, departure dates, transit periods and delivery dates are estimates unless expressly identified as guaranteed in the Contract Documents.

Production and shipping are separate stages.

An estimated production period does not include:

Time awaiting Customer information
Design development
Drawing approval
Variation assessment
Material selection
Manufacturing delays outside the stated estimate
Freight booking
Port handling
International transit
Customs clearance
Quarantine inspection
Inland transportation
Unloading
Assembly
Installation
Local inspection or approval

Shipping estimates generally begin only after the Product is ready for dispatch and all required shipping conditions have been satisfied.

10. Conditions Before Dispatch

A Product may not be dispatched until applicable requirements have been completed, including:

Receipt of required payments in cleared funds
Approval of required drawings
Confirmation of material and finish selections
Completion of manufacturing
Completion of agreed inspections
Confirmation of shipping instructions
Confirmation of the Delivery Point
Receipt of Customer information required for export or import documents
Confirmation of the importer of record
Confirmation of required permits or approvals
Freight booking
Satisfaction of any other stated precondition

A delay in satisfying these requirements may affect freight availability, pricing and the estimated delivery schedule.

11. Customer Shipping Information

The Customer must provide accurate and timely information reasonably required for shipping, including:

Full legal name
Company name where applicable
Billing address
Delivery address
Contact person
Telephone number
Email address
Destination country
Destination port where applicable
Importer details
Tax or business-registration details where required
Customs-broker details
Delivery-site information
Site-access restrictions
Preferred delivery period
Required permits
Known quarantine or import requirements
Other information reasonably necessary for transportation

The Customer must promptly notify The Bark Co. if any information changes.

The Customer is responsible for reasonable costs caused by materially inaccurate, incomplete or late information, except to the extent that The Bark Co. knew or reasonably should have identified the problem.

12. Freight Booking

Freight will ordinarily be booked only after:

The applicable freight quotation has been accepted
Required shipping payments have been received
The Product’s transport dimensions and weight have been confirmed
Required shipping instructions have been provided
The intended destination and delivery scope have been confirmed
Any relevant preconditions have been satisfied

Carrier availability cannot be guaranteed until the booking is confirmed by the relevant Carrier.

A requested vessel, route, departure date or delivery date may become unavailable before confirmation.

The Bark Co. may select or approve a Carrier reasonably suitable for the agreed service unless the Contract Documents identify a specific Carrier.

13. Incoterms®

An Incoterms® rule applies only where it is expressly incorporated into the accepted quotation or another Contract Document.

Where used, the Contract Documents should identify:

The specific Incoterms® rule
The named place or port
The applicable version, ordinarily Incoterms® 2020

For example, a reference to an Incoterms® rule is incomplete if it does not identify the relevant named place or port.

The selected rule may determine matters such as:

The delivery point
The point at which risk transfers
Responsibility for transport
Responsibility for insurance
Export-clearance obligations
Import-clearance obligations
Allocation of certain costs

The Customer must not assume that payment of freight by The Bark Co. means that risk remains with The Bark Co. until arrival. Under some Incoterms® rules, transport may be paid to a destination while risk transfers at an earlier point.

The accepted Contract Documents must be reviewed to determine the actual allocation for each Order.

14. Export Documentation

Depending on the Order and shipping arrangement, available export or commercial documents may include:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading
Certificate of origin where applicable
Manufacturer information
Product description
Declared dimensions and weight
Available treatment or packaging declarations
Other documents expressly included in the Order

Documentation requirements vary by country, Product and shipment.

The Bark Co. will provide documents within its control that are expressly included or reasonably required for the agreed shipping scope.

A request for an unusual, destination-specific or newly required document may involve additional time or cost.

15. Importer of Record

The importer of record must be identified where required.

Unless the Contract Documents expressly state that The Bark Co. will act as or arrange the importer of record, the Customer is responsible for:

Acting as importer of record
Appointing a lawful importer
Engaging a customs broker where appropriate
Providing required import information
Making accurate declarations
Obtaining import permits
Paying import charges
Meeting destination-country requirements

The Bark Co. does not represent that it can legally act as importer of record in every destination.

16. Customs Clearance

Unless expressly included, the Customer is responsible for customs clearance at the destination.

This may include:

Appointing a licensed customs broker
Lodging import declarations
Providing evidence of identity or business registration
Providing tax-registration details
Classifying the imported goods
Confirming customs value
Providing permits, licences or approvals
Responding to customs enquiries
Paying duties, taxes and processing charges
Arranging release of the cargo

The Bark Co. may provide available commercial or manufacturer documents reasonably required to support clearance.

The Bark Co. does not guarantee customs clearance where responsibility for clearance rests with the Customer or where destination requirements were not expressly included in the agreed scope.

17. Duties, Taxes and Government Charges

Unless expressly included in the accepted quotation, the Customer is responsible for destination charges such as:

Customs duties
Goods and services tax
Value-added tax
Sales or use tax
Import-processing charges
Tariffs
Quarantine charges
Inspection charges
Permit fees
Government levies
Other charges imposed by an authority

The amount of these charges may depend on:

Product classification
Customs value
Country of origin
Destination
Applicable trade agreements
Current tariff rules
Shipping and insurance costs
Customer status
Intended use

Any estimate of duties or taxes provided by The Bark Co. is preliminary unless expressly confirmed by a qualified customs professional or relevant authority.

18. Biosecurity, Quarantine and Prohibited Materials

Destination countries may impose biosecurity, quarantine, timber-packaging, contamination and prohibited-material requirements.

Unless expressly included in the Order, the Customer is responsible for confirming destination requirements before shipment.

Authorities may:

Inspect cargo
Inspect timber packaging
Require documentation
Order treatment or cleaning
Require unpacking
Delay release
Reject prohibited material
Order re-export
Order destruction where legally authorised
Impose additional charges

The Customer must promptly inform The Bark Co. of any known destination requirement that may affect manufacturing, packaging or shipping.

The Bark Co. will not knowingly supply prohibited material and will provide available information within its control. This does not replace the Customer’s obligation to obtain destination-specific import advice where that responsibility is allocated to the Customer.

19. Freight Insurance

Freight or cargo insurance is included only where expressly stated in the Contract Documents.

The Customer should confirm whether insurance covers:

Factory-to-port transport
International transit
Inland transport
Loading and unloading
Storage
Product value
Freight charges
Duties and taxes
General average
Water damage
Theft
Handling damage
Other relevant risks

Insurance may be subject to:

Policy limits
Exclusions
Deductibles
Packaging requirements
Notification periods
Survey requirements
Evidence requirements
Geographic limits

Where The Bark Co. arranges insurance, the insurer’s terms and claims procedures will apply.

The existence of insurance does not remove any responsibility that cannot lawfully be excluded.

20. Risk of Loss or Damage

Risk transfers at the point stated in:

The signed project-specific agreement;
The accepted quotation;
Any incorporated Incoterms® rule; or
Applicable law, if the Contract Documents do not specify the point.

Risk and legal ownership are separate matters.

The party bearing risk at the relevant time should maintain appropriate insurance.

Nothing in this section excludes The Bark Co.’s responsibility for loss caused by its own breach, negligence, defective packaging or other legally attributable conduct.

21. Transfer of Title

Unless the Contract Documents or applicable law provide otherwise, legal title to the Product does not transfer until The Bark Co. has received all amounts payable for that Product in cleared funds.

The transfer of title does not necessarily occur at the same time as:

Dispatch
Transfer of risk
Arrival at the destination port
Customs clearance
Physical delivery
Installation

Nothing in this Policy permits The Bark Co. to enter land, repossess a Product or interfere with third-party rights without lawful authority.

22. Shipment Tracking and Updates

Where tracking or milestone information is available, The Bark Co. may provide information such as:

Booking confirmation
Estimated departure
Vessel or voyage information
Bill-of-lading information
Estimated arrival
Port status
Customs status where known
Inland-delivery scheduling

Tracking information is provided by third parties and may be delayed, incomplete or revised.

An estimated arrival shown by a Carrier is not a guaranteed delivery date unless expressly agreed otherwise.

The Customer remains responsible for monitoring communications from its customs broker, Carrier, port, delivery provider and relevant authorities where applicable.

23. Changes to Route, Vessel or Carrier

A Carrier may change:

Vessel
Voyage
Route
Transshipment port
Departure date
Arrival date
Container allocation
Terminal
Inland-delivery provider

Such changes may occur for operational, safety, weather, regulatory or commercial reasons.

Where The Bark Co. becomes aware of a material change, we will take reasonable steps to notify the Customer.

A reasonable operational change by a Carrier does not by itself constitute a breach by The Bark Co., subject to the Contract Documents and mandatory law.

24. Partial and Consolidated Shipments

An Order may be shipped:

In one shipment
In multiple containers
In separate consignments
In stages
With accessories or components shipped separately
As part of a consolidated freight arrangement

Partial or staged shipment will be used only where permitted by the Contract Documents, approved by the Customer where required, or reasonably necessary because of Product size, Carrier requirements or operational constraints.

If a proposed change to the agreed shipment structure materially affects price, timing or Customer obligations, we will notify the Customer and obtain approval where required.

25. Delivery Point

The Delivery Point must be expressly identified in the Contract Documents.

It may be:

A manufacturing facility
A port of departure
A destination port
A freight terminal
A warehouse
A transport depot
A roadside delivery point
The Customer’s property
Another agreed location

A reference to a city, region or port does not automatically include delivery to the Customer’s site.

If inland delivery is included, the quotation should identify the agreed address or delivery area and any applicable conditions.

26. Port-to-Site and Inland Delivery

Inland transportation is included only where expressly stated.

Before inland delivery is confirmed, additional information may be required concerning:

Road access
Road width
Bridge capacity
Height restrictions
Weight restrictions
Turning radius
Gradient
Surface condition
Gates
Overhead power lines
Trees
Structures
Traffic restrictions
Neighbouring properties
Delivery hours
Local permits
Vehicle access
Crane positioning
Safe waiting areas

A preliminary inland-delivery estimate may change after the final Product dimensions, route or site conditions are assessed.

27. Oversized and Restricted Transport

Some Products may require:

Oversized-load permits
Route surveys
Escort vehicles
Police or authority coordination
Restricted delivery hours
Temporary traffic controls
Specialised trailers
Road closures
Removal of temporary obstructions
Additional handling

Unless expressly included, these services and costs are the Customer’s responsibility.

The Customer must obtain appropriate local advice before assuming that a fully assembled or oversized Product can be transported to the site.

28. Site Access

The Customer must ensure that the Delivery Point is safe, lawful and reasonably accessible for the agreed vehicle and equipment.

The Customer must disclose known access limitations before transportation is booked.

The Customer is responsible for confirming matters such as:

Legal road access
Private-road permission
Gate dimensions
Road condition
Ground-bearing capacity
Turning space
Overhead clearance
Underground services
Traffic control
Delivery permits
Neighbour or landowner permissions
Seasonal or weather-related limitations

Photographs, maps or Customer descriptions do not replace an on-site assessment by an appropriately qualified local transport or lifting professional where one is required.

29. Delivery Scheduling

Delivery dates and time windows are estimates unless expressly guaranteed.

The Customer must provide a person authorised to:

Receive the delivery
Confirm the delivery location
Coordinate site access
Communicate with the driver
Inspect visible condition
Sign delivery records
Record any visible damage or shortage

The Customer must remain reasonably contactable during the scheduled delivery period.

Carrier arrival times may be affected by traffic, weather, port release, road restrictions, earlier deliveries, mechanical problems or other operational conditions.

30. Unloading

Unloading is not included unless expressly stated in the Contract Documents.

Depending on the Product and delivery arrangement, unloading may require:

A crane
A side-loader
A forklift
A reach stacker
A specialised trailer
Certified lifting equipment
Qualified operators
Riggers
A lifting plan
Traffic management
Exclusion zones
Suitable foundations or temporary supports

The Customer must not attempt to unload or position a Product without appropriate equipment, competent personnel and lawful safety procedures.

Where unloading is the Customer’s responsibility, the Customer must coordinate the equipment and personnel so that they are ready when the delivery vehicle arrives.

31. Crane and Lifting Requirements

Where lifting is required, the Customer or its appointed contractor is responsible for confirming:

Product lifting weight
Lifting points
Crane capacity
Crane radius
Boom reach
Ground conditions
Outrigger requirements
Rigging method
Site obstructions
Wind limits
Applicable safety requirements
Required permits

Any lifting information provided by The Bark Co. must be confirmed against the final project-specific documentation.

Crane selection and lifting operations must be managed by appropriately qualified local professionals.

32. Free Time, Waiting Time and Site Delays

Carriers and equipment providers may allow only a limited period for:

Container collection
Unloading
Delivery
Container use
Waiting at the site
Return of an empty container

The applicable free period may differ by Carrier, port, service and destination.

If delay occurs because:

The site is not ready
Access is blocked
Unloading equipment is unavailable
The Customer or representative is absent
Required permits are missing
The Customer cannot accept delivery
The Customer’s contractor is delayed

the Customer may be responsible for reasonable, documented charges such as:

Waiting time
Driver detention
Crane standby
Redelivery
Additional handling
Storage
Container detention

This does not apply to the extent that the delay was caused by The Bark Co.’s breach or negligence.

33. Demurrage, Detention and Storage

Demurrage, detention and storage charges may arise where cargo or equipment remains at a port, terminal, depot, warehouse or Customer-controlled location beyond the applicable free period.

These charges may accrue daily and can be substantial.

The Customer must take timely steps to:

Appoint a customs broker
Provide import documents
Pay destination charges
Obtain customs release
Obtain quarantine release
Arrange inland transport
Prepare the delivery site
Unload the Product
Return Carrier-owned equipment

The Customer is responsible for reasonable, documented demurrage, detention or storage caused by its action, inaction or responsibility under the Contract Documents.

The Bark Co. must take reasonable steps within its control to avoid or mitigate unnecessary charges.

34. Failed or Refused Delivery

A delivery may be treated as failed where:

No authorised recipient is available
The Customer refuses delivery without lawful grounds
The site is inaccessible
The delivery would be unsafe
Required unloading equipment is unavailable
Required permits are missing
The address is incorrect
The Product cannot be lawfully transported to the location
The Customer has not completed a required obligation

Where legally permitted, the Customer may be responsible for reasonable costs resulting from a Customer-caused failed delivery, including:

Return transport
Redelivery
Waiting time
Storage
Additional handling
Rebooking
Equipment standby

A refusal based on genuine visible damage, safety concerns or material non-conformity will be assessed according to the Contract Documents and applicable law.

35. Storage Before or After Delivery

If a Product cannot be shipped or delivered because of a Customer-caused delay, storage may be required.

Storage may occur at:

The manufacturing facility
A freight terminal
A port
A warehouse
A transport depot
Another suitable location

The Customer may be responsible for reasonable, documented storage and handling costs where permitted by the Contract Documents and applicable law.

Unless expressly agreed, temporary storage arranged through a Carrier or freight provider is not intended for long-term storage.

After delivery, the Customer must protect the Product from:

Weather exposure
Standing water
Ground moisture
Unauthorised access
Impact damage
Movement
Vandalism
Theft
Improper loading
Inadequate support

36. Inspection at Delivery

The Customer or its authorised representative should inspect the Product and its packaging as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.

The inspection should include, where safe and reasonably accessible:

External packaging
Visible panels and framing
Doors and windows
Corners and roof edges
Visible fixtures
Loose components
Component quantities
Signs of impact, movement or water entry
Container or transport condition
Shipping seals where applicable

The Customer should compare the delivered items with the packing list where available.

The Customer should not place itself or another person at risk when conducting an inspection.

37. Visible Damage or Shortage

If visible damage, loss or shortage is identified, the Customer should:

Record the issue on the Carrier’s delivery document where possible
Avoid signing that the shipment was received in good condition if that is inaccurate
Take clear photographs and video
Photograph the packaging and transport equipment
Record relevant container or seal numbers
Identify the affected Product or component
Retain damaged packaging
Notify the Carrier where required
Notify The Bark Co. promptly
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage

The Customer must not make false, exaggerated or misleading damage notations.

Failure to follow a Carrier’s notification procedure may prejudice recovery from the Carrier or insurer. However, it does not automatically remove any mandatory legal right.

38. Concealed Damage

Some transportation damage may not be reasonably visible at the time of delivery.

If concealed damage is discovered, the Customer should:

Stop work affecting the damaged area where reasonably necessary
Photograph and record the condition
Preserve packaging and evidence
Notify The Bark Co. promptly
Notify the Carrier or insurer within any applicable claim period
Avoid unnecessary alteration before assessment
Take reasonable action to prevent further damage

The Bark Co. may request additional photographs, video, documents or an independent inspection.

39. Shipping and Damage Claims

A shipping or delivery claim should include:

Customer name
Order number
Delivery address
Delivery date
Carrier information
Bill-of-lading or consignment number
Container number where applicable
Description of the issue
Photographs and video
Delivery receipt
Packing list
Evidence of damage notation
Repair estimate where available
Details of urgent protective work

Where insurance applies, the insurer’s notification periods and evidence requirements must also be followed.

The Bark Co. will provide reasonable assistance with a claim to the extent required by the Contract Documents and applicable law.

Responsibility for the loss will depend on matters such as:

The Contract Documents
The applicable Incoterms® rule
The point at which risk transferred
The cause of damage
Packaging
Carrier handling
Customer handling
Insurance coverage
Applicable law

40. Urgent Protective Measures

The Customer must take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable additional damage after delivery.

This may include:

Protecting an exposed area from weather
Preventing unauthorised access
Isolating an unsafe component
Moving loose items to secure storage
Arranging temporary professional protection

Except where immediate action is reasonably necessary for safety or damage prevention, the Customer should give The Bark Co. a reasonable opportunity to assess the issue before undertaking substantial repair work for which reimbursement will be requested.

The Customer should retain evidence of any urgent work and associated reasonable costs.

41. Delivery Does Not Include Installation

Delivery does not include assembly, installation, commissioning or approval unless expressly stated.

After delivery, the Customer may need to arrange:

Unfolding or assembly
Positioning
Foundations
Structural connections
Weatherproofing of site-made joints
Roof connections
Decks and stairs
Electrical connections
Plumbing connections
Drainage
Utility connections
Testing
Local inspections
Certification
Occupancy approval

The Product must not be occupied until all legally required site work, inspection and approval have been completed.

42. Delivery Does Not Confirm Regulatory Approval

Delivery of a Product does not mean that it:

Has received planning approval
Has received building approval
Is approved for occupation
Satisfies every local building requirement
Is suitable for the Customer’s site
Has been installed correctly
Has received local engineering certification
Has completed utility commissioning

Those matters must be addressed separately according to the Contract Documents and applicable local requirements.

43. Customer-Requested Shipping Changes

A Customer request to change any of the following may require a revised quotation or Variation:

Destination
Delivery Point
Shipping method
Carrier
Delivery date
Product configuration
Product dimensions
Quantity
Consignee
Importer of record
Customs arrangements
Insurance
Unloading arrangements
Inland-delivery requirements

A change becomes binding only when its scope, price and scheduling consequences have been approved in writing where required.

The Customer may be responsible for reasonable, unavoidable costs already incurred before the change, including cancellation, amendment, rebooking or storage charges.

44. Delays Outside Reasonable Control

Shipping or delivery may be delayed by events outside reasonable control, including:

Severe weather
Natural disasters
Fire
Flood
Earthquake
War or civil disturbance
Government action
Trade restrictions
Sanctions
Public-health restrictions
Port closure
Port congestion
Canal or route disruption
Carrier cancellation
Vessel delay
Container shortage
Customs inspection
Quarantine inspection
Labour disruption
Infrastructure failure
Road closure
Material shortage
Other comparable events

The affected party must take reasonable steps to communicate the delay, reduce avoidable loss and resume performance when reasonably possible.

A delay does not automatically entitle either party to cancel or claim compensation. Rights will depend on the Contract Documents and applicable law.

If a delay becomes substantial, the parties will discuss reasonable measures, which may include an updated schedule, alternative shipping arrangements or termination where legally permitted.

45. Delays Caused by the Customer

A Customer-caused delay may occur where the Customer does not:

Make a required payment
Approve shipping arrangements
Provide required information
Appoint a customs broker
Obtain an import permit
Complete customs clearance
Pay destination charges
Prepare the site
Arrange unloading equipment
Receive the Product
Return a container
Satisfy another agreed responsibility

The estimated schedule may be revised to reflect the delay.

The Customer may be responsible for reasonable, documented costs caused by the delay where permitted by the Contract Documents and applicable law.

46. The Bark Co.’s Responsibility

The Bark Co. will take reasonable steps to:

Accurately describe the agreed shipping scope
Obtain or coordinate freight services included in the Order
Provide available shipping information
Use reasonable care when selecting logistics providers
Communicate material known delays
Provide documents within its control
Follow agreed shipping instructions
Assist with legitimate delivery or damage enquiries
Perform its contractual and legal obligations

The involvement of a manufacturer, freight forwarder or Carrier does not remove any responsibility that The Bark Co. independently owes under the Contract Documents or applicable law.

47. Third-Party Carriers and Providers

Carriers and logistics providers may apply their own lawful terms concerning:

Booking
Routes
Schedules
Cargo acceptance
Free time
Demurrage
Detention
Storage
Dangerous goods
Claims
Liability
Insurance
Delivery procedures

Where a third-party term is intended to affect the Customer, it must be properly incorporated or otherwise apply under law.

The Bark Co. does not exclude responsibility for negligent selection, misleading representations or another breach independently attributable to The Bark Co.

48. Limitation of Responsibility

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, The Bark Co. is not responsible for loss caused solely by:

Inaccurate Customer information
Failure by the Customer to obtain import approval
Customer-controlled customs delays
Undisclosed access restrictions
Unsafe site conditions
Inadequate unloading equipment
Improper lifting by others
Improper storage after risk has transferred
Customer-appointed contractor error
Unauthorised Product modification
Failure to act on a known delivery notice
Failure to take reasonable protective measures
Events outside reasonable control
Third-party services not supplied, selected or controlled by The Bark Co.

An exclusion applies only to the extent that the identified event caused or contributed to the loss.

Nothing in this Policy excludes or limits:

Mandatory consumer rights
Liability for fraud or wilful misconduct
Liability that applicable law does not permit to be excluded
The Bark Co.’s responsibility for its own breach or negligence
Any remedy that cannot lawfully be limited

49. Consumer Rights

Nothing in this Policy excludes, restricts or modifies a statutory guarantee, right or remedy that cannot legally be excluded, restricted or modified.

Depending on the Customer, transaction and destination, mandatory rights may arise under:

Japanese consumer-protection laws
The Australian Consumer Law
Other applicable national, state, territorial or local laws

Where a Product or shipping service does not comply with a mandatory consumer guarantee, the Customer may be entitled to a remedy under applicable law.

A Customer will not lose a mandatory right merely because a Carrier, freight forwarder, manufacturer or insurer was involved.

50. Complaints and Delivery Disputes

A complaint concerning shipping or delivery should be sent to sales@barkhabitat.com and should include:

Customer name
Order number
Consignment details
Delivery date
Description of the issue
Supporting documents
Photographs or video
The outcome requested

The parties will first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith discussions.

Where appropriate, the parties may agree to:

Carrier investigation
Insurance assessment
Cargo survey
Independent inspection
Expert assessment
Mediation
Another reasonable dispute-resolution process

Nothing prevents a Customer from exercising a mandatory consumer right, contacting a relevant authority or seeking urgent legal relief.

51. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy is governed by the laws of Japan unless a signed project-specific agreement expressly provides otherwise.

This does not exclude any mandatory consumer protection, jurisdiction or remedy that applies in the Customer’s location and cannot lawfully be excluded.

Subject to those mandatory rights, disputes concerning this Policy will be submitted to the competent courts of Japan.

52. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy for future Orders to reflect changes to:

Shipping services
Freight practices
Carrier requirements
Customs procedures
Import or export requirements
Products
Business operations
Applicable laws
Consumer-protection requirements

The current version will be published on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

A change published after an Order becomes binding will not retrospectively alter that Order unless:

Both parties agree in writing
The Contract Documents permit the change
The change is required by law

53. Contact Us

For shipping quotations, delivery questions, damage notifications or complaints, contact:

The Bark Co.
UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC
Registration number: 1050003007029
Address: 310-0024 Ibaraki, Mito, Bizemmachi 2-5 Tokan Mito Park Heights #216, Japan
Email: sales@barkhabitat.com
Website: barkhabitat.com

Please include the relevant quotation, invoice, Order, bill-of-lading or consignment number where available.