Terms & Conditions

1. Who We Are — Freight Forwarder, Not a Carrier

Eastern Classics acts solely as a freight forwarder and logistics coordinator. We arrange ocean freight, warehousing, palletizing, and domestic trucking on behalf of shippers, but we are not a carrier and do not operate vessels, aircraft, or long-haul trucks.

All ocean transportation is performed by independent shipping lines. All US domestic delivery is performed by independent LTL (Less-than-Truckload) carriers. Eastern Classics has no control over these third-party carriers' operations, schedules, or handling of goods once in their custody.

2. Cargo Insurance — Shipper's Responsibility

Cargo insurance is mandatory for all shipments. Eastern Classics does not provide cargo insurance on behalf of shippers unless expressly agreed in writing with a separate insurance arrangement.

The shipper is solely responsible for:

• Obtaining adequate marine cargo insurance covering the full declared value of the goods from origin in Japan to final delivery in the United States.
• Ensuring the policy covers all legs of transit, including ocean freight, warehousing at our Berkeley facility, and domestic trucking.
• Providing proof of insurance coverage upon request before goods are accepted for shipment.

Without cargo insurance, the shipper accepts all risk of loss or damage. Eastern Classics strongly recommends obtaining an all-risk marine cargo insurance policy through a licensed insurer.

3. Shipper's Responsibility for Packaging

The shipper is fully responsible for ensuring that all goods are:

• Individually wrapped, padded, and protected against the rigors of ocean freight (vibration, humidity, temperature change, and stacking pressure).
• Packed in rigid outer containers (wooden crates or heavy-duty cardboard boxes) appropriate for the size and fragility of each item.
• Clearly labeled with the shipper's name, consignee name, and destination address.

Eastern Classics reserves the right to refuse goods that arrive insufficiently packaged. Damage resulting from inadequate packaging is not the responsibility of Eastern Classics.

4. Limitation of Liability

Ocean freight: Ocean carriers operate under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and the Hague-Visby Rules, which limit carrier liability to USD $500 per package or customary freight unit unless a higher declared value is noted on the Bill of Lading and additional freight charges are paid. Eastern Classics is not liable for any loss or damage occurring while goods are in the custody of the ocean carrier.

US domestic trucking: LTL carriers typically limit liability to approximately $0.50 per pound of the shipment weight unless additional declared value coverage is purchased. Eastern Classics is not liable for loss or damage occurring while goods are in the custody of the domestic carrier.

Berkeley warehouse: While goods are in Eastern Classics' Berkeley facility, our liability for loss or damage caused directly by our negligence is limited to the lesser of the declared value of the goods or USD $1,000 per consignment, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

In no event shall Eastern Classics be liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind.

5. Documentation & Condition Reports

To support any damage claim, Eastern Classics follows this documentation process:

• We request that shippers provide photographs of all items before packing and before handover to the ocean carrier in Japan.
• We photograph every package as received, then open it and photograph the contents inside — first on receipt at our warehouse in Japan, and again on arrival at our Berkeley warehouse.
• Any visible damage noted on arrival from the ocean carrier is recorded and reported to the carrier immediately.
• Photographs are taken before palletizing and before handover to the domestic LTL carrier.

The shipper acknowledges that photographic documentation is a condition of any damage claim and agrees to retain their own records from the Japan origin side.

6. Damage Claims Process

If goods arrive damaged, the following steps must be taken:

1. Note the damage immediately on the carrier's delivery receipt. Do not sign a clean receipt if damage is visible.
2. Photograph all damage before moving or unpacking goods further.
3. Notify Eastern Classics within 3 business days of delivery by email to info@tansushop.com.
4. File a claim with your cargo insurer promptly. Eastern Classics will provide our documentation records to support your claim.
5. Concealed damage (not visible until unpacking) must be reported within 7 days of delivery.

Failure to follow these steps may prejudice your ability to recover from the carrier or insurer. Eastern Classics is not responsible for claims not reported within these timeframes.

7. Transit Time & Delays

All transit times quoted are estimates only. Eastern Classics is not liable for delays caused by:

• Weather, port congestion, or vessel schedule changes.
• Customs examinations, holds, or clearance delays by US Customs and Border Protection.
• Strikes, labor disputes, or force majeure events.
• Incorrect or incomplete documentation provided by the shipper.

Our best estimate is 1.5–2 months from Japan origin to final US delivery, but this cannot be guaranteed.

8. Customs, Duties & Taxes

The shipper or consignee is responsible for all applicable customs duties, taxes, and import fees. Eastern Classics provides estimated duty figures (15% of declared product value) as a budgeting guide only. Actual duty amounts are determined by US Customs and Border Protection and may vary based on item classification (HTS code), declared value, and current tariff rates.

Eastern Classics is not responsible for goods detained or seized by customs authorities.

9. Quotes & Pricing

All quotes provided by Eastern Classics — whether via the online estimator or by email — are estimates only and are subject to change based on actual packed dimensions, weight, current freight rates, and final destination. A formal written quote will be issued before any binding arrangement is made.

10. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA. Any disputes arising from services provided by Eastern Classics shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alameda County, California.

11. Contact

For questions regarding these terms, please contact:

Eastern Classics
1330 10th St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
Phone: 510-526-1241
Email: info@tansushop.com