Buyer Terms of Service
Last updated: July 2026
Welcome to Source Japan (the “Platform”). These Buyer Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our Platform as a registered buyer (“Buyer,” “you,” or “your”). The Platform is operated by Studio 1414 LLC (“Source Japan,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
By registering an account or using the Platform to source raw materials, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.
1Account Registration and Eligibility
Business Use Only
The Platform is strictly a Business-to-Business (B2B) marketplace. By registering, you represent and warrant that you are a validly existing business entity and possess all necessary corporate authority to enter into these Terms.
Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
2Fees and Payments
No Platform Transaction Fees
Source Japan does not charge Buyers any transaction fees, success fees, or commissions for purchasing raw materials from sellers through the Platform.
Third-Party Costs
While the Platform is free to use for sourcing, you are solely responsible for any costs associated with your transactions, including but not limited to:
- Third-party payment processing fees or bank wire/transfer fees.
- Currency exchange/conversion fees.
- Shipping, freight, customs clearance duties, tariffs, and local taxes.
3Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Importation Liability
Importer of Record
The Buyer acts as the sole Importer of Record for all goods purchased through the Platform.
Compliance with Local Laws
It is the sole and absolute responsibility of the Buyer to verify and ensure that any raw materials or food products purchased via the Platform comply with all applicable import regulations, food safety standards, biosecurity laws, and labeling requirements of the destination country.
- For US Buyers: This includes compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP).
- For EU/UK Buyers: This includes compliance with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulations, EU General Food Law, and relevant customs/sanitary requirements.
Verification and Inspection
Source Japan does not inspect, test, sanitize, or verify the quality, safety, authenticity, or regulatory compliance of any products listed by suppliers. The Buyer must independently verify Certificates of Analysis (CoA), allergen information, and ingredient specifications prior to finalization of any shipment.
4Role of Source Japan
Platform Provider Only
Source Japan operates strictly as an intermediary venue linking global buyers with Japanese suppliers. We are not a party to, nor do we have any control over, any actual commercial contract, quality assurance, or transaction between Buyers and suppliers.
No Endorsement
The inclusion of any supplier or raw material on the Platform does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee by Source Japan.
5Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranties
“As Is” Basis
The Platform and all information provided through it are offered on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind.
Exclusion of Damages
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Source Japan shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to food recalls, loss of profits, cargo damage, customs seizures, or business interruption arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform or products sourced through it.
6Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Jurisdiction
Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County.