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Terms and Conditions of Neil Barber Engineering Services Ltd

General Terms and Conditions

I. General

1. Any documents of Seller, such as figures, drawings, data on weights, performance and dimensions are approximate and for information purposes only, unless they are expressly identified as being binding. Seller shall retain title and copyright to cost estimates, drawings and any other document (including those in electronic form); such documents shall not be made accessible to a third party and shall be returned to Seller on demand. 

2. Unless stated otherwise in writing, quotations are valid for acceptance within six weeks from the issue date. 

3. The written order confirmation of Seller or the text of the supply contract and the general terms and conditions are valid. Any prior agreements, statements and representations of the parties shall become invalid. Collateral agreements and changes shall only be binding if acknowledged by Seller in writing. Terms and conditions stated by Buyer in conflict with, different from or in addition to the Contract and the Terms and Conditions shall not be binding unless expressly

II. Price and Payment

1. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, prices for Goods shall be understood ex works manufacturer’s works (according to INCOTERMS in force at the formation of the Contract) including loading, but excluding packing and unloading. Value added tax will be charged in addition to the price at the prevailing legal rate. 

2. Buyer shall pay in addition to the price all taxes, customs duties and other levies on entry to the UK which are imposed on Seller, Seller’s personnel, a subcontractor of Seller or the subcontractor’s personnel in connection with the Goods specified in the Contract. These are to be paid by the Buyer – where the Seller had to advance the payment – to be refunded. 

3. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, payment shall be made against invoice without deduction, free into Seller’s account as follows, 1/3 down payment upon receipt of order confirmation or formation of the Contract, 1/3 when Buyer has been informed that the main components of the Goods are ready for dispatch, the balance within 14 days after the passing of risk according to Section IV hereunder.  

4. Buyer shall only be entitled to withhold payments or offset with claims if his claims are acknowledged by Seller or awarded to him by final judgment. 

III. Delivery Periods, Delivery Dates, Delay

1. Delivery periods shall start with receipt by Seller of the order confirmation acknowledged by Buyer, the down payment and any agreed payment security. Delivery periods are conditional upon Buyer having fulfilled his obligations such as the provision of necessary official permits, licenses and approvals and having produced the necessary collaboration to enable Supplier to fulfil his obligations in due time. Otherwise, the delivery time increases reasonably. This is not valid where Seller is responsible for the delay. 

2. Delivery periods shall be considered to be complied with when the Goods have left manufacturer’s works or Buyer has been notified that the Goods are ready for dispatch. 

3. If a delivery period has not been met because of force majeure, labour disputes or other events which are beyond Seller’s control, the delivery time will be reasonably extended. Seller shall inform Buyer of the intervention and cessation of such circumstances without delay. 

4. In case of Supplier being perpetually unable to deliver the Goods despite Buyer’s ability to accept delivery, Buyer may have the right to terminate the Contract by notice in writing to Supplier prior to the passing of risk. He can also terminate the contract in its entirety, even in case of a partial inability, if Buyer has a legitimate interest to reject partial delivery. Otherwise, partial delivery shall be accepted by Buyer who shall pay part of the contract price allocated thereto. The same applies in case of incapability of Seller. 
Apart from this Section VII.2 applies. 
 
In case of incapability of impossibility during the default of acceptance or if Buyer caused or substantially contributed to the circumstances, he remains bound to fulfil his obligation. 

5. In case of a delay of delivery of the Goods due to Seller’s fault which results in damage to Buyer, the latter may claim liquidated damages. The liquidated damages amount to 0.5% for each full week of delay, however in aggregate not exceeding 5 %, each calculated on the value of that part of the Goods which cannot be used in time or as stipulated in the Contract in consequence of the delay.  

In case of delayed delivery, Buyer after the due date may fix a reasonable final period to deliver the Goods, and if this period is not met by Seller due to his fault, Buyer may by notice in writing terminate the Contract as provided by law. On demand of the Supplier, he commits to declare within a reasonable period, if he will make use of his right to withdraw from the contract.

 

The liquidated damages are exclusive of any other claims for damages, save as provided in Section VII.2.  

6. If Buyer is unable to accept delivery of the Goods at the delivery time, Seller may arrange for the storage of the Goods at Buyer’s risk and shall charge Buyer for the cost of storage per month on Seller’s premises starting one month after notification that the Goods are ready for dispatch, but not less than 0.5 % of the invoice amount for the Goods per month. 
In addition Seller may dispose the Goods otherwise if Buyer fails to accept delivery of the Goods within a reasonable final period fixed by Seller in writing and make delivery to Buyer within a reasonably extended period. 

7. All foregoing shall apply accordingly, if the parties have agreed on fixed delivery dates of the Goods. 

IV. Passing of Risk and Acceptance of Delivery

1. In any case the risk of loss of or damage to the Goods or part thereof shall pass to Buyer upon loading of the Goods or part thereof, even in case of partial deliveries or when Seller undertakes additional obligations including but not limited to shipment and/or assembly of the Goods. If acceptance as to be affected, this date is relevant for the transfer of risk. Acceptance has to be affected without delay on the agreed date of acceptance, alternatively after the Supplier's notice of readiness for acceptance. The Buyer may not refuse acceptance if a non-essential defect is existing. 

2. If the delivery is delayed or does not take place due to circumstances for which Seller is not responsible, the risk passes to Buyer upon Seller’s written notice that the Goods are ready for delivery or acceptance. In such case Seller shall take out an insurance policy for the Goods as required by Buyer at Buyer’s expense. 

V. Reservation of title

1. Seller shall retain title to the Goods until he has received all payments due for the supply of the Goods. 

2. Buyer shall at the request of Supplier assist in taking any measures necessary to protect Supplier’s title to the Goods at their location after shipment. 

3. Seller shall be entitled to insure the Goods until transfer of title against theft, breakage, fire, water and other damage at Buyer’s cost, unless Buyer has taken out the insurance policy himself. 

4. Buyer shall not sell or grant a lien on or pawn the Goods or use it for security in any other manner. In case of seizure, lien, confiscation or other claims to the Goods by a third party, Buyer shall inform Seller immediately. 

5. If Buyer is in default with any of its obligations under the Contract, particularly by delayed payment and Buyer has not cured the default within a reasonable time fixed by Seller’s written notice, Seller shall be entitled to terminate the Contract and Buyer shall return the Goods to Seller. 

6. Seller may terminate the Contract without any notice, and in such case Buyer shall immediately return the Goods to Seller, if Buyer goes into liquidation, becomes bankrupt or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors. 

7. Any connection or combination of the Goods with other items shall not affect the reservation of title to the Goods and Buyer shall grant Seller co-ownership of the aggregate of the combination according to the proportionate value of the Goods in relation to the value of the other items connected to, or combined with, the Goods prevailing at the time the items were connected or combined. In such case Buyer shall retain ownership or co-ownership as trustee for Buyer, if required. 

VI. Seller's Warranties 

In case of material- and contractual deficiencies Seller is liable towards warrants to Buyer under exclusion of any other claims – unless provided otherwise in Section VII – as follows: 

Quality of the Goods

1. All those parts (Goods) which turn out to be defective due to a circumstance preceding the passing of the risk, have to be repaired or replaced free of defects and free of charge at the Supplier's option. Buyer shall examine the Goods as soon as possible and notify Seller in writing without delay about any defects found, including a detailed description of the causes and effects. Replaced parts shall become the property of Seller, if so requested by him before, or within a reasonable period after removal.

 

2. The liability shall not extend to defects due to circumstances for which Seller does not take responsibility under the Contract, including: unsuitable or inappropriate storage, use, operation or maintenance, incorrect assembly or start-up by Buyer or third party, normal wear, unsuitable operating materials, unsuitable construction work and building ground.

 

3. If Buyer after consultation with Seller fails to provide the necessary time and opportunity for Seller to carry out all the repairs and replacements which the latter considers necessary, Seller shall be relieved from any liability for any consequences resulting there from. Buyer shall be entitled to remedy the defect himself or by a third party and demand reimbursement of the reasonable costs incurred by the necessary remedial work, in the event that hazards resulting from the operation of the Goods or the prevention of excessive damages require immediate remedial action, in which case Buyer shall notify Seller immediately, or Supplier fails to remedy the defect within a reasonable time fixed by Buyer by written notice to Seller.

 

4. Seller shall bear the direct costs of the repair or the replacement part including the costs of its transport – as long as the claim is justifiable – including the costs of dismantling and re-assembly, as well the costs of its fitters and auxiliary workers (including travel costs) to the extent that any such costs will not be unreasonable onerous to Seller.

 

5. Where Seller fails to remedy a defect within a reasonable time fixed by Buyer by written notice to Seller Buyer shall be entitled to terminate the Contract as provided for by the law in case of a substantial defect. Where the defect is insignificant Buyer is only entitled to a price reduction in proportion to the reduced value of the goods. Otherwise the right for price reduction is ruled out. 
Conditions for further claims are detailed in Section VII.2.

 

6. Seller shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from improper rectification of defects by Buyer or a third party and from changes to the Goods made without Seller’s prior written consent. 

Industrial and Intellectual Property Rights

7. Seller warrants to Buyer that the Goods shall not infringe any industrial property and intellectual property, when used in the country of agreed destination. In case of a breach of this warranty Seller shall at its option and at its own expense obtain a perpetual irrevocable license to use the Goods or shall modify the Goods in a way reasonable for Buyer to make them non-infringing. 
 
If this is not possible at reasonable conditions or within a reasonable period, each Buyer shall be entitled to terminate the Contract. Under these condition Seller has also the right to withdraw from the contract. 
 
In addition, Seller shall indemnify Buyer against claims of the owners of the industrial property, when undisputed or awarded by final judgment. 

8. Subject to Section VII, the liabilities of Seller specified under Section VI.7 for the infringement of industrial property and intellectual property Seller’s liabilities are conditional upon the following: 

          a. Buyer shall inform Seller of a claim of infringements related to industrial property and/or intellectual property immediately. 

          b. Buyer shall reasonably support Seller to defend such claim or enable Seller to carry out the modifications in accordance with                       Section VI. 7. 

          c. Buyer shall grant Seller the right to take all measures of defence including out-of-court settlements. 

          d. The infringement is not based on an instruction or specification of Buyer and/or 

          e. The infringement was not caused by Buyer altering the Goods without Seller’s consent combining it with other equipment and                  software not supplied  by Seller using them in a way which is not specified in the Contract or applying a production process not                  specified to Seller on the formation of the Contract at the latest. 

VII. Liability/ Disclaimer

1. If the Goods cannot be used by Buyer as specified in the Contract as a result of erroneous consultation by Seller, including without limitation proposals and recommendations made by Seller, Seller’s failure to provide consultancy as agreed or as necessary to use the Goods (irrespective if made or should have been made until or after the formation of the Contract) or of Seller’s breach of other contractual obligations (in particular instructions for operation and maintenance of the Goods), the provisions under Section VI and VII.2 shall apply accordingly. 

2. Seller shall only be liable (for whatever legal reason) for damages not caused from the Goods supplied, in case of: 

          a. caused by intent, 

          b. owner / agents or manager acted with gross negligence, 

          c. damage consists of injury to life, body or health, 

          d. damage results from defects to the Goods, which have been fraudulently concealed by Seller  

          e. within the scope of a guarantee promise 

          f. from defective Goods, to the extent that the (European product liability act) stipulates liability for injury to persons or                                   damage to property of privately used items.

In case of a breach of a fundamental obligation, Seller shall also be liable for damages due to the gross negligence of any of its employees and for ordinary negligence, in the latter case, limited to reasonable damage typically foreseeable under the circumstances of the Contract. 

VIII. Limititaion of Actions

All claims and remedies by Buyer – for whatever legal reason – shall expire after 12 months from the date stipulated by law except for claims for damages according to Section VII 2 a – e and f defects to a construction or to Goods, which are used for a construction according to their ordinary purpose causing the defective construction. 

IX. Use of Software

If the Goods entail software, Seller grants to Buyer a non-exclusive right to use the software and related documentation in connection with the other Goods for which it is intended. The Software is supplied for the use on the Seller’s equipment. Using the software on more than one system and for more than one machine and for the purposes of a third party shall not be permitted. 

Buyer shall be allowed to replicate, revise or translate the software or convert the object code into the source code only to the extent provided by law. Buyer shall not remove manufacturer’s brand (particularly copyright notes) or alter it without the prior express consent of Seller. 

 

All other rights to the software and documentation, including copies thereof, shall be retained by Seller or software manufacturer. The grant of sublicenses shall not be permitted. 

X. Applicable Law and Place of Jurisdiction

1. All relationships between Seller and Buyer shall be governed by substantive UK law with the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). 

2. The exclusive place of jurisdiction shall be the court having jurisdiction at the head office of Seller. This shall also apply to proceedings relating to bills of exchange or cheques. 

However, Seller shall be entitled to file an action before the court having jurisdiction at the head office of Buyer. 

Terms and conditions for installations

I. Scope

The Terms and Conditions for Installations apply to installations of the Seller, unless otherwise specifically agreed to. 

II. Cost of Installation

1. The installation is charged as per our attached standard Service Charges, unless an all inclusive package price has been agreed to. 

2. The agreed prices are excluding Value Added Tax, if applicable these amounts will be charged extra. 

III. Duties of Buyer

1. Buyer will support the installation personnel with all aspects of the installation at his own expense. 

2. Buyer ensures and organises an obstacle free admission for workers, material, installation aids etc. to the business premises and an unobstructed access to all entries and places. He is bound to inform the site manager about existing special safety instructions, as far as these are relevant to the installation personnel. He will inform the site manager of any breaches of such safety instructions by the installation team. In case of gross violation Buyer with the presence of the site manager may refuse access to that installation site. 

IV. Technical assistance of Buyer

1. Buyer is obliged to provide technical assistance at his own expense, especially: 

          a. Provision of the required and suitable skilled helpers (fitter, other specialised tradesmen and unskilled labour) in number and                      availability as required for the installation. The assistants will follow the instructions of the site manager. Seller assumes no                            liability for the assistants provided by Buyer. If the Assistants cause as a result of the instructions from the site manager a fault or                  defect Section VII and VIII apply 

          b. Carrying out of all scaffolding work inclusive the procurement of all required material. 

          c. Provision of all necessary jigs and fixtures as well as heavy tools / equipment (e.g. lifting devices, pallet trolleys and fork lifts). 

          d. Provision of heating, lighting, electric power, compressed air, water incl. the required connections. 

          e. Provision of required dryer, and lockable rooms for the storage of tools from the installation personnel. 

          f. Transport of the machines and equipment to the installation site. Protection of the installation site and materials against adverse                 influences of any kind. 

          g. Provision of suitable burglar prove staff rooms and work rooms (heated, with lighting, possibility to wash and sanitary facilities),                   as well as first aid for the installation personnel. 

          h. Provision of materials and manpower required for the alignment of the equipment to be installed and for the execution of the                     test-run as specified in the contract. 

2. The technical support from the Buyer must ensure that the installation personnel can start immediately after arrival and that the installation can take place without delay up to the acceptance or the line by the Buyer. Where specific plans of instruction from the Seller are required, he will provide them on time for the Buyer. 

3. In case the Buyer does not perform his obligations the Seller has the right – but not the obligation to carry out the required task and charges them to the Buyer at cost. Apart from this Seller’s legal rights and entitlements remain unaffected. 

V. Deadline for Installation, Installation Delay

1. The deadline for the installation has been met as long as the installation is completed for the acceptance or if the contractual date for the test-run and pre-acceptance has been met. 

2. If the installation is delayed as a result of industrial disputes, especially strikes or lock-outs, as well from circumstances that are not the responsibility of the Seller, an extension of the installation time applies, as long as long as the obstacle is proven to be a significant cause of the installation delay. This also applies if the circumstance occurs after the Seller has already defaulted the deadline.

 

3. If Buyer suffers damage as a result of Seller’s delay he has the right to claim general compensation. The amount is limited to 0.5% per week of delay and a maximum of 5% of the installation value of the part that the equipment to be installed and can’t be used on time. If Buyer sets a reasonable period of grace to fulfil his obligation and Seller does not adhere to the deadline, Buyer is entitled to terminate the Contract within the legal boundaries, under consideration of the statutory exceptions. 

Further claims as a result of the delay are conditional to Section VIII. 3 of these Terms and Conditions. 

VI. Acceptance

1. Buyer is bound to accept the installation as soon as he has been notified of the completion and the contractual test-run of the installed line has taken place.. If the installation proves not to be according to the contract, Seller is obliged to rectify the defect. This does not apply if the fault is insignificant for Buyer’s interests, or based on circumstances accountable to the Buyer.  In case of an insignificant defect Buyer may not refuse to sign the acceptance certificate.

 

2. If the acceptance is delayed without the fault of Seller the acceptance is valid after two weeks from notification of completion of the installation.

 

3. With the acceptance the Seller is no longer liable for noticeable faults, unless Buyer has reserved the right for rectification of specific faults. 

VII. Claims for defects

1. After the acceptance of the installation Seller is liable for installation defects, excluded are all other claims from Buyer except as stated in section VII. 5 and section VIII to the fact that the defects have to be rectified. Buyer has to notify Seller immediately a defect is noticed.

 

2. The Seller is not liable if the defect is insignificant for the Buyer or if the defect is caused by the Buyer. 

3. Where Buyer or a third party have carried out modifications or repair work without the consent or Seller, Seller is exempt from damages caused from this action. Only in emergency cases where the safety of operation is at risk and to prevent disproportional damage – whereby the Seller is to be informed immediately, of where a reasonable deadline for the Seller to rectify the defects has elapsed – Buyer has the right to rectify the fault himself or through a third party and claim the related expenses back from the Seller.

 

4. Seller will bear the cost related to the correction of defects – as long as the reason for the objection is justified – including the cost for spare parts and transport. He also will bear the cost for the for the exchange of the parts including the required specialists and assistants, their travel expenses, as long as these costs are not a disproportional burden for the Seller or the service company.

 

5. If the Seller – under consideration of the legal exceptions – exceeds the reasonable deadline for the rectification of the fault, Buyer may claim liquidated damages within the legal provisions. Buyer’s right for liquidated damages also applies if the fault rectification is not successful. In case the rectification of the fault, despite of the liquidated damages is proven to be unsuccessful, buyer has the right to terminate the contract.  

VIII. Liability of Seller

1. If Seller causes, during installation cases damage through his own fault to part of the equipment supplied, he shall rectify or replace the component as he sees fit, at his own expense.

2. If the Goods cannot be used by Buyer as specified in the Contract as a result of erroneous consultation by Seller, including without limitation proposals and recommendations made by Seller, Seller’s failure to provide consultancy as agreed or as necessary to use the Goods (irrespective if made or should have been made until or after the formation of the Contract) or of Seller’s breach of other contractual obligations (in particular instructions for operation and maintenance of the Goods), the provisions under Section VII and VIII.1 and 3 shall apply.

 

3. Seller shall only be liable (for whatever legal reason) for damages not caused from the Goods supplied, in case of: 

          a. caused by intent, 

          b. owner / agents or manager acted with gross negligence, 

          c. damage consists of injury to life, body or health, 

          d. damage results from defects to the Goods, which have been fraudulently concealed or the absence of which is guaranteed by                    Seller, 

          e. from defective Goods, to the extent that the European law stipulates liability for injury to persons or damage to property of                        privately used items

 

In case of a breach of a fundamental obligation, Seller shall also be liable for damages due to the gross negligence of any of its employees and for ordinary negligence, in the latter case, limited to reasonable damage typically foreseeable under the circumstances of the Contract.

 

Further claims are ruled out. 

IX. Limitation of Action

All claims and remedies by Buyer – for whatever legal reason – shall expire after 12 months. For claims of damages according to Section VIII 3  a – e the dates stipulated by law apply. 

X. Buyer's Liability for compensation

In case of damage to or loss of installation jigs and tooling from the installation site where Seller is not at fault, Buyer shall be liable for replacement. This does not apply for damages due to normal wear and tear. 

XI. Applicable Law and Place of Jurisdiction

All relationships between Seller and Buyer shall be governed by UK aw with the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).  

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