N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-01 (2-101) Short title
41-02-01. (2-101) Short title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code - Sales.
N.D. Cent. Code ch. 41-02
N.D. Cent. Code ch. 41-02
in effectN.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-02 (2-102) Scope - Certain security and other transactions excluded from this chapter
41-02-02. (2-102) Scope - Certain security and other transactions excluded from this
chapter.
1. Unless the context otherwise requires, and except as provided in subsection 3, this
chapter applies to transactions in goods and, in the case of a hybrid transaction, it
applies to the extent provided in subsection 2.
2. In a hybrid transaction:
a. If the sale-of-goods aspects do not predominate, only the provisions of this
chapter which relate primarily to the sale-of-goods aspects of the transaction
apply, and the provisions that relate primarily to the transaction as a whole do not
apply.
b. If the sale-of-goods aspects predominate, this chapter applies to the transaction
but does not preclude application in appropriate circumstances of other law to
aspects of the transaction which do not relate to the sale of goods.
3. This chapter does not:
a. Apply to a transaction that, even though in the form of an unconditional contract
to sell or present sale, operates only to create a security interest; or
b. Impair or repeal a statute regulating sales to consumers, farmers, or other
specified classes of buyers.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-03 (2-103) Definitions and index of definitions
41-02-03. (2-103) Definitions and index of definitions
1. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. "Buyer" means a person who buys or contracts to buy goods.
b. Reserved.
c. "Receipt" of goods means taking physical possession of them.
d. "Seller" means a person who sells or contracts to sell goods.
2. Other definitions applying to this chapter or to specified parts thereof, and the sections
in which they appear are:
a. "Acceptance". Section 41-02-69.
b. "Banker's credit". Section 41-02-42.
c. "Between merchants". Section 41-02-04.
d. "Cancellation". Subsection 2 of section 41-02-06.
e. "Commercial unit". Section 41-02-05.
f. "Confirmed credit". Section 41-02-42.
g. "Conforming to contract". Section 41-02-06.
h. "Contract for sale". Section 41-02-06.
i. "Cover". Section 41-02-91.
j. "Entrusting". Section 41-02-48.
k. "Financing agency". Section 41-02-04.
l. "Future goods". Section 41-02-05.
m. "Goods". Section 41-02-05.
n. "Identification". Section 41-02-49.
o. "Installment contract". Section 41-02-75.
p. "Letter of credit". Section 41-02-42.
q. "Lot". Section 41-02-05.
r. "Merchant". Section 41-02-04.
s. "Overseas". Section 41-02-40.
t. "Person in position of seller". Section 41-02-86.
u. "Present sale". Section 41-02-06.
v. "Sale". Section 41-02-06.
w. "Sale on approval". Section 41-02-43.
x. "Sale or return". Section 41-02-43.
y. "Termination". Section 41-02-06.
3. "Control" as provided under section 41-07-06 and the following definitions in other
chapters apply to this chapter:
a. "Check". Section 41-03-04.
b. "Consignee". Section 41-07-02.
c. "Consignor". Section 41-07-02.
d. "Consumer goods". Section 41-09-02.
e. "Dishonor". Section 41-03-59.
f. "Draft". Section 41-03-04.
4. In addition, chapter 41-01 contains general definitions and principles of construction
and interpretation applicable throughout this chapter.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-04 (2-104) Between merchants, financing agency, and merchant defined
41-02-04. (2-104) Between merchants, financing agency, and merchant defined
1. "Between merchants" means in any transaction with respect to which both parties are
chargeable with the knowledge or skill of merchants.
2. "Financing agency" means a bank, finance company, or other person who in the
ordinary course of business makes advances against goods or documents of title or
who by arrangement with either the seller or the buyer intervenes in ordinary course to
make or collect payment due or claimed under the contract for sale, as by purchasing
or paying the seller's draft or making advances against it or by merely taking it for
collection whether or not documents of title accompany or are associated with the
draft. "Financing agency" includes also a bank or other person who similarly
intervenes between persons who are in the position of seller and buyer in respect to
the goods (section 41-02-86).
3. "Merchant" means a person who deals in goods of the kind or otherwise by the
person's occupation holds out as having knowledge or skill peculiar to the practices or
goods involved in the transaction or to whom such knowledge or skill may be attributed
by the person's employment of an agent or broker or other intermediary who by the
employed person's occupation holds out as having such knowledge or skill.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-05 (2-105) Commercial unit, goods, and lot defined - Transferability
41-02-05. (2-105) Commercial unit, goods, and lot defined - Transferability
1. "Commercial unit" means such a unit of goods as by commercial usage is a single
whole for purposes of sale and division of which materially impairs its character or
value on the market or in use. A commercial unit may be a single article (as a
machine) or a set of articles (as a suite of furniture or an assortment of sizes) or a
quantity (as a bale, gross, or carload) or any other unit treated in use or in the relevant
market as a single whole.
2. "Goods" means all things (including specially manufactured goods) which are movable
at the time of identification to the contract for sale other than the money in which the
price is to be paid, investment securities (chapter 41-08), and things in action. "Goods"
also includes the unborn young of animals and growing crops and other identified
things attached to realty as described in the section on goods to be severed from
realty (section 41-02-07).
3. Goods must be both existing and identified before any interest in them can pass.
Goods which are not both existing and identified are "future" goods. A purported
present sale of future goods or of any interest therein operates as a contract to sell.
4. There may be a sale of a part interest in existing identified goods.
5. An undivided share in an identified bulk of fungible goods is sufficiently identified to be
sold although the quantity of the bulk is not determined. Any agreed proportion of such
a bulk or any quantity thereof agreed upon by number, weight, or other measure may
to the extent of the seller's interest in the bulk be sold to the buyer who then becomes
an owner in common.
6. "Lot" means a parcel or a single article which is the subject matter of a separate sale
or delivery, whether or not it is sufficient to perform the contract.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-06 (2-106) Definitions
41-02-06. (2-106) Definitions
1. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. "Agreement" and "contract" are limited to those relating to the present or future
sale of goods.
b. "Contract for sale" includes both a present sale of goods and a contract to sell
goods at a future time.
c. "Present sale" means a sale that is accomplished by the making of the contract.
d. "Sale" consists in the passing of title from the seller to the buyer for a price
(section 41-02-46).
2. "Cancellation" occurs when either party puts an end to the contract for breach by the
other and its effect is the same as that of "termination" except that the canceling party
also retains any remedy for breach of the whole contract or any unperformed balance.
3. Goods or conduct including any part of a performance are "conforming" or conform to
the contract when they are in accordance with the obligations under the contract.
4. "Hybrid transaction" means a single transaction involving a sale of goods and:
a. The provision of services;
b. A lease of other goods; or
c. A sale, lease, or license of property other than goods.
5. "Termination" occurs when either party pursuant to a power created by agreement or
law puts an end to the contract otherwise than for its breach. On "termination" all
obligations which are still executory on both sides are discharged but any right based
on prior breach or performance survives.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-07 (2-107) Goods to be severed from realty - Recording
41-02-07. (2-107) Goods to be severed from realty - Recording
1. A contract for the sale of minerals or the like (including oil and gas) or a structure or its
materials to be removed from realty is a contract for the sale of goods within this
chapter if they are to be severed by the seller but until severance a purported present
sale thereof which is not effective as a transfer of an interest in land is effective only as
a contract to sell.
2. A contract for the sale apart from the land of growing crops or other things attached to
realty and capable of severance without material harm thereto but not described in
subsection 1 or of timber to be cut is a contract for the sale of goods within this chapter
whether the subject matter is to be severed by the buyer or by the seller even though it
forms part of the realty at the time of contracting, and the parties can by identification
effect a present sale before severance.
3. The provisions of this section are subject to any third-party rights provided by the law
relating to realty records, and the contract for sale may be executed and recorded as a
document transferring an interest in land and shall then constitute notice to third
parties of the buyer's rights under the contract for sale.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-08 (2-201) Formal requirements - Statute of frauds
41-02-08. (2-201) Formal requirements - Statute of frauds
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a contract for the sale of goods for the
price of five hundred dollars or more is not enforceable by way of action or defense
unless there is a record sufficient to indicate that a contract for sale has been made
between the parties and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought or
by the party's authorized agent or broker. A record is not insufficient because it omits
or incorrectly states a term agreed upon but the contract is not enforceable under this
subsection beyond the quantity of goods shown in the record.
2. Between merchants if within a reasonable time a record in confirmation of the contract
and sufficient against the sender is received and the party receiving it has reason to
know its contents, it satisfies the requirements of subsection 1 against the party unless
notice in a record of objection to its contents is given within ten days after it is
received.
3. A contract that does not satisfy the requirements of subsection 1 but which is valid in
other respects is enforceable:
a. If the goods are to be specially manufactured for the buyer and are not suitable
for sale to others in the ordinary course of the seller's business and the seller,
before notice of repudiation is received and under circumstances which
reasonably indicate that the goods are for the buyer, has made either a
substantial beginning of their manufacture or commitments for their procurement;
b. If the party against whom enforcement is sought admits in that party's pleading,
testimony, or otherwise in court that a contract for sale was made, but the
contract is not enforceable under this provision beyond the quantity of goods
admitted; or
c. With respect to goods for which payment has been made and accepted or which
have been received and accepted (section 41-02-69).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-09 (2-202) Final expression - Parol or extrinsic evidence
41-02-09. (2-202) Final expression - Parol or extrinsic evidence
Terms with respect to which the confirmatory memoranda of the parties agree or which are
otherwise set forth in a record intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement
with respect to such terms as are included therein may not be contradicted by evidence of any
prior agreement or of a contemporaneous oral agreement but may be explained or
supplemented:
1. By course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade (section 41-01-17); and
2. By evidence of consistent additional terms unless the court finds the record to have
been intended also as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the
agreement.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-10 (2-203) Seals inoperative
41-02-10. (2-203) Seals inoperative
The affixing of a seal to a record evidencing a contract for sale or an offer to buy or sell
goods does not constitute the record a sealed instrument and the law with respect to sealed
instruments does not apply to such a contract or offer.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-11 (2-204) Formation in general
41-02-11. (2-204) Formation in general
1. A contract for sale of goods may be made in any manner sufficient to show agreement,
including conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of such a contract.
2. An agreement sufficient to constitute a contract for sale may be found even though the
moment of its making is undetermined.
3. Even though one or more terms are left open, a contract for sale does not fail for
indefiniteness if the parties have intended to make a contract and there is a
reasonably certain basis for giving an appropriate remedy.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-12 (2-205) Firm offers
41-02-12. (2-205) Firm offers
An offer by a merchant to buy or sell goods in a signed record that by its terms gives
assurance that it will be held open is not revocable, for lack of consideration, during the time
stated or if no time is stated for a reasonable time, but in no event may such period of
irrevocability exceed three months; but any such term of assurance on a form supplied by the
offeree must be separately signed by the offeror.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-13 (2-206) Offer and acceptance in formation of contract
41-02-13. (2-206) Offer and acceptance in formation of contract
1. Unless otherwise unambiguously indicated by the language or circumstances:
a. An offer to make a contract shall be construed as inviting acceptance in any
manner and by any medium reasonable in the circumstances.
b. An order or other offer to buy goods for prompt or current shipment shall be
construed as inviting acceptance either by a prompt promise to ship or by the
prompt or current shipment of conforming or nonconforming goods but such a
shipment of nonconforming goods does not constitute an acceptance if the seller
seasonably notifies the buyer that the shipment is offered only as an
accommodation to the buyer.
2. If the beginning of a requested performance is a reasonable mode of acceptance, an
offeror who is not notified of acceptance within a reasonable time may treat the offer
as having lapsed before acceptance.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-14 (2-207) Additional terms in acceptance or confirmation
41-02-14. (2-207) Additional terms in acceptance or confirmation
1. A definite and seasonable expression of acceptance or a written confirmation which is
sent within a reasonable time operates as an acceptance even though it states terms
additional to or different from those offered or agreed upon, unless acceptance is
expressly made conditional on assent to the additional or different terms.
2. The additional terms are to be construed as proposals for addition to the contract.
Between merchants such terms become part of the contract unless:
a. The offer expressly limits acceptance to the terms of the offer;
b. They materially alter it; or
c. Notification of objection to them has already been given or is given within a
reasonable time after notice of them is received.
3. Conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of a contract is sufficient to
establish a contract for sale although the writings of the parties do not otherwise
establish a contract. In such case the terms of the particular contract consist of those
terms on which the writings of the parties agree, together with any supplementary
terms incorporated under any other provisions of this title.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-15 (2-208) Course of performance or practical construction
41-02-15. (2-208) Course of performance or practical construction
Repealed by S.L. 2007, ch. 354, § 29.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-16 (2-209) Modification, rescission, and waiver
41-02-16. (2-209) Modification, rescission, and waiver
1. An agreement modifying a contract within this chapter needs no consideration to be
binding.
2. A signed agreement that excludes modification or rescission except by a signed writing
or other signed record cannot be otherwise modified or rescinded, but except as
between merchants such a requirement on a form supplied by the merchant must be
separately signed by the other party.
3. The requirements of the statute of frauds section of this chapter (section 41-02-08)
must be satisfied if the contract as modified is within its provisions.
4. Although an attempt at modification or rescission does not satisfy the requirements of
subsection 2 or 3, it can operate as a waiver.
5. A party who has made a waiver affecting an executory portion of the contract may
retract the waiver by reasonable notification received by the other party that strict
performance will be required of any term waived, unless the retraction would be unjust
in view of a material change of position in reliance on the waiver.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-17 (2-210) Delegation of performance - Assignment of rights
41-02-17. (2-210) Delegation of performance - Assignment of rights
1. A party may perform that party's duty through a delegate unless otherwise agreed or
unless the other party has a substantial interest in having the other party's original
promisor perform or control the acts required by the contract. No delegation of
performance relieves the party delegating of any duty to perform or any liability for
breach.
2. Except as otherwise provided in section 41-09-68, unless otherwise agreed, all rights
of either seller or buyer can be assigned except when the assignment would materially
change the duty of the other party, or increase materially the burden or risk imposed
on the other party by that party's contract, or impair materially that party's chance of
obtaining return performance. A right to damages for breach of the whole contract or a
right arising out of the assignor's due performance of the assignor's entire obligation
can be assigned despite agreement otherwise.
3. The creation, attachment, perfection, or enforcement of a security interest in the
seller's interest under a contract is not a transfer that materially changes the duty of or
increases materially the burden or risk imposed on the buyer or impairs materially the
buyer's chance of obtaining return performance within the purview of subsection 2
unless, and then only to the extent that, enforcement actually results in a delegation of
material performance of the seller. Even in that event, the creation, attachment,
perfection, and enforcement of the security interest remain effective, but:
a. The seller is liable to the buyer for damages caused by the delegation to the
extent that the damages could not reasonably be prevented by the buyer; and
b. A court having jurisdiction may grant other appropriate relief, including
cancellation of the contract for sale or an injunction against enforcement of the
security interest or consummation of the enforcement.
4. Unless the circumstances indicate the contrary, a prohibition of assignment of the
contract is to be construed as barring only the delegation to the assignee of the
assignor's performance.
5. An assignment of the contract or of all my rights under the contract or an assignment
in similar general terms is an assignment of rights and unless the language or the
circumstances (as in an assignment for security) indicate the contrary, it is a delegation
of performance of the duties of the assignor and its acceptance by the assignee
constitutes a promise by the assignee to perform those duties. This promise is
enforceable by either the assignor or the other party to the original contract.
6. The other party may treat any assignment which delegates performance as creating
reasonable grounds for insecurity and may without prejudice to that party's rights
against the assignor demand assurances from the assignee (section 41-02-72).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-18 (2-301) General obligations of parties
41-02-18. (2-301) General obligations of parties
The obligation of the seller is to transfer and deliver and that of the buyer is to accept and
pay in accordance with the contract.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-19 (2-302) Unconscionable contract or clause
41-02-19. (2-302) Unconscionable contract or clause
1. If the court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the contract to have
been unconscionable at the time it was made, the court may refuse to enforce the
contract, or it may enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable
clause, or it may so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any
unconscionable result.
2. When it is claimed or appears to the court that the contract or any clause thereof may
be unconscionable, the parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present
evidence as to its commercial setting, purpose, and effect to aid the court in making
the determination.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-20 (2-303) Allocation or division of risks
41-02-20. (2-303) Allocation or division of risks
When this chapter allocates a risk or a burden as between the parties "unless otherwise
agreed", the agreement may not only shift the allocation but may also divide the risk or burden.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-21 (2-304) Price payable in money, goods, realty, or otherwise
41-02-21. (2-304) Price payable in money, goods, realty, or otherwise
1. The price may be made payable in money or otherwise. If it is payable in whole or in
part in goods, each party is a seller of the goods which that party is to transfer.
2. Even though all or part of the price is payable in an interest in realty, the transfer of the
goods and the seller's obligations with reference to them are subject to this chapter,
but not the transfer of the interest in realty or the transferor's obligations in connection
therewith.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-22 (2-305) Open price term
41-02-22. (2-305) Open price term
1. The parties if they so intend can conclude a contract for sale even though the price is
not settled. In such a case, the price is a reasonable price at the time for delivery if:
a. Nothing is said as to price;
b. The price is left to be agreed by the parties and they fail to agree; or
c. The price is to be fixed in terms of some agreed market or other standard as set
or recorded by a third person or agency and it is not so set or recorded.
2. A price to be fixed by the seller or by the buyer means a price for that party to fix in
good faith.
3. When a price left to be fixed otherwise than by agreement of the parties fails to be
fixed through fault of one party, the other party may, at that party's option, treat the
contract as canceled or fix a reasonable price.
4. If, however, the parties intend not to be bound unless the price be fixed or agreed and
it is not fixed or agreed, there is no contract. In such a case, the buyer must return any
goods already received or, if unable so to do, must pay their reasonable value at the
time of delivery and the seller must return any portion of the price paid on account.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-23 (2-306) Output, requirements, and exclusive dealings
41-02-23. (2-306) Output, requirements, and exclusive dealings
1. A term which measures the quantity by the output of the seller or the requirements of
the buyer means such actual output or requirements as may occur in good faith,
except that no quantity unreasonably disproportionate to any stated estimate or in the
absence of a stated estimate to any normal or otherwise comparable prior output or
requirements may be tendered or demanded.
2. A lawful agreement by either the seller or the buyer for exclusive dealing in the kind of
goods concerned imposes, unless otherwise agreed, an obligation by the seller to use
best efforts to supply the goods and by the buyer to use best efforts to promote their
sale.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-24 (2-307) Delivery in single lot or several lots
41-02-24. (2-307) Delivery in single lot or several lots
Unless otherwise agreed, all goods called for by a contract for sale must be tendered in a
single delivery and payment is due only on such tender, but if the circumstances give either
party the right to make or demand delivery in lots the price if it can be apportioned may be
demanded for each lot.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-25 (2-308) Absence of specified place for delivery
41-02-25. (2-308) Absence of specified place for delivery
Unless otherwise agreed:
1. The place for delivery of goods is the seller's place of business or, if the seller has
none, the seller's residence; but
2. In a contract for sale of identified goods which to the knowledge of the parties at the
time of contracting are in some other place, that place is the place for their delivery;
and
3. Documents of title may be delivered through customary banking channels.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-26 (2-309) Absence of specific time provisions - Notice of termination
41-02-26. (2-309) Absence of specific time provisions - Notice of termination
1. The time for shipment or delivery or any other action under a contract if not provided in
this chapter or agreed upon shall be a reasonable time.
2. If the contract provides for successive performances but is indefinite in duration, it is
valid for a reasonable time but unless otherwise agreed may be terminated at any time
by either party.
3. Termination of a contract by one party except on the happening of an agreed event
requires that reasonable notification be received by the other party and an agreement
dispensing with notification is invalid if its operation would be unconscionable.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-27 (2-310) Open time for payment or running of credit - Authority to ship under reservation
41-02-27. (2-310) Open time for payment or running of credit - Authority to ship under
reservation.
Unless otherwise agreed:
1. Payment is due at the time and place at which the buyer is to receive the goods even
though the place of shipment is the place of delivery.
2. If the seller is authorized to send the goods, the seller may ship them under
reservation, and may tender the documents of title, but the buyer may inspect the
goods after their arrival before payment is due unless such inspection is inconsistent
with the terms of the contract (section 41-02-61).
3. If delivery is authorized and made by way of documents of title otherwise than by
subsection 2, then payment is due regardless of where the goods are to be received:
a. At the time and place at which the buyer is to receive delivery of the tangible
documents; or
b. At the time the buyer is to receive delivery of the electronic documents and at the
seller's place of business or if none, the seller's residence.
4. If the seller is required or authorized to ship the goods on credit, the credit period runs
from the time of shipment but postdating the invoice or delaying its dispatch will
correspondingly delay the starting of the credit period.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-28 (2-311) Options and cooperation respecting performance
41-02-28. (2-311) Options and cooperation respecting performance
1. An agreement for sale which is otherwise sufficiently definite (subsection 3 of section
41-02-11) to be a contract is not made invalid by the fact that it leaves particulars of
performance to be specified by one of the parties. Any such specification must be
made in good faith and within limits set by commercial reasonableness.
2. Unless otherwise agreed, specifications relating to assortment of the goods are at the
buyer's option and except as otherwise provided in subdivision c of subsection 1 and
subsection 3 of section 41-02-36 specifications or arrangements relating to shipment
are at the seller's option.
3. If such specification would materially affect the other party's performance but is not
seasonably made or if one party's cooperation is necessary to the agreed performance
of the other but is not seasonably forthcoming, the other party in addition to all other
remedies:
a. Is excused for any resulting delay in that party's own performance; and
b. May also either proceed to perform in any reasonable manner or after the time for
a material part of that party's own performance treat the failure to specify or to
cooperate as a breach by failure to deliver or accept the goods.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-29 (2-312) Warranty of title and against infringement - Buyer's obligation against infringement
41-02-29. (2-312) Warranty of title and against infringement - Buyer's obligation
against infringement.
1. Subject to subsection 2, there is in a contract for sale a warranty by the seller that:
a. The title conveyed shall be good, and its transfer rightful; and
b. The goods shall be delivered free from any security interest or other lien or
encumbrance of which the buyer at the time of contracting has no knowledge.
2. A warranty under subsection 1 will be excluded or modified only by specific language
or by circumstances which give the buyer reason to know that the person selling does
not claim title in the person selling or that the person selling is purporting to sell only
such right or title as the person selling or a third person may have.
3. Unless otherwise agreed, a seller who is a merchant regularly dealing in goods of the
kind warrants that the goods shall be delivered free of the rightful claim of any third
person by way of infringement or the like but a buyer who furnishes specifications to
the seller must hold the seller harmless against any such claim which arises out of
compliance with the specifications.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-30 (2-313) Express warranties by affirmation, promise, description, sample
41-02-30. (2-313) Express warranties by affirmation, promise, description, sample
1. Express warranties by the seller are created as follows:
a. Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer which relates to
the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express
warranty that the goods shall conform to the affirmation or promise.
b. Any description of the goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain
creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the description.
c. Any sample or model which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an
express warranty that the whole of the goods shall conform to the sample or
model.
2. It is not necessary to the creation of an express warranty that the seller use formal
words such as "warrant" or "guarantee" or that the seller have a specific intention to
make a warranty, but an affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement
purporting to be merely the seller's opinion or commendation of the goods does not
create a warranty.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-31 (2-314) Implied warranty - Merchantability - Usage of trade
41-02-31. (2-314) Implied warranty - Merchantability - Usage of trade
1. Unless excluded or modified (section 41-02-33), a warranty that the goods shall be
merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a merchant with
respect to goods of that kind. Under this section, the serving for value of food or drink
to be consumed either on the premises or elsewhere is a sale.
2. Goods to be merchantable must be at least such as:
a. Pass without objection in the trade under the contract description;
b. In the case of fungible goods, are of fair average quality within the description;
c. Are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used;
d. Run, within the variations permitted by the agreement, of even kind, quality and
quantity within each unit and among all units involved;
e. Are adequately contained, packaged, and labeled as the agreement may require;
and
f. Conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on the container or label if
any.
3. Unless excluded or modified (section 41-02-33), other implied warranties may arise
from course of dealing or usage of trade.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-32 (2-315) Implied warranty - Fitness for particular purpose
41-02-32. (2-315) Implied warranty - Fitness for particular purpose
If the seller at the time of contracting has reason to know any particular purpose for which
the goods are required and that the buyer is relying on the seller's skill or judgment to select or
furnish suitable goods, there is unless excluded or modified under the next section an implied
warranty that the goods shall be fit for such purpose.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-33 (2-316) Exclusion or modification of warranties
41-02-33. (2-316) Exclusion or modification of warranties
1. Words or conduct relevant to the creation of an express warranty and words or
conduct tending to negate or limit warranty shall be construed whenever reasonable
as consistent with each other; but subject to the provisions of this chapter on parol or
extrinsic evidence (section 41-02-09), negation or limitation is inoperative to the extent
that such construction is unreasonable.
2. Subject to subsection 3, to exclude or modify the implied warranty of merchantability or
any part of it the language must mention merchantability and in case of a writing must
be conspicuous, and to exclude or modify any implied warranty of fitness the exclusion
must be by a writing and conspicuous. Language to exclude all implied warranties of
fitness is sufficient if it states, for example, that "There are no warranties which extend
beyond the description on the face hereof".
3. Notwithstanding subsection 2:
a. Unless the circumstances indicate otherwise, all implied warranties are excluded
by expressions like "as is", "with all faults", or other language which in common
understanding calls the buyer's attention to the exclusion of warranties and
makes plain that there is no implied warranty.
b. When the buyer before entering into the contract has examined the goods or the
sample or model as fully as the buyer desired or has refused to examine the
goods, there is no implied warranty with regard to defects which an examination
ought in the circumstances to have revealed to the buyer.
c. An implied warranty can also be excluded or modified by course of dealing or
course of performance or usage of trade.
d. The implied warranties of merchantability and fitness shall not be applicable to a
contract for the sale of human blood, blood plasma, or other human tissue or
organs from a blood bank or reservoir of such other tissues or organs. Such
blood, blood plasma, or tissue or organs shall not for the purposes of this chapter
be considered commodities subject to sale or barter, but shall be considered as
medical services.
e. With respect to the sale of cattle, hogs, sheep, and horses, there shall be no
implied warranty that cattle, hogs, sheep, and horses are free from sickness or
disease at the time the sale is consummated, conditioned upon reasonable
showing by the seller that all state and federal regulations pertaining to animal
health were complied with.
4. Remedies for breach of warranty can be limited in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter on liquidation or limitation of damages and on contractual modification of
remedy (sections 41-02-97 and 41-02-98).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-34 (2-317) Cumulation and conflict of warranties express or implied
41-02-34. (2-317) Cumulation and conflict of warranties express or implied
Warranties whether express or implied shall be construed as consistent with each other as
cumulative, but if such construction is unreasonable, the intention of the parties shall determine
which warranty is dominant. In ascertaining that intention, the following rules apply:
1. Exact or technical specifications displace an inconsistent sample or model or general
language of description.
2. A sample from an existing bulk displaces inconsistent general language of description.
3. Express warranties displace inconsistent implied warranties other than an implied
warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-35 (2-318) Third-party beneficiaries of warranties express or implied
41-02-35. (2-318) Third-party beneficiaries of warranties express or implied
A seller's warranty, whether express or implied, extends to any person who may reasonably
be expected to use, consume, or be affected by the goods and who is injured by breach of the
warranty. A seller may not exclude or limit the operation of this section with respect to injury to
the person of an individual to whom the warranty extends.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-36 (2-319) F.O.B and F.A.S terms
41-02-36. (2-319) F.O.B. and F.A.S. terms
1. Unless otherwise agreed, the term F.O.B. (which means "free on board") at a named
place, even though used only in connection with the stated price, is a delivery term
under which:
a. When the term is F.O.B. the place of shipment, the seller must at that place ship
the goods in the manner provided in this chapter (section 41-02-52) and bear the
expense and risk of putting them into the possession of the carrier.
b. When the term is F.O.B. the place of destination, the seller must at the seller's
own expense and risk transport the goods to that place and there tender delivery
of them in the manner provided in this chapter (section 41-02-51).
c. When under either subdivision a or b the term is also F.O.B. vessel, car, or other
vehicle, the seller must in addition at the seller's own expense and risk load the
goods on board. If the term is F.O.B. vessel, the buyer must name the vessel and
in an appropriate case the seller must comply with the provisions of this chapter
on the form of bill of lading (section 41-02-40).
2. Unless otherwise agreed, the term F.A.S. vessel (which means "free alongside") at a
named port, even though used only in connection with the stated price, is a delivery
term under which the seller must:
a. At the seller's own expense and risk deliver the goods alongside the vessel in the
manner usual in that port or on a dock designated and provided by the buyer; and
b. Obtain and tender a receipt for the goods in exchange for which the carrier is
under a duty to issue a bill of lading.
3. Unless otherwise agreed in any case falling within subdivision a or c of subsection 1 or
subsection 2, the buyer must seasonably give any needed instructions for making
delivery, including when the term is F.A.S. or F.O.B. the loading berth of the vessel and
in an appropriate case its name and sailing date. The seller may treat the failure of
needed instructions as a failure of cooperation under this chapter (section 41-02-28).
The seller may also at the seller's option move the goods in any reasonable manner
preparatory to delivery or shipment.
4. Under the term F.O.B. vessel or F.A.S. unless otherwise agreed, the buyer must make
payment against tender of the required documents and the seller may not tender nor
the buyer demand delivery of the goods in substitution for the documents.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-37 (2-320) C.I.F and C & F terms
41-02-37. (2-320) C.I.F. and C. & F. terms
1. The term C.I.F. means that the price includes in a lump sum the cost of the goods and
the insurance and freight to the named destination. The term C. & F. or C.F. means
that the price so includes cost and freight to the named destination.
2. Unless otherwise agreed and even though used only in connection with the stated
price and destination, the term C.I.F. destination or its equivalent requires the seller at
the seller's own expense and risk to:
a. Put the goods into the possession of a carrier at the port for shipment and obtain
a negotiable bill or bills of lading covering the entire transportation to the named
destination;
b. Load the goods and obtain a receipt from the carrier (which may be contained in
the bill of lading) showing that the freight has been paid or provided for;
c. Obtain a policy or certificate of insurance, including any war risk insurance, of a
kind and on terms then current at the port of shipment in the usual amount, in the
currency of the contract, shown to cover the same goods covered by the bill of
lading and providing for payment of loss to the order of the buyer or for the
account of whom it may concern, but the seller may add to the price the amount
of the premium for any such war risk insurance;
d. Prepare an invoice of the goods and procure any other documents required to
effect shipment or to comply with the contract; and
e. Forward and tender with commercial promptness all the documents in due form
and with any endorsement necessary to perfect the buyer's rights.
3. Unless otherwise agreed, the term C. & F. or its equivalent has the same effect and
imposes upon the seller the same obligations and risks as a C.I.F. term except the
obligation as to insurance.
4. Under the term C.I.F. or C. & F. unless otherwise agreed, the buyer must make
payment against tender of the required documents and the seller may not tender nor
the buyer demand delivery of the goods in substitution for the documents.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-38 (2-321) C.I.F or C & F - Net landed weights - Payment on arrival - Warranty of condition on arrival
41-02-38. (2-321) C.I.F. or C. & F. - Net landed weights - Payment on arrival - Warranty
of condition on arrival.
Under a contract containing a term C.I.F. or C. & F.:
1. If the price is based on or is to be adjusted according to "net landed weights",
"delivered weights", "outturn" quantity or quality, or the like, unless otherwise agreed
the seller must reasonably estimate the price. The payment due on tender of the
documents called for by the contract is the amount so estimated, but after final
adjustment of the price a settlement must be made with commercial promptness.
2. An agreement described in subsection 1 or any warranty of quality or condition of the
goods on arrival places upon the seller the risk of ordinary deterioration, shrinkage,
and the like in transportation but has no effect on the place or time of identification to
the contract for sale or delivery or on the passing of the risk of loss.
3. Unless otherwise agreed, if the contract provides for payment on or after arrival of the
goods, the seller must before payment allow such preliminary inspection as is feasible
but, if the goods are lost, delivery of the documents and payment are due when the
goods should have arrived.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-39 (2-322) Delivery ex-ship
41-02-39. (2-322) Delivery ex-ship
1. Unless otherwise agreed, a term for delivery of goods "ex-ship" (which means from the
carrying vessel) or in equivalent language is not restricted to a particular ship and
requires delivery from a ship which has reached a place at the named port of
destination where goods of the kind are usually discharged.
2. Under such a term unless otherwise agreed:
a. The seller must discharge all liens arising out of the carriage and furnish the
buyer with a direction which puts the carrier under a duty to deliver the goods;
and
b. The risk of loss does not pass to the buyer until the goods leave the ship's tackle
or are otherwise properly unloaded.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-40 (2-323) Form of bill of lading required in overseas shipment - Overseas
41-02-40. (2-323) Form of bill of lading required in overseas shipment - Overseas
1. If the contract contemplates overseas shipment and contains a term C.I.F. or C. & F. or
F.O.B. vessel, the seller unless otherwise agreed must obtain a negotiable bill of lading
stating that the goods have been loaded on board or, in the case of a term C.I.F. or
C. & F., received for shipment.
2. If in a case within subsection 1 a tangible bill of lading has been issued in a set of
parts, unless otherwise agreed if the documents are not to be sent from abroad the
buyer may demand tender of the full set; otherwise only one part of the bill of lading
need be tendered. Even if the agreement expressly requires a full set:
a. Due tender of a single part is acceptable within the provisions of this chapter on
cure of improper delivery (subsection 1 of section 41-02-56); and
b. Even though the full set is demanded, if the documents are sent from abroad the
person tendering an incomplete set may nevertheless require payment upon
furnishing an indemnity which the buyer in good faith deems adequate.
3. A shipment by water or by air or a contract contemplating such shipment is "overseas"
insofar as by usage of trade or agreement it is subject to the commercial, financing, or
shipping practices characteristic of international deep water commerce.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-41 (2-324) No arrival, no sale term
41-02-41. (2-324) No arrival, no sale term
Under a term "no arrival, no sale" or terms of like meaning, unless otherwise agreed:
1. The seller must properly ship conforming goods and if they arrive by any means the
seller must tender them on arrival but the seller assumes no obligation that the goods
will arrive unless the seller has caused the nonarrival; and
2. If without fault of the seller the goods are in part lost or have so deteriorated as no
longer to conform to the contract or arrive after the contract time, the buyer may
proceed as if there had been casualty to identified goods (section 41-02-76).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-42 (2-325) Letter of credit term - Confirmed credit
41-02-42. (2-325) Letter of credit term - Confirmed credit
1. Failure of the buyer seasonably to furnish an agreed letter of credit is a breach of the
contract for sale.
2. The delivery to seller of a proper letter of credit suspends the buyer's obligation to pay.
If the letter of credit is dishonored, the seller may on seasonable notification to the
buyer require payment directly from the buyer.
3. Unless otherwise agreed, the term "letter of credit" or "banker's credit" in a contract for
sale means an irrevocable credit issued by a financing agency of good repute and, if
the shipment is overseas, of good international repute. The term "confirmed credit"
means that the credit must also carry the direct obligation of such an agency which
does business in the seller's financial market.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-43 (2-326) Sale on approval and sale or return - Rights of creditors
41-02-43. (2-326) Sale on approval and sale or return - Rights of creditors
1. Unless otherwise agreed, if delivered goods may be returned by the buyer even
though they conform to the contract, the transaction is:
a. A "sale on approval" if the goods are delivered primarily for use.
b. A "sale or return" if the goods are delivered primarily for resale.
2. Goods held on approval are not subject to the claims of the buyer's creditors until
acceptance. Goods held on sale or return are subject to such claims while in the
buyer's possession.
3. Any "or return" term of a contract for sale is to be treated as a separate contract for
sale within the statute of frauds section of this chapter (section 41-02-08) and as
contradicting the sale aspect of the contract within the provisions of this chapter on
parol or extrinsic evidence (section 41-02-09).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-44 (2-327) Special incidents of sale on approval and sale or return
41-02-44. (2-327) Special incidents of sale on approval and sale or return
1. Under a sale on approval, unless otherwise agreed:
a. Although the goods are identified to the contract the risk of loss and the title do
not pass to the buyer until acceptance.
b. Use of the goods consistent with the purpose of trial is not acceptance but failure
seasonably to notify the seller of election to return the goods is acceptance, and if
the goods conform to the contract, acceptance of any part is acceptance of the
whole.
c. After due notification of election to return, the return is at the seller's risk and
expense but a merchant buyer must follow any reasonable instructions.
2. Under a sale or return, unless otherwise agreed:
a. The option to return extends to the whole or any commercial unit of the goods
while in substantially their original condition, but must be exercised seasonably.
b. The return is at the buyer's risk and expense.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-45 (2-328) Sale by auction
41-02-45. (2-328) Sale by auction
1. In a sale by auction, if goods are put up in lots, each lot is the subject of a separate
sale.
2. A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the
hammer or in other customary manner. If a bid is made while the hammer is falling in
acceptance of a prior bid, the auctioneer may in the auctioneer's discretion reopen the
bidding or declare the goods sold under the bid on which the hammer was falling.
3. Such a sale is with reserve unless the goods are in explicit terms put up without
reserve. In an auction with reserve the auctioneer may withdraw the goods at any time
until the auctioneer announces completion of the sale. In an auction without reserve,
after the auctioneer calls for bids on an article or lot, that article or lot cannot be
withdrawn unless no bid is made within a reasonable time. In either case a bidder may
retract the bidder's bid until the auctioneer's announcement of completion of the sale,
but a bidder's retraction does not revive any previous bid.
4. If the auctioneer knowingly receives a bid on the seller's behalf or the seller makes or
procures such a bid, and notice has not been given that liberty for such bidding is
reserved, the buyer may at the buyer's option avoid the sale or take the goods at the
price of the last good-faith bid prior to the completion of the sale. This subsection shall
not apply to any bid at a forced sale.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-46 (2-401) Passing of title - Reservation for security - Limited application of section
41-02-46. (2-401) Passing of title - Reservation for security - Limited application of
section.
Each provision of this chapter with regard to the rights, obligations, and remedies of the
seller, the buyer, purchasers, or other third parties applies irrespective of title to the goods
except when the provision refers to such title. Insofar as situations are not covered by the other
provisions of this chapter and matters concerning title become material, the following rules
apply:
1. Title to goods cannot pass under a contract for sale prior to their identification to the
contract (section 41-02-49) and, unless otherwise explicitly agreed, the buyer acquires
by their identification a special property as limited by this title. Any retention or
reservation by the seller of the title (property) in goods shipped or delivered to the
buyer is limited in effect to a reservation of a security interest. Subject to these
provisions and to the provisions of the chapter on secured transactions (chapter
41-09), title to goods passes from the seller to the buyer in any manner and on any
conditions explicitly agreed on by the parties.
2. Unless otherwise explicitly agreed, title passes to the buyer at the time and place at
which the seller completes the seller's performance with reference to the physical
delivery of the goods, despite any reservation of a security interest and even though a
document of title is to be delivered at a different time or place and in particular and
despite any reservation of a security interest by the bill of lading:
a. If the contract requires or authorizes the seller to send the goods to the buyer but
does not require the seller to deliver them at destination, title passes to the buyer
at the time and place of shipment; but
b. If the contract requires delivery at destination, title passes on tender there.
3. Unless otherwise explicitly agreed, if delivery is to be made without moving the goods:
a. If the seller is to deliver a tangible document of title, title passes at the time when
and the place where the seller delivers such documents and, if the seller is to
deliver an electronic document of title, title passes when the seller delivers the
document; or
b. If the goods are at the time of contracting already identified and no documents of
title are to be delivered, title passes at the time and place of contracting.
4. A rejection or other refusal by the buyer to receive or retain the goods, whether or not
justified, or a justified revocation of acceptance revests title to the goods in the seller.
Such revesting occurs by operation of law and is not a "sale".
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-47 (2-402) Rights of seller's creditors against sold goods
41-02-47. (2-402) Rights of seller's creditors against sold goods
1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3, rights of unsecured creditors of the seller
with respect to goods which have been identified to a contract for sale are subject to
the buyer's rights to recover the goods under this chapter (sections 41-02-50 and
41-02-95).
2. A creditor of the seller may treat a sale or an identification of goods to a contract for
sale as void if as against that creditor a retention of possession by the seller is
fraudulent under any rule of law of the state where the goods are situated, except that
retention of possession in good faith and current course of trade by a merchant-seller
for a commercially reasonable time after a sale or identification is not fraudulent.
3. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to impair the rights of creditors of the seller:
a. Under the provisions of the chapter on secured transactions (chapter 41-09); or
b. If identification to the contract or delivery is made not in current course of trade
but in satisfaction of or as security for a pre-existing claim for money, security, or
the like and is made under circumstances which under any rule of law of the state
where the goods are situated would apart from this chapter constitute the
transaction a fraudulent transfer or voidable preference.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-48 (2-403) Power to transfer - Good-faith purchase of goods - Entrusting
41-02-48. (2-403) Power to transfer - Good-faith purchase of goods - Entrusting
1. A purchaser of goods acquires all title which the purchaser's transferor had or had
power to transfer except that a purchaser of a limited interest acquires rights only to
the extent of the interest purchased. A person with voidable title has power to transfer
a good title to a good-faith purchaser for value. When goods have been delivered
under a transaction of purchase, the purchaser has such power even though:
a. The transferor was deceived as to the identity of the purchaser;
b. The delivery was in exchange for a check which is later dishonored;
c. It was agreed that the transaction was to be a "cash sale"; or
d. The delivery was procured through fraud punishable as theft under chapter
12.1-23.
2. Any entrusting of possession of goods to a merchant who deals in goods of that kind
gives the merchant power to transfer all rights of the entruster to a buyer in ordinary
course of business.
3. "Entrusting" includes any delivery and any acquiescence in retention of possession
regardless of any condition expressed between the parties to the delivery of
acquiescence and regardless of whether the procurement of the entrusting or the
possessor's disposition of the goods have been such as to be theft under chapter
12.1-23.
4. The rights of other purchasers of goods and of lien creditors are governed by the
chapters on secured transactions (chapter 41-09) and documents of title (chapter
41-07).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-49 (2-501) Insurable interest in goods - Manner of identification of goods
41-02-49. (2-501) Insurable interest in goods - Manner of identification of goods
1. The buyer obtains a special property and an insurable interest in goods by
identification of existing goods as goods to which the contract refers even though the
goods so identified are nonconforming and the buyer has an option to return or reject
them. Such identification can be made at any time and in any manner explicitly agreed
to by the parties. In the absence of explicit agreement, identification occurs:
a. When the contract is made if it is for the sale of goods already existing and
identified.
b. If the contract is for the sale of future goods other than those described in
subdivision c, when goods are shipped, marked, or otherwise designated by the
seller as goods to which the contract refers.
c. When the crops are planted or otherwise become growing crops or the young are
conceived if the contract is for the sale of unborn young to be born within twelve
months after contracting or for the sale of crops to be harvested within twelve
months or the next normal harvest season after contracting, whichever is longer.
2. The seller retains an insurable interest in goods so long as title to or any security
interest in the goods remains in the seller and, if the identification is by the seller
alone, the seller may, until default or insolvency or notification to the buyer that the
identification is final, substitute other goods for those identified.
3. Nothing in this section impairs any insurable interest recognized under any other
statute or rule of law.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-50 (2-502) Buyer's right to goods on seller's repudiation, failure to deliver, or insolvency
41-02-50. (2-502) Buyer's right to goods on seller's repudiation, failure to deliver, or
insolvency.
1. Subject to subsections 2 and 3 and even though the goods have not been shipped, a
buyer who has paid a part or all of the price of goods in which the buyer has a special
property under the provisions of section 41-02-49 may on making and keeping good a
tender of any unpaid portion of their price recover them from the seller if:
a. In the case of goods bought for personal, family, or household purposes, the
seller repudiates or fails to deliver as required by the contract; or
b. In all cases, the seller becomes insolvent within ten days after receipt of the first
installment on their price.
2. The buyer's right to recover the goods under subdivision a of subsection 1 vests upon
acquisition of a special property, even if the seller had not then repudiated or failed to
deliver.
3. If the identification creating the buyer's special property has been made by the buyer,
the buyer acquires the right to recover the goods only if they conform to the contract
for sale.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-51 (2-503) Manner of seller's tender of delivery
41-02-51. (2-503) Manner of seller's tender of delivery
1. Tender of delivery requires that the seller put and hold conforming goods at the buyer's
disposition and give the buyer any notification reasonably necessary to enable the
buyer to take delivery. The manner, time, and place for tender are determined by the
agreement and this chapter, and in particular:
a. Tender must be at a reasonable hour and, if it is of goods, they must be kept
available for the period reasonably necessary to enable the buyer to take
possession; but
b. Unless otherwise agreed, the buyer must furnish facilities reasonably suited to
the receipt of the goods.
2. If the case is within section 41-02-52 respecting shipment, tender requires that the
seller comply with its provisions.
3. If the seller is required to deliver at a particular destination, tender requires that the
seller comply with subsection 1 and also in any appropriate case tender documents as
described in subsections 4 and 5.
4. If goods are in the possession of a bailee and are to be delivered without being
moved:
a. Tender requires that the seller either tender a negotiable document of title
covering such goods or procure acknowledgment by the bailee of the buyer's
right to possession of the goods; but
b. Tender to the buyer of a non-negotiable document of title or of a record directing
the bailee to deliver is sufficient tender unless the buyer seasonably objects and,
except as otherwise provided under chapter 41-09, receipt by the bailee of
notification of the buyer's rights fixes those rights as against the bailee and all
third persons but risk of loss of the goods and of any failure by the bailee to honor
the non-negotiable document of title or to obey the direction remains on the seller
until the buyer has had a reasonable time to present the document or direction
and a refusal by the bailee to honor the document or to obey the direction defeats
the tender.
5. If the contract requires the seller to deliver documents:
a. The seller must tender all such documents in correct form, except as provided in
this chapter with respect to bills of lading in a set (subsection 2 of section
41-02-40); and
b. Tender through customary banking channels is sufficient and dishonor of a draft
accompanying or associated with the documents constitutes nonacceptance or
rejection.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-52 (2-504) Shipment by seller
41-02-52. (2-504) Shipment by seller
If the seller is required or authorized to send the goods to the buyer and the contract does
not require the seller to deliver them at a particular destination, then unless otherwise agreed
the seller must:
1. Put the goods in the possession of such a carrier and make such a contract for their
transportation as may be reasonable having regard to the nature of the goods and
other circumstances of the case;
2. Obtain and promptly deliver or tender in due form any document necessary to enable
the buyer to obtain possession of the goods or otherwise required by the agreement or
by usage of trade; and
3. Promptly notify the buyer of the shipment.
Failure to notify the buyer under subsection 3 or to make a proper contract under subsection 1
is a ground for rejection only if material delay or loss ensues.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-53 (2-505) Seller's shipment under reservation
41-02-53. (2-505) Seller's shipment under reservation
1. If the seller has identified goods to the contract by or before shipment:
a. The seller's procurement of a negotiable bill of lading to the seller's own order or
otherwise reserves in the seller a security interest in the goods. The seller's
procurement of the bill to the order of a financing agency or of the buyer indicates
in addition only the seller's expectation of transferring that interest to the person
named.
b. A non-negotiable bill of lading to the seller or the seller's nominee reserves
possession of the goods as security but except in a case of conditional delivery
(subsection 2 of section 41-02-55) a non-negotiable bill of lading naming the
buyer as consignee reserves no security interest even though the seller retains
possession or control of the bill of lading.
2. When shipment by the seller with reservation of a security interest is in violation of the
contract for sale, it constitutes an improper contract for transportation within section
41-02-52 but impairs neither the rights given to the buyer by shipment and
identification of the goods to the contract nor the seller's powers as a holder of a
negotiable document of title.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-54 (2-506) Rights of financing agency
41-02-54. (2-506) Rights of financing agency
1. A financing agency by paying or purchasing for value a draft which relates to a
shipment of goods acquires to the extent of the payment or purchase and, in addition
to its own rights under the draft and any document of title securing it, any rights of the
shipper in the goods including the right to stop delivery and the shipper's right to have
the draft honored by the buyer.
2. The right to reimbursement of a financing agency which has in good faith honored or
purchased the draft under commitment to or authority from the buyer is not impaired
by subsequent discovery of defects with reference to any relevant document which
was apparently regular.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-55 (2-507) Effect of seller's tender - Delivery on condition
41-02-55. (2-507) Effect of seller's tender - Delivery on condition
1. Tender of delivery is a condition to the buyer's duty to accept the goods and, unless
otherwise agreed, to the buyer's duty to pay for them. Tender entitles the seller to
acceptance of the goods and to payment according to the contract.
2. If payment is due and demanded on the delivery to the buyer of goods or documents
of title, the buyer's right as against the seller to retain or dispose of them is conditional
upon the buyer making the payment due.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-56 (2-508) Cure by seller of improper tender or delivery - Replacement
41-02-56. (2-508) Cure by seller of improper tender or delivery - Replacement
1. If any tender or delivery by the seller is rejected because nonconforming and the time
for performance has not yet expired, the seller may seasonably notify the buyer of the
seller's intention to cure and may then within the contract time make a conforming
delivery.
2. If the buyer rejects a nonconforming tender which the seller had reasonable grounds
to believe would be acceptable with or without money allowance, the seller may, if the
seller seasonably notifies the buyer, have a further reasonable time to substitute a
conforming tender.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-57 (2-509) Risk of loss in the absence of breach
41-02-57. (2-509) Risk of loss in the absence of breach
1. If the contract requires or authorizes the seller to ship the goods by carrier:
a. If it does not require the seller to deliver them at a particular destination, the risk
of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier even
though the shipment is under reservation (section 41-02-53).
b. If it does require the seller to deliver them at a particular destination and the
goods are there duly tendered while in the possession of the carrier, the risk of
loss passes to the buyer when the goods are there duly so tendered as to enable
the buyer to take delivery.
2. If the goods are held by a bailee to be delivered without being moved, the risk of loss
passes to the buyer:
a. On the buyer's receipt of possession or control of a negotiable document of title
covering the goods;
b. On acknowledgment by the bailee of the buyer's right to possession of the goods;
or
c. After the buyer's receipt of possession or control of a non-negotiable document of
title or other direction to deliver in a record, as provided in subdivision b of
subsection 4 of section 41-02-51.
3. In any case not within subsection 1 or 2, the risk of loss passes to the buyer on the
buyer's receipt of the goods if the seller is a merchant; otherwise the risk passes to the
buyer on tender of delivery.
4. The provisions of this section are subject to contrary agreement of the parties and to
the provisions of this chapter on sale on approval (section 41-02-44) and on effect of
breach on risk of loss (section 41-02-58).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-58 (2-510) Effect of breach on risk of loss
41-02-58. (2-510) Effect of breach on risk of loss
1. If a tender or delivery of goods so fails to conform to the contract as to give a right of
rejection, the risk of their loss remains on the seller until cure or acceptance.
2. If the buyer rightfully revokes acceptance, the buyer may to the extent of any
deficiency in the buyer's effective insurance coverage treat the risk of loss as having
rested on the seller from the beginning.
3. If the buyer as to conforming goods already identified to the contract for sale
repudiates or is otherwise in breach before risk of their loss has passed to the buyer,
the seller may to the extent of any deficiency in the seller's effective insurance
coverage treat the risk of loss as resting on the buyer for a commercially reasonable
time.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-59 (2-511) Tender of payment by buyer - Payment by check
41-02-59. (2-511) Tender of payment by buyer - Payment by check
1. Unless otherwise agreed, tender of payment is a condition to the seller's duty to tender
and complete any delivery.
2. Tender of payment is sufficient when made by any means or in any manner current in
the ordinary course of business unless the seller demands payment in legal tender
and gives any extension of time reasonably necessary to procure it.
3. Subject to the provisions of this title on the effect of an instrument on an obligation
(section 41-03-36), payment by check is conditional and is defeated as between the
parties by dishonor of the check on due presentment.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-60 (2-512) Payment by buyer before inspection
41-02-60. (2-512) Payment by buyer before inspection
1. If the contract requires payment before inspection, nonconformity of the goods does
not excuse the buyer from so making payment unless:
a. The nonconformity appears without inspection; or
b. Despite tender of the required documents the circumstances would justify
injunction against honor under this title (section 41-05-09).
2. Payment pursuant to subsection 1 does not constitute an acceptance of goods or
impair the buyer's right to inspect or any of the buyer's remedies.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-61 (2-513) Buyer's right to inspection of goods
41-02-61. (2-513) Buyer's right to inspection of goods
1. Unless otherwise agreed and subject to subsection 3, where goods are tendered or
delivered or identified to the contract for sale, the buyer has a right before payment or
acceptance to inspect them at any reasonable place and time and in any reasonable
manner. When the seller is required or authorized to send the goods to the buyer, the
inspection may be after their arrival.
2. Expenses of inspection must be borne by the buyer but may be recovered from the
seller if the goods do not conform and are rejected.
3. Unless otherwise agreed and subject to the provisions of this chapter on C.I.F.
contracts (subsection 3 of section 41-02-38), the buyer is not entitled to inspect the
goods before payment of the price when the contract provides:
a. For delivery "C.O.D." or on other like terms; or
b. For payment against documents of title, except where such payment is due only
after the goods are to become available for inspection.
4. A place or method of inspection fixed by the parties is presumed to be exclusive but
unless otherwise expressly agreed it does not postpone identification or shift the place
for delivery or for passing the risk of loss. If compliance becomes impossible,
inspection shall be as provided in this section unless the place or method fixed was
clearly intended as an indispensable condition failure of which avoids the contract.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-62 (2-514) When documents deliverable on acceptance - When on payment
41-02-62. (2-514) When documents deliverable on acceptance - When on payment
Unless otherwise agreed, documents against which a draft is drawn are to be delivered to
the drawee on acceptance of the draft if it is payable more than three days after presentment;
otherwise, only on payment.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-63 (2-515) Preserving evidence of goods in dispute
41-02-63. (2-515) Preserving evidence of goods in dispute
In furtherance of the adjustment of any claim or dispute:
1. Either party on reasonable notification to the other and for the purpose of ascertaining
the facts and preserving evidence has the right to inspect, test, and sample the goods,
including such of them as may be in the possession or control of the other; and
2. The parties may agree to a third-party inspection or survey to determine the conformity
or condition of the goods and may agree that the findings shall be binding upon them
in any subsequent litigation or adjustment.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-64 (2-601) Buyer's rights on improper delivery
41-02-64. (2-601) Buyer's rights on improper delivery
Subject to the provisions of this chapter on breach in installment contracts (section
41-02-75) and unless otherwise agreed under the sections on contractual limitations of remedy
(sections 41-02-97 and 41-02-98), if the goods or the tender of delivery fail in any respect to
conform to the contract, the buyer may:
1. Reject the whole;
2. Accept the whole; or
3. Accept any commercial unit or units and reject the rest.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-65 (2-602) Manner and effect of rightful rejection
41-02-65. (2-602) Manner and effect of rightful rejection
1. Rejection of goods must be within a reasonable time after their delivery or tender. It is
ineffective unless the buyer seasonably notifies the seller.
2. Subject to the provisions of the two following sections on rejected goods (sections
41-02-66 and 41-02-67):
a. After rejection any exercise of ownership by the buyer with respect to any
commercial unit is wrongful as against the seller; and
b. If the buyer has before rejection taken physical possession of goods in which the
buyer does not have a security interest under the provisions of this chapter
(subsection 3 of section 41-02-90), the buyer is under a duty after rejection to
hold them with reasonable care at the seller's disposition for a time sufficient to
permit the seller to remove them; but
c. The buyer has no further obligations with regard to goods rightfully rejected.
3. The seller's rights with respect to goods wrongfully rejected are governed by the
provisions of this chapter on seller's remedies in general (section 41-02-82).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-66 (2-603) Merchant buyer's duties as to rightfully rejected goods
41-02-66. (2-603) Merchant buyer's duties as to rightfully rejected goods
1. Subject to any security interest in the buyer (subsection 3 of section 41-02-90), when
the seller has no agent or place of business at the market of rejection a merchant
buyer is under a duty after rejection of goods in the merchant buyer's possession or
control to follow any reasonable instructions received from the seller with respect to
the goods and in the absence of such instructions to make reasonable efforts to sell
them for the seller's account if they are perishable or threaten to decline in value
speedily. Instructions are not reasonable if on demand indemnity for expenses is not
forthcoming.
2. When the buyer sells goods under subsection 1, the buyer is entitled to reimbursement
from the seller or out of the proceeds for reasonable expenses of caring for and selling
them and, if the expenses include no selling commission, then to such commission as
is usual in the trade or, if there is none, to a reasonable sum not exceeding ten percent
on the gross proceeds.
3. In complying with this section, the buyer is held only to good faith and good-faith
conduct hereunder is neither acceptance nor conversion nor the basis of an action for
damages.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-67 (2-604) Buyer's options as to salvage of rightfully rejected goods
41-02-67. (2-604) Buyer's options as to salvage of rightfully rejected goods
Subject to the provisions of section 41-02-66 on perishables, if the seller gives no
instructions within a reasonable time after notification of rejection, the buyer may store the
rejected goods for the seller's account or reship them to the seller or resell them for the seller's
account with reimbursement as provided in section 41-02-66. Such action is not acceptance or
conversion.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-68 (2-605) Waiver of buyer's objections by failure to particularize
41-02-68. (2-605) Waiver of buyer's objections by failure to particularize
1. The buyer's failure to state in connection with rejection a particular defect which is
ascertainable by reasonable inspection precludes the buyer from relying on the
unstated defect to justify rejection or to establish breach:
a. If the seller could have cured it if stated seasonably; or
b. Between merchants when the seller has after rejection made a request in writing
for a full and final written statement of all defects on which the buyer proposes to
rely.
2. Payment against documents made without reservation of rights precludes recovery of
the payment for defects apparent in the documents.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-69 (2-606) What constitutes acceptance of goods
41-02-69. (2-606) What constitutes acceptance of goods
1. Acceptance of goods occurs when the buyer:
a. After a reasonable opportunity to inspect the goods signifies to the seller that the
goods are conforming or that the buyer will take or retain them in spite of their
nonconformity;
b. Fails to make an effective rejection (subsection 1 of section 41-02-65), but such
acceptance does not occur until the buyer has had a reasonable opportunity to
inspect them; or
c. Does any act inconsistent with the seller's ownership but, if such act is wrongful
as against the seller, it is an acceptance only if ratified by the seller.
2. Acceptance of a part of any commercial unit is acceptance of that entire unit.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-70 (2-607) Effect of acceptance - Notice of breach - Burden of establishing breach after acceptance - Notice of claim or litigation to person answerable over
41-02-70. (2-607) Effect of acceptance - Notice of breach - Burden of establishing
breach after acceptance - Notice of claim or litigation to person answerable over.
1. The buyer must pay at the contract rate for any goods accepted.
2. Acceptance of goods by the buyer precludes rejection of the goods accepted and, if
made with knowledge of a nonconformity, cannot be revoked because of it unless the
acceptance was on the reasonable assumption that the nonconformity would be
seasonably cured but acceptance does not of itself impair any other remedy provided
by this chapter for nonconformity.
3. If a tender has been accepted:
a. The buyer must within a reasonable time after the buyer discovers or should have
discovered any breach notify the seller of breach or be barred from any remedy.
b. If the claim is one for infringement or the like (subsection 3 of section 41-02-29)
and the buyer is sued as a result of such a breach, the buyer must so notify the
seller within a reasonable time after the buyer receives notice of the litigation or
be barred from any remedy over for liability established by the litigation.
4. The burden is on the buyer to establish any breach with respect to the goods
accepted.
5. If the buyer is sued for breach of a warranty or other obligation for which the buyer's
seller is answerable over:
a. The buyer may give the buyer's seller written notice of the litigation. If the notice
states that the seller may come in and defend and that if the seller does not do so
the seller will be bound in any action against the seller by the seller's buyer by
any determination of fact common to the two litigations, then unless the seller
after seasonable receipt of the notice does come in and defend the seller is so
bound.
b. If the claim is one for infringement or the like (subsection 3 of section 41-02-29)
the original seller may demand in writing that the original seller's buyer turn over
to the original seller control of the litigation including settlement or else be barred
from any remedy over and if the original seller also agrees to bear all expense
and to satisfy any adverse judgment, then unless the buyer after seasonable
receipt of the demand does turn over control the buyer is so barred.
6. The provisions of subsections 3, 4, and 5 apply to any obligation of a buyer to hold the
seller harmless against infringement or the like (subsection 3 of section 41-02-29).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-71 (2-608) Revocation of acceptance in whole or in part
41-02-71. (2-608) Revocation of acceptance in whole or in part
1. The buyer may revoke the buyer's acceptance of a lot or commercial unit whose
nonconformity substantially impairs its value to the buyer if the buyer has accepted it:
a. On the reasonable assumption that its nonconformity would be cured and it has
not been seasonably cured; or
b. Without discovery of such nonconformity if the buyer's acceptance was
reasonably induced either by the difficulty of discovery before acceptance or by
the seller's assurances.
2. Revocation of acceptance must occur within a reasonable time after the buyer
discovers or should have discovered the ground for it and before any substantial
change in condition of the goods which is not caused by their own defects. It is not
effective until the buyer notifies the seller of it.
3. A buyer who so revokes has the same rights and duties with regard to the goods
involved as if the buyer had rejected them.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-72 (2-609) Right to adequate assurance of performance
41-02-72. (2-609) Right to adequate assurance of performance
1. A contract for sale imposes an obligation on each party that the other's expectation of
receiving due performance will not be impaired. When reasonable grounds for
insecurity arise with respect to the performance of either party, the other party may in
writing demand adequate assurance of due performance and until the demanding
party receives such assurance may if commercially reasonable suspend any
performance for which the demanding party has not already received the agreed
return.
2. Between merchants the reasonableness of grounds for insecurity and the adequacy of
any assurance offered shall be determined according to commercial standards.
3. Acceptance of any improper delivery or payment does not prejudice the aggrieved
party's right to demand adequate assurance of future performance.
4. After receipt of a justified demand, failure to provide within a reasonable time not
exceeding thirty days such assurance of due performance as is adequate under the
circumstances of the particular case is a repudiation of the contract.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-73 (2-610) Anticipatory repudiation
41-02-73. (2-610) Anticipatory repudiation
When either party repudiates the contract with respect to a performance not yet due, the
loss of which will substantially impair the value of the contract to the other, the aggrieved party
may:
1. For a commercially reasonable time await performance by the repudiating party; or
2. Resort to any remedy for breach (section 41-02-82 or 41-02-90), even though the
aggrieved party has notified the repudiating party that the aggrieved party would await
the latter's performance and has urged retraction; and
3. In either case suspend the aggrieved party's own performance or proceed in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter on the seller's right to identify goods to
the contract notwithstanding breach or to salvage unfinished goods (section 41-02-83).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-74 (2-611) Retraction of anticipatory repudiation
41-02-74. (2-611) Retraction of anticipatory repudiation
1. Until the repudiating party's next performance is due, the repudiating party can retract
the party's repudiation unless the aggrieved party has since the repudiation canceled
or materially changed the aggrieved party's position or otherwise indicated that the
aggrieved party considers the repudiation final.
2. Retraction may be by any method which clearly indicates to the aggrieved party that
the repudiating party intends to perform, but must include any assurance justifiably
demanded under the provisions of this chapter (section 41-02-72).
3. Retraction reinstates the repudiating party's rights under the contract with due excuse
and allowance to the aggrieved party for any delay occasioned by the repudiation.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-75 (2-612) Installment contract - Breach
41-02-75. (2-612) Installment contract - Breach
1. An "installment contract" is one which requires or authorizes the delivery of goods in
separate lots to be separately accepted, even though the contract contains a clause
"each delivery is a separate contract" or its equivalent.
2. The buyer may reject any installment that is nonconforming if the nonconformity
substantially impairs the value of that installment and cannot be cured or if the
nonconformity is a defect in the required documents but, if the nonconformity does not
fall within subsection 3 and the seller gives adequate assurance of its cure, the buyer
must accept that installment.
3. Whenever nonconformity or default with respect to one or more installments
substantially impairs the value of the whole contract, there is a breach of the whole.
But the aggrieved party reinstates the contract if the aggrieved party accepts a
nonconforming installment without seasonably notifying of cancellation or if the
aggrieved party brings an action with respect only to past installments or demands
performance as to future installments.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-76 (2-613) Casualty to identified goods
41-02-76. (2-613) Casualty to identified goods
If the contract requires for its performance goods identified when the contract is made, and
the goods suffer casualty without fault of either party before the risk of loss passes to the buyer,
or in a proper case under a "no arrival, no sale" term (section 41-02-41) then:
1. If the loss is total, the contract is avoided.
2. If the loss is partial or the goods have so deteriorated as no longer to conform to the
contract, the buyer may nevertheless demand inspection and at the buyer's option
either treat the contract as avoided or accept the goods with due allowance from the
contract price for the deterioration or the deficiency in quantity but without further right
against the seller.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-77 (2-614) Substituted performance
41-02-77. (2-614) Substituted performance
1. If without fault of either party the agreed berthing, loading, or unloading facilities fail or
an agreed type of carrier becomes unavailable or the agreed manner of delivery
otherwise becomes commercially impracticable but a commercially reasonable
substitute is available, such substitute performance must be tendered and accepted.
2. If the agreed means or manner of payment fails because of domestic or foreign
governmental regulation, the seller may withhold or stop delivery unless the buyer
provides a means or manner of payment which is commercially a substantial
equivalent. If delivery has already been taken, payment by the means or in the manner
provided by the regulation discharges the buyer's obligation unless the regulation is
discriminatory, oppressive, or predatory.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-78 (2-615) Excuse by failure of presupposed conditions
41-02-78. (2-615) Excuse by failure of presupposed conditions
Except so far as a seller may have assumed a greater obligation and subject to section
41-02-77 on substituted performance:
1. Delay in delivery or nondelivery in whole or in part by a seller who complies with
subsections 2 and 3 is not a breach of the seller's duty under a contract for sale if
performance as agreed has been made impracticable by the occurrence of a
contingency the nonoccurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the
contract was made or by compliance in good faith with any applicable foreign or
domestic governmental regulation or order whether or not it later proves to be invalid.
2. If the causes mentioned in subsection 1 affect only a part of the seller's capacity to
perform, the seller must allocate production and deliveries among the seller's
customers but may at the seller's option include regular customers not then under
contract as well as the seller's own requirements for further manufacture. The seller
may so allocate in any manner which is fair and reasonable.
3. The seller must notify the buyer seasonably that there will be delay or nondelivery and,
when allocation is required under subsection 2, of the estimated quota thus made
available for the buyer.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-79 (2-616) Procedure on notice claiming excuse
41-02-79. (2-616) Procedure on notice claiming excuse
1. If the buyer receives notification of a material or indefinite delay or an allocation
justified under section 41-02-78 the buyer may by written notification to the seller as to
any delivery concerned, and if the prospective deficiency substantially impairs the
value of the whole contract under the provisions of this chapter relating to breach of
installment contracts (section 41-02-75), then also as to the whole:
a. Terminate and thereby discharge any unexecuted portion of the contract; or
b. Modify the contract by agreeing to take the buyer's available quota in substitution.
2. If after receipt of such notification from the seller the buyer fails so to modify the
contract within a reasonable time not exceeding thirty days, the contract lapses with
respect to any deliveries affected.
3. The provisions of this section may not be negated by agreement except insofar as the
seller has assumed a greater obligation under section 41-02-78.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-80 (2-701) Remedies for breach of collateral contracts not impaired
41-02-80. (2-701) Remedies for breach of collateral contracts not impaired
Remedies for breach of any obligation or promise collateral or ancillary to a contract for sale
are not impaired by the provisions of this chapter.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-81 (2-702) Seller's remedies on discovery of buyer's insolvency
41-02-81. (2-702) Seller's remedies on discovery of buyer's insolvency
1. When the seller discovers the buyer to be insolvent, the seller may refuse delivery
except for cash including payment for all goods theretofore delivered under the
contract, and stop delivery under this chapter (section 41-02-84).
2. If the seller discovers that the buyer has received goods on credit while insolvent the
seller may reclaim the goods upon demand made within ten days after the receipt, but
if misrepresentation of solvency has been made to the particular seller in writing within
three months before delivery, the ten-day limitation does not apply. Except as provided
in this subsection, the seller may not base a right to reclaim goods on the buyer's
fraudulent or innocent misrepresentation of solvency or of intent to pay.
3. The seller's right to reclaim under subsection 2 is subject to the rights of a buyer in
ordinary course or other good-faith purchaser under this chapter (section 41-02-48).
Successful reclamation of goods excludes all other remedies with respect to them.
4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a producer of agricultural products,
upon discovery of the buyer's insolvency, may reclaim the products within ten days
after the receipt, but if misrepresentation of solvency has been made to the producer
in writing within three months before delivery, the ten-day limitation does not apply.
The producer's right to reclaim is not subject to the rights of a buyer in the ordinary
course of business or other good-faith purchaser.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-82 (2-703) Seller's remedies in general
41-02-82. (2-703) Seller's remedies in general
If the buyer wrongfully rejects or revokes acceptance of goods or fails to make a payment
due on or before delivery or repudiates with respect to a part or the whole, then with respect to
any goods directly affected and, if the breach is of the whole contract (section 41-02-75), then
also with respect to the whole undelivered balance, the aggrieved seller may:
1. Withhold delivery of such goods.
2. Stop delivery by any bailee as hereafter provided (section 41-02-84).
3. Proceed under the next section respecting goods still unidentified to the contract.
4. Resell and recover damages as hereinafter provided (section 41-02-85).
5. Recover damages for nonacceptance (section 41-02-87) or in a proper case the price
(section 41-02-88).
6. Cancel.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-83 (2-704) Seller's right to identify goods to the contract notwithstanding breach or to salvage unfinished goods
41-02-83. (2-704) Seller's right to identify goods to the contract notwithstanding
breach or to salvage unfinished goods.
1. An aggrieved seller under section 41-02-82 may:
a. Identify to the contract conforming goods not already identified if at the time the
seller learned of the breach they are in the seller's possession or control.
b. Treat as the subject of resale goods which have demonstrably been intended for
the particular contract even though those goods are unfinished.
2. If the goods are unfinished, an aggrieved seller may in the exercise of reasonable
commercial judgment for the purposes of avoiding loss and of effective realization
either complete the manufacture and wholly identify the goods to the contract or cease
manufacture and resell for scrap or salvage value or proceed in any other reasonable
manner.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-84 (2-705) Seller's stoppage of delivery in transit or otherwise
41-02-84. (2-705) Seller's stoppage of delivery in transit or otherwise
1. The seller may stop delivery of goods in the possession of a carrier or other bailee
when the seller discovers the buyer to be insolvent (section 41-02-81) and may stop
delivery of carload, truckload, planeload, or larger shipments of express or freight
when the buyer repudiates or fails to make a payment due before delivery or if for any
other reason the seller has a right to withhold or reclaim the goods.
2. As against such buyer, the seller may stop delivery until:
a. Receipt of the goods by the buyer;
b. Acknowledgment to the buyer by any bailee of the goods except a carrier that the
bailee holds the goods for the buyer;
c. Such acknowledgment to the buyer by a carrier by reshipment or as a
warehouse; or
d. Negotiation to the buyer of any negotiable document of title covering the goods.
3. a. To stop delivery, the seller must so notify as to enable the bailee by reasonable
diligence to prevent delivery of the goods.
b. After such notification the bailee must hold and deliver the goods according to the
directions of the seller but the seller is liable to the bailee for any ensuing charges
or damages.
c. If a negotiable document of title has been issued for goods, the bailee is not
obliged to obey a notification to stop until surrender of possession or control of
the document.
d. A carrier who has issued a non-negotiable bill of lading is not obliged to obey a
notification to stop received from a person other than the consignor.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-85 (2-706) Seller's resale including contract for resale
41-02-85. (2-706) Seller's resale including contract for resale
1. Under the conditions stated in section 41-02-82 on seller's remedies, the seller may
resell the goods concerned or the undelivered balance thereof. If the resale is made in
good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the seller may recover the
difference between the resale price and the contract price together with any incidental
damages allowed under the provisions of this chapter (section 41-02-89), but less
expenses saved in consequence of the buyer's breach.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 or unless otherwise agreed, resale may
be at public or private sale including sale by way of one or more contracts to sell or of
identification to an existing contract of the seller. Sale may be as a unit or in parcels
and at any time and place and on any terms but every aspect of the sale including the
method, manner, time, place, and terms must be commercially reasonable. The resale
must be reasonably identified as referring to the broken contract, but it is not
necessary that the goods be in existence or that any or all of them have been
identified to the contract before the breach.
3. If the resale is at private sale, the seller must give the buyer reasonable notification of
the seller's intention to resell.
4. If the resale is at public sale:
a. Only identified goods may be sold except when there is a recognized market for a
public sale of futures in goods of the kind;
b. It must be made at a usual place or market for public sale if one is reasonably
available and, except in the case of goods which are perishable or threaten to
decline in value speedily, the seller must give the buyer reasonable notice of the
time and place of the resale;
c. If the goods are not to be within the view of those attending the sale, the
notification of sale must state the place where the goods are located and provide
for their reasonable inspection by prospective bidders; and
d. The seller may buy.
5. A purchaser who buys in good faith at a resale takes the goods free of any rights of the
original buyer even though the seller fails to comply with one or more of the
requirements of this section.
6. The seller is not accountable to the buyer for any profit made on any resale. A person
in the position of a seller (section 41-02-86) or a buyer who has rightfully rejected or
justifiably revoked acceptance must account for any excess over the amount of the
person's security interest, as hereinafter defined (subsection 3 of section 41-02-90).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-86 (2-707) Person in the position of a seller
41-02-86. (2-707) Person in the position of a seller
1. A "person in the position of a seller" includes as against a principal an agent who has
paid or becomes responsible for the price of goods on behalf of the agent's principal or
anyone who otherwise holds a security interest or other right in goods similar to that of
a seller.
2. A person in the position of a seller may as provided in this chapter withhold or stop
delivery (section 41-02-84) and resell (section 41-02-85) and recover incidental
damages (section 41-02-89).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-87 (2-708) Seller's damages for nonacceptance or repudiation
41-02-87. (2-708) Seller's damages for nonacceptance or repudiation
1. Subject to subsection 2 and to the provisions of this chapter with respect to proof of
market price (section 41-02-102), the measure of damages for nonacceptance or
repudiation by the buyer is the difference between the market price at the time and
place for tender and the unpaid contract price together with any incidental damages
provided in this chapter (section 41-02-89), but less expenses saved in consequence
of the buyer's breach.
2. If the measure of damages provided in subsection 1 is inadequate to put the seller in
as good a position as performance would have done, then the measure of damages is
the profit (including reasonable overhead) which the seller would have made from full
performance by the buyer, together with any incidental damages provided in this
chapter (section 41-02-89), due allowance for costs reasonably incurred and due
credit for payments or proceeds of resale.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-88 (2-709) Action for the price
41-02-88. (2-709) Action for the price
1. When the buyer fails to pay the price as it becomes due, the seller may recover,
together with any incidental damages under section 41-02-89, the price:
a. Of goods accepted or of conforming goods lost or damaged within a commercially
reasonable time after risk of their loss has passed to the buyer; and
b. Of goods identified to the contract if the seller is unable after reasonable effort to
resell them at a reasonable price or the circumstances reasonably indicate that
such effort will be unavailing.
2. When the seller sues for the price, the seller must hold for the buyer any goods which
have been identified to the contract and are still in the seller's control except that if
resale becomes possible the seller may resell them at any time prior to the collection
of the judgment. The net proceeds of any such resale must be credited to the buyer
and payment of the judgment entitles the buyer to any goods not resold.
3. After the buyer has wrongfully rejected or revoked acceptance of the goods or has
failed to make a payment due or has repudiated (section 41-02-73), a seller who is
held not entitled to the price under this section shall nevertheless be awarded
damages for nonacceptance under section 41-02-87.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-89 (2-710) Seller's incidental damages
41-02-89. (2-710) Seller's incidental damages
Incidental damages to an aggrieved seller include any commercially reasonable charges,
expenses, or commissions incurred in stopping delivery, in the transportation, care, and custody
of goods after the buyer's breach, in connection with return or resale of the goods, or otherwise
resulting from the breach.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-90 (2-711) Buyer's remedies in general - Buyer's security interest in rejected goods
41-02-90. (2-711) Buyer's remedies in general - Buyer's security interest in rejected
goods.
1. If the seller fails to make delivery or repudiates or the buyer rightfully rejects or
justifiably revokes acceptance then with respect to any goods involved, and with
respect to the whole if the breach goes to the whole contract (section 41-02-75), the
buyer may cancel and whether or not the buyer has done so may in addition to
recovering so much of the price as has been paid:
a. "Cover" and have damages under the next section as to all the goods affected
whether or not they have been identified to the contract; or
b. Recover damages for nondelivery as provided in this chapter (section 41-02-92).
2. If the seller fails to deliver or repudiates, the buyer may also:
a. If the goods have been identified, recover them as provided in this chapter
(section 41-02-50); or
b. In a proper case, obtain specific performance or replevy the goods as provided in
this chapter (section 41-02-95).
3. On rightful rejection or justifiable revocation of acceptance, a buyer has a security
interest in goods in the buyer's possession or control for any payments made on their
price and any expenses reasonably incurred in their inspection, receipt, transportation,
care, and custody and may hold such goods and resell them in like manner as an
aggrieved seller (section 41-02-85).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-91 (2-712) Cover - Buyer's procurement of substitute goods
41-02-91. (2-712) Cover - Buyer's procurement of substitute goods
1. After a breach within section 41-02-90, the buyer may "cover" by making in good faith
and without unreasonable delay any reasonable purchase of or contract to purchase
goods in substitution for those due from the seller.
2. The buyer may recover from the seller as damages the difference between the cost of
cover and the contract price together with any incidental or consequential damages as
hereinafter defined (section 41-02-94), but less expenses saved in consequence of the
seller's breach.
3. Failure of the buyer to effect cover within this section does not bar the buyer from any
other remedy.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-92 (2-713) Buyer's damages for nondelivery or repudiation
41-02-92. (2-713) Buyer's damages for nondelivery or repudiation
1. Subject to the provisions of this chapter with respect to proof of market price (section
41-02-102), the measure of damages for nondelivery or repudiation by the seller is the
difference between the market price at the time when the buyer learned of the breach
and the contract price together with any incidental and consequential damages
provided in this chapter (section 41-02-94), but less expenses saved in consequence
of the seller's breach.
2. Market price is to be determined as of the place for tender or, in cases of rejection
after arrival or revocation of acceptance, as of the place of arrival.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-93 (2-714) Buyer's damages for breach in regard to accepted goods
41-02-93. (2-714) Buyer's damages for breach in regard to accepted goods
1. When the buyer has accepted goods and given notification (subsection 3 of section
41-02-70), the buyer may recover as damages for any nonconformity of tender the
loss resulting in the ordinary course of events from the seller's breach as determined in
any manner which is reasonable.
2. The measure of damages for breach of warranty is the difference at the time and place
of acceptance between the value of the goods accepted and the value they would
have had if they had been as warranted, unless special circumstances show proximate
damages of a different amount.
3. In a proper case, any incidental and consequential damages under section 41-02-94
may also be recovered.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-94 (2-715) Buyer's incidental and consequential damages
41-02-94. (2-715) Buyer's incidental and consequential damages
1. Incidental damages resulting from the seller's breach include expenses reasonably
incurred in inspection, receipt, transportation, and care and custody of goods rightfully
rejected, any commercially reasonable charges, expenses, or commissions in
connection with effecting cover, and any other reasonable expense incident to the
delay or other breach.
2. Consequential damages resulting from the seller's breach include:
a. Any loss resulting from general or particular requirements and needs of which the
seller at the time of contracting had reason to know and which could not
reasonably be prevented by cover or otherwise; and
b. Injury to person or property proximately resulting from any breach of warranty.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-95 (2-716) Buyer's right to specific performance or replevin
41-02-95. (2-716) Buyer's right to specific performance or replevin
1. Specific performance may be decreed if the goods are unique or in other proper
circumstances.
2. The decree for specific performance may include such terms and conditions as to
payment of the price, damages, or other relief as the court may deem just.
3. The buyer has a right of replevin for goods identified to the contract if after reasonable
effort the buyer is unable to effect cover for such goods or the circumstances
reasonably indicate that such effort will be unavailing or if the goods have been
shipped under reservation and satisfaction of the security interest in them has been
made or tendered. In the case of goods bought for personal, family, or household
purposes, the buyer's right of replevin vests upon acquisition of a special property,
even if the seller had not then repudiated or failed to deliver.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-96 (2-717) Deduction of damages from the price
41-02-96. (2-717) Deduction of damages from the price
The buyer on notifying the seller of the buyer's intention to do so may deduct all or any part
of the damages resulting from any breach of the contract from any part of the price still due
under the same contract.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-97 (2-718) Liquidation or limitation of damages - Deposits
41-02-97. (2-718) Liquidation or limitation of damages - Deposits
1. Damages for breach by either party may be liquidated in the agreement but only at an
amount which is reasonable in the light of the anticipated or actual harm caused by the
breach, the difficulties of proof of loss, and the inconvenience or nonfeasibility of
otherwise obtaining an adequate remedy. A term fixing unreasonably large liquidated
damages is void as a penalty.
2. When the seller justifiably withholds delivery of goods because of the buyer's breach,
the buyer is entitled to restitution of any amount by which the sum of the buyer's
payments exceeds:
a. The amount to which the seller is entitled by virtue of terms liquidating the seller's
damages in accordance with subsection 1; or
b. In the absence of such terms, twenty percent of the value of the total
performance for which the buyer is obligated under the contract or five hundred
dollars, whichever is smaller.
3. The buyer's right to restitution under subsection 2 is subject to offset to the extent that
the seller establishes:
a. A right to recover damages under the provisions of this chapter other than
subsection 1; and
b. The amount or value of any benefits received by the buyer directly or indirectly by
reason of the contract.
4. When a seller has received payment in goods, their reasonable value or the proceeds
of their resale shall be treated as payments for the purposes of subsection 2 but if the
seller has notice of the buyer's breach before reselling goods received in part
performance, the seller's resale is subject to the conditions laid down in this chapter on
resale by an aggrieved seller (section 41-02-85).
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-98 (2-719) Contractual modification or limitation of remedy
41-02-98. (2-719) Contractual modification or limitation of remedy
1. Subject to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section and of section 41-02-97
on liquidation and limitation of damages:
a. The agreement may provide for remedies in addition to or in substitution for those
provided in this chapter and may limit or alter the measure of damages
recoverable under this chapter, as by limiting the buyer's remedies to return of the
goods and repayment of the price or to repair and replacement of nonconforming
goods or parts; and
b. Resort to a remedy as provided is optional unless the remedy is expressly agreed
to be exclusive, in which case it is the sole remedy.
2. If circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to fail of its essential purpose,
remedy may be had as provided in this title.
3. Consequential damages may be limited or excluded unless the limitation or exclusion
is unconscionable. Limitation of consequential damages for injury to the person in the
case of consumer goods is prima facie unconscionable but limitation of damages
where the loss is commercial is not.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-99 (2-720) Effect of cancellation or rescission on claims for antecedent breach
41-02-99. (2-720) Effect of cancellation or rescission on claims for antecedent breach
Unless the contrary intention clearly appears, expressions of "cancellation" or "rescission" of
the contract or the like shall not be construed as a renunciation or discharge of any claim in
damages for an antecedent breach.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-100 (2-721) Remedies for fraud
41-02-100. (2-721) Remedies for fraud
Remedies for material misrepresentation or fraud include all remedies available under this
chapter for nonfraudulent breach. Neither rescission or a claim for rescission of the contract for
sale nor rejection or return of the goods shall bar or be deemed inconsistent with a claim for
damages or other remedy.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-101 (2-722) Who can sue third parties for injury to goods
41-02-101. (2-722) Who can sue third parties for injury to goods
When a third party so deals with goods which have been identified to a contract for sale as
to cause actionable injury to a party to that contract:
1. A claim for relief against the third party is in either party to the contract for sale who
has title to or a security interest or a special property or an insurable interest in the
goods and, if the goods have been destroyed or converted, a claim for relief is also in
the party who either bore the risk of loss under the contract for sale or has since the
injury assumed that risk as against the other.
2. If, at the time of the injury, the party plaintiff did not bear the risk of loss as against the
other party to the contract for sale and there is no arrangement between them for
disposition of the recovery, the party plaintiff's suit or settlement is, subject to the party
plaintiff's own interest, as a fiduciary for the other party to the contract.
3. Either party may with the consent of the other sue for the benefit of whom it may
concern.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-102 (2-723) Proof of market price - Time and place
41-02-102. (2-723) Proof of market price - Time and place
1. If an action based on anticipatory repudiation comes to trial before the time for
performance with respect to some or all of the goods, any damages based on market
price (section 41-02-87 or 41-02-92) shall be determined according to the price of such
goods prevailing at the time when the aggrieved party learned of the repudiation.
2. If evidence of a price prevailing at the times or places described in this chapter is not
readily available, the price prevailing within any reasonable time before or after the
time described or at any other place which in commercial judgment or under usage of
trade would serve as a reasonable substitute for the one described may be used,
making any proper allowance for the cost of transporting the goods to or from such
other place.
3. Evidence of a relevant price prevailing at a time or place other than the one described
in this chapter offered by one party is not admissible unless and until the offering party
has given the other party such notice as the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair
surprise.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-103 (2-724) Admissibility of market quotations
41-02-103. (2-724) Admissibility of market quotations
Whenever the prevailing price or value of any goods regularly bought and sold in any
established commodity market is in issue, reports in official publications or trade journals or in
newspapers or periodicals of general circulation published as the reports of such market shall
be admissible in evidence. The circumstances of the preparation of such a report may be shown
to affect its weight but not its admissibility.
N.D. Cent. Code § 41-02-104 (2-725) Statute of limitations in contracts for sale
41-02-104. (2-725) Statute of limitations in contracts for sale
1. An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within four years
after the claim for relief has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce
the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it.
2. A claim for relief accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's
lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery
is made, except that if a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods
and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the claim for
relief accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered.
3. When an action commenced within the time limited by subsection 1 is so terminated
as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same breach, such other
action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six
months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from
voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.
4. This section does not alter the law on tolling of the statute of limitations nor does it
apply to claims for relief which have accrued before this title becomes effective.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t41c02.pdfFetched: 10/16/2026