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HRS §490:2-513

When and how a buyer can inspect goods

A buyer can inspect goods before paying or accepting them, unless the contract says otherwise or special terms like C.O.D. apply. The buyer pays for inspection, but can get that money back if the goods are rejected. If the contract sets a specific inspection method, that usually controls.

buyers

The statute, as written — 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 article on C.I.F. contracts (subsection (3) of section 490:2-321), 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.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§490:2-321 Rules for C.I.F. and C. & F. contracts about weights, arrival, and inspection

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.