LawWiki
HomeCodesSearchGlossaryAPIAbout
LawWiki

Plain English summaries of California law with zero-hallucination AI. Every summary is verified against official source text.

Product

  • Search
  • Codes
  • About

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer

© 2026 LawWiki. All rights reserved.

HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 10Ch. 4§ 10404 Substitute Performance Requirements

§ 10404 Substitute Performance Requirements

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10404 Substitute Performance Requirements

This law says that if something unexpected happens that makes it impossible to deliver goods as planned, a reasonable alternative must be used. It also says that if payment rules change because of government regulations, the seller can ask for a different payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • •If the original delivery plan doesn't work, a reasonable backup plan must be used.
  • •If payment rules change, the seller can ask for a different payment method that is fair.
  • •If the new payment rule is unfair, the buyer might not have to follow it.

Example

A company orders a shipment of toys to be delivered by boat, but the dock is damaged in a storm.

The company delivering the toys must find another way to get them there, like using a truck instead. If the payment method they agreed on is no longer allowed by a new government rule, the seller can ask for a different way to be paid.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10404 Substitute Performance Requirements

(a) If without fault of the lessee, the lessor, and the supplier, the agreed berthing, loading, or unloading facilities fail or the agreed type of carrier becomes unavailable or the agreed manner of delivery otherwise becomes commercially impracticable, but a commercially reasonable substitute is available, the substitute performance must be tendered and accepted. (b) If the agreed means or manner of payment fails because of domestic or foreign governmental regulation: (1) The lessor may withhold or stop delivery or cause the supplier to withhold or stop delivery unless the lessee provides a means or manner of payment that is commercially a substantial equivalent; and (2) If delivery has already been taken, payment by the means or in the manner provided by the regulation discharges the lessee’s obligation unless the regulation is discriminatory, oppressive, or predatory. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 111, Sec. 36. Effective July 15, 1991.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

commercially reasonable substitutecommercially a substantial equivalentgovernmental regulation

Related Statutes

  • § 2614 Commercial Performance Substitutions
  • § 10401 Lease Performance Assurance Rights
  • § 10402 Lease Contract Repudiation Rights
  • § 10403 Repudiation Retraction In Leases
  • § 10405 Lease Performance Excuse Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 10404.
View Official Source