Cookie Policy
Last updated: July 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies and similar technologies are, how VC Fertigteile GmbH ("we", "us") uses them on vcfertigteile.org (the "Website"), and how you can manage your preferences. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which describes how we handle personal data more broadly.
1. What are cookies and similar technologies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet or smartphone when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function, remember preferences and understand how visitors use pages. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, pixels and scripts that store or read information on your device.
Cookies may be session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (remaining until they expire or you delete them). They may be set by us ("first-party cookies") or by third-party services we use ("third-party cookies").
2. Why we use cookies
We use cookies and comparable technologies to:
- Ensure the Website operates securely and reliably.
- Remember your cookie consent choices.
- Store preferences that improve your browsing experience.
- Understand how visitors use our content so we can improve navigation and articles (only with consent where required).
- Measure whether informational campaigns reach relevant audiences where applicable and consented.
We do not use cookies to collect sensitive personal information, and we do not sell cookie data to advertising networks.
3. Legal basis
Under the GDPR and the German Telecommunications Digital Services Data Protection Act (TDDDG), strictly necessary cookies may be used on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing a secure, functioning website. Non-essential cookies — including analytics cookies — are used only after you have given consent through our cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
4. Types of cookies we use
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to work. They enable core functions such as security, network management and storage of your cookie consent decision. Because they are required for the service you request, they do not require consent under applicable German and EU rules, though we still inform you about them.
Functional cookies
Functional cookies allow the Website to remember choices you make — such as display preferences or form progress — and provide enhanced features. If you disable these cookies, some functionality may be limited.
Analytics cookies
With your consent, we may use analytics cookies to collect information about how visitors interact with the Website — for example, which pages are viewed most often, how long sessions last and whether errors occur. This helps us improve content structure and readability. Analytics data is typically aggregated or pseudonymised.
Marketing cookies
We currently do not run third-party advertising or retargeting cookies on the Website. If this changes in future, we will update this policy and request your consent before placing such cookies.
5. Cookie and storage list
The table below describes the main cookies and local storage items used on our Website as of the date above. Names may be updated as we improve our systems.
| Name / key | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| vc-cookies | Strictly necessary | Stores whether you accepted all cookies or essential cookies only. | Persistent until cleared |
| Session identifiers | Strictly necessary | Maintains session integrity during form submissions and security checks. | Session |
| _ga | Analytics (consent required) | Google Analytics — distinguishes users for traffic measurement. | Up to 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics (consent required) | Google Analytics — distinguishes users for short-term session analysis. | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics (consent required) | Google Analytics — throttles request rate. | 1 minute |
6. Third-party cookies and embedded content
Some pages may embed third-party content — for example, OpenStreetMap maps in our footer showing our Emden office location. Embedded providers may set their own cookies when you interact with their content. We do not control these cookies. Please review the privacy and cookie policies of those providers if you wish to understand their practices.
Where we link to external websites, those sites may set cookies when you visit them. Such cookies are outside the scope of this policy.
7. Managing your cookie preferences
When you first visit the Website, a cookie banner allows you to Accept all cookies or choose Essential only. You can change your mind at any time by:
- Clearing cookies and local storage in your browser settings, then revisiting the Website to set new preferences.
- Adjusting your browser to block or delete cookies — most browsers offer controls under Privacy or Security settings.
- Using browser extensions that manage tracking preferences globally.
Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of the Website from functioning correctly, including remembering that you have dismissed the cookie banner.
8. Browser-specific guidance
Cookie management varies by browser. Common paths include:
- Google Chrome — Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies
- Mozilla Firefox — Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari — Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge — Settings → Cookies and site permissions
For mobile devices, refer to your operating system privacy settings or your mobile browser's help documentation.
9. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals or support Global Privacy Control (GPC). There is no universal industry standard for responding to all such signals. We honour choices you make through our cookie consent banner and your browser cookie settings. Where GPC is recognised as a valid opt-out signal under applicable law, we will treat it accordingly for relevant processing.
10. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when we add features, change analytics providers or when legal requirements evolve. The "Last updated" date will be revised accordingly. Material changes may be highlighted through the cookie banner or a notice on the Website.
11. Contact us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise data protection rights, contact:
VC Fertigteile GmbH
Am Seemannsheim 6
26723 Emden, Germany
Email: info@vcfertigteile.org