Regulatory Alignment

Comprehensive compliance documentation for NorthForgeWorks. Last updated: July 2026.

Privacy Policy

1. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for processing your personal data is NorthForgeWorks, located at 9000, Flanders Field Road 10, Gent, Belgium. For privacy-related inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

2. Data Collection and Purpose

We collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity data: Name, email address, phone number provided through contact forms
  • Technical data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
  • Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, navigation patterns, referral sources
  • Communication data: Content of inquiries, correspondence history

Processing purposes include: service delivery, communication management, legal compliance, and legitimate business interests including service improvement and security.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Processing is conducted under the following legal bases as defined in Article 6 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

  • Article 6(1)(a) - Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
  • Article 6(1)(b) - Contractual necessity: For service delivery and project execution
  • Article 6(1)(c) - Legal obligation: For tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements
  • Article 6(1)(f) - Legitimate interest: For service improvement, security, and analytics

4. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. Contact form submissions are retained for 24 months. Project-related data is retained for the duration of the business relationship plus 6 years in accordance with Belgian accounting regulations.

5. Data Sharing and Transfers

We do not sell personal data to third parties. Data may be shared with:

  • Service providers acting as processors (hosting, analytics, email services)
  • Legal and regulatory authorities when required by law
  • Professional advisors including lawyers, auditors, and insurers

International data transfers outside the EEA are conducted only with appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions.

6. Data Subject Rights

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right of access (Article 15): Request copies of your personal data
  • Right to rectification (Article 16): Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure (Article 17): Request deletion of your personal data
  • Right to restrict processing (Article 18): Request limitation of processing
  • Right to data portability (Article 20): Receive your data in a structured format
  • Right to object (Article 21): Object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Right to withdraw consent (Article 7(3)): Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, including encryption, access controls, regular security assessments, and employee training programs.

8. Supervisory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit/Autorité de protection des données) at Autoriteit persoonsgegevens, Rue de la Presse 35, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

Cookies Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They serve various functions, from enabling basic site operations to collecting analytical data about user behavior.

2. Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

  • Session cookies: Maintain user state during browsing sessions
  • Security cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery
  • Cookie consent cookies: Store your cookie preferences

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies (Optional)

  • Google Analytics: Tracks visitor behavior, page views, and traffic sources
  • Performance monitoring: Measures page load times and technical metrics

Analytics cookies are only activated with your explicit consent.

3. Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

  • Our cookie consent banner: Accept or decline optional cookies
  • Browser settings: Configure cookie acceptance preferences
  • Cookie deletion: Remove existing cookies from your device

Disabling essential cookies may impair website functionality.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services embedded in our pages. We do not control these cookies. Please refer to the respective third party's privacy policy for information.

5. Updates to This Policy

This Cookies Policy may be updated to reflect changes in technology or legislation. Material changes will be communicated through the website or via email.

Refund Policy

1. General Refund Terms

NorthForgeWorks is committed to delivering high-quality digital infrastructure services. Refund eligibility is determined based on project milestones, deliverable completion, and adherence to agreed specifications.

2. Pre-Project Cancellation

  • Cancellation before project initiation: Full refund minus administrative fee (10%)
  • Cancellation after discovery phase: 50% refund of remaining project balance
  • Cancellation after development commencement: Refund calculated based on completed milestones

3. Milestone-Based Refunds

For projects structured in phases, refunds are calculated based on incomplete milestones:

  • Discovery phase incomplete: 100% refund of remaining balance
  • Design phase incomplete: Refund for remaining design hours plus development
  • Development phase incomplete: Refund for incomplete features only
  • Deployment phase incomplete: Refund for deployment and optimization services

4. Quality Assurance

If deliverables do not meet agreed specifications:

  • We will first attempt to resolve issues through revision cycles at no additional cost
  • If resolution is not possible, a partial or full refund will be issued
  • Refund claims must be submitted within 14 days of deliverable receipt

5. Refund Processing

Approved refunds are processed within 14 business days to the original payment method. Processing fees incurred during the original transaction are non-refundable.

6. Dispute Resolution

Refund disputes are subject to Belgian commercial law. Both parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing formal legal proceedings.

Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using services provided by NorthForgeWorks (9000, Flanders Field Road 10, Gent, Belgium), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

2. Service Description

NorthForgeWorks provides digital infrastructure services including web development, e-commerce platform engineering, API integration, and related consulting services. Service specifications, deliverables, and timelines are defined in individual project agreements.

3. Client Obligations

  • Provide accurate and complete information required for project execution
  • Respond to requests for feedback within agreed timelines
  • Ensure necessary access and permissions for third-party platforms
  • Make payments according to the agreed schedule

4. Payment Terms

  • Invoices are issued according to the project milestone schedule
  • Payment is due within 14 days of invoice date
  • Late payments incur a 1.5% monthly interest charge
  • All prices are in Euros (€) and exclude applicable VAT

5. Intellectual Property

  • Upon full payment, client receives ownership of all custom deliverables
  • NorthForgeWorks retains rights to pre-existing tools, frameworks, and methodologies
  • Third-party components remain subject to their original licenses
  • Portfolio usage rights: NorthForgeWorks may display work in marketing materials unless explicitly denied

6. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information shared during the business relationship. This obligation survives termination for a period of 3 years.

7. Limitation of Liability

NorthForgeWorks liability is limited to the total project value. We are not liable for indirect damages, lost profits, or business interruption. Force majeure events excuse performance delays.

8. Termination

  • Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice
  • Immediate termination for material breach or non-payment
  • Upon termination, client pays for completed work and expenses incurred

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Belgian law. Disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Gent, Belgium.

10. Modifications

NorthForgeWorks reserves the right to modify these Terms. Material changes will be communicated 30 days in advance. Continued use constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.