PRIVACY POLICY

We collect personal information that you provide directly or that is generated through your use of our website and services. The types of personal information we may collect include:

  • Identification and Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address, and other similar details provided when you create an account, place an order, subscribe to newsletters, or contact us.
  • Payment and Transaction Information: Billing details, payment method information (e.g., credit card details processed via secure third-party providers), and order history.
  • Health and Wellness-Related Information: If relevant to your purchases (e.g., for wellness items), we may collect information about your preferences or needs, but only with your explicit consent where required.
  • Technical and Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on the site, and other analytics data collected automatically via cookies and similar technologies.
  • Marketing Preferences: Information about your consent to receive promotional communications.

We collect this information from:

  • Forms you submit on our website (e.g., registration, checkout, inquiries).
  • Automated technologies (e.g., cookies, web beacons).
  • Third-party sources (e.g., payment processors, shipping partners) where necessary for service delivery.
Providing personal information is voluntary in some cases (e.g., newsletters), but required for others (e.g., completing a purchase). If you do not provide required information, we may not be able to fulfill your request.
We process your personal information for specific, legitimate purposes and only to the extent necessary. Under POPIA and PDPL, we rely on bases such as consent, contract performance, legal obligations, or legitimate interests. Uses include:

  • Fulfilling Orders and Services: Processing purchases, shipping products, handling payments, and providing customer support.
  • Improving Our Services: Analyzing usage patterns to enhance website functionality and user experience.
  • Marketing and Communications: Sending promotional emails, newsletters, or updates about our products (only with your consent, which you can withdraw at any time).
  • Compliance and Legal Purposes: Complying with laws, preventing fraud, resolving disputes, or responding to regulatory requests.
  • Security: Detecting and preventing unauthorized access or misuse.
We do not process your information for incompatible purposes without notifying you and obtaining consent where required.
We may share your personal information with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors (e.g., payment gateways, shipping companies, IT providers) who assist in operating our business. These parties are contractually obligated to protect your data and process it only for specified purposes.
  • Legal and Regulatory Authorities: As required by law, such as for tax reporting, customs clearance, or in response to court orders.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. Sharing is limited to what is necessary and compliant with POPIA and PDPL.
As we operate in South Africa and the UAE, your personal information may be transferred between these countries or to third countries (e.g., for cloud storage). We ensure such transfers comply with legal requirements:

  • Under POPIA: Transfers are made only with adequate safeguards, such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual clauses.
  • Under PDPL: Transfers outside the UAE require approval from the UAE Data Office or equivalent protections to ensure a level of protection no less than that provided by PDPL.
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. These include encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits. In the event of a data breach that poses a high risk to your rights, we will notify you and the relevant authorities (e.g., Information Regulator in South Africa or UAE Data Office) without undue delay, as required by POPIA and PDPL.
You have rights regarding your personal information. To exercise them, contact us using the details below. We will respond within reasonable timeframes (typically 30 days).

Under POPIA (South Africa):

  • Right to be informed about processing.
  • Right to access your information.
  • Right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Right to object to processing (e.g., for direct marketing).
  • Right to request deletion of unnecessary or unlawfully obtained information.
  • Right to withdraw consent.
  • Right to complain to the Information Regulator.

Under PDPL (UAE):

  • Right to access your data.
  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data.
  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten").
  • Right to restrict processing.
  • Right to data portability.
  • Right to object to processing, including automated decision-making and profiling.
  • Right to withdraw consent.
  • Right to complain to the UAE Data Office.

We may require proof of identity before fulfilling requests. Some rights may be limited where processing is necessary for legal reasons.
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyze traffic, and personalize content. Essential cookies are necessary for site operation, while others (e.g., analytics, marketing) require your consent.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie banner. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined, or as required by law (e.g., for tax or accounting purposes). After that, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with the effective date. We encourage you to review it periodically.
If you have questions, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

  • Email: privacy@behindthescenes.com (placeholder; update with actual email)
  • Address: Behind the Scenes, [Company Address in UAE/South Africa]
  • For South Africa: You can also contact the Information Regulator at inforeg@justice.gov.za.
  • For UAE: Contact the UAE Data Office via their official channels.

By continuing to use our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

TERMS OF SERVICE

You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into contracts to use our website and services. By using our services, you represent that you meet these requirements. We do not sell products to minors. If you are purchasing on behalf of an organization, you warrant that you are authorized to bind that organization to these Terms.
Our products include research peptides and wellness items intended solely for laboratory and research purposes. All products are sold "as is" and are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or medical condition.

  • Research Peptides Disclaimer: Research peptides are provided strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only. They are not for resale, redistribution, human ingestion, injection, or any therapeutic application. You assume full responsibility and liability for the handling, storage, and use of these products. We are not liable for any misuse, injury, or damages arising from their application.
  • Wellness Items: These may include supplements or related products compliant with local regulations. Product descriptions, specifications, and warranties are provided in English and Arabic (as required under UAE law).
  • Product Information: We strive to provide accurate product details, including pricing, specifications, and availability. However, we do not guarantee error-free information. In case of discrepancies, we may cancel orders and issue refunds.
  • Licensing and Compliance: We hold necessary licenses for e-commerce operations in the UAE and South Africa. Product details, including our legal status, address, and licensing authority, are available upon request.

Under the CPA (South Africa) and UAE Consumer Protection Law, you have the right to clear, accurate information about products, including risks, warranties, and terms of sale.
To place orders, you may need to create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account.
You agree not to:

  • Use our services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms.
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation.
  • Engage in fraudulent activities, including unauthorized use of payment methods.
  • Harvest data, interfere with our website, or introduce viruses/malware.
  • Resell or redistribute our products without authorization.

We may suspend or terminate your account for violations, without liability.
  • Order Placement: Orders are subject to acceptance and availability. We may refuse or cancel orders at our discretion, with notice and refund if applicable.
  • Pricing: Prices are in local currency (AED for UAE, ZAR for South Africa) and exclude taxes, duties, and shipping unless stated. We may adjust prices without notice, but confirmed orders are honored at the quoted price.
  • Payments: We accept secure payment methods via third-party processors. Payment is due at checkout. You authorize us to charge your method for the total amount, including taxes and fees.
  • Taxes and Duties: You are responsible for applicable taxes, customs duties, and import fees.
  • Electronic Contracts: Under ECTA (South Africa) and UAE Electronic Transactions Law, electronic orders and signatures are legally binding.
We ship to addresses in the UAE and South Africa. Delivery timelines are estimates and not guaranteed. We are not liable for delays due to customs, force majeure, or carrier issues.

  • Risk of Loss: Title and risk pass to you upon delivery to the carrier.
  • International Aspects: For cross-border shipments (e.g., UAE to South Africa), you bear customs responsibilities.
We comply with consumer rights under the CPA (South Africa) and UAE Consumer Protection Law.

  • Cooling-Off Period: In South Africa, you may cancel without reason within 7 days of receipt (CPA Section 16), excluding perishable or custom items. In UAE, returns are allowed within 7 days for defective products or as per our policy.
  • Returns: Products must be unused, in original packaging, and returned at your expense (unless faulty). Research peptides are non-returnable due to safety reasons, except for defects.
  • Refunds: Processed within 14 days of return receipt, to original payment method. Shipping fees are non-refundable.
  • Defective Products: Notify us within 7 days of receipt. We may replace or refund at our discretion.
  • Warranties: Products come with manufacturer warranties where applicable. No implied warranties beyond legal requirements.

Unfair terms (e.g., unilateral amendments without notice) are void under UAE Executive Regulations.
All content on our website (text, images, logos) is our property or licensed to us and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute without written permission.
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined, or as required by law (e.g., for tax or accounting purposes). After that, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Our services are provided "as is" without warranties, express or implied, beyond those required by law (e.g., fitness for purpose under CPA).

We are not liable for:

  • Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.
  • Losses from product misuse, including research peptides.
  • Website downtime, errors, or third-party actions.

Our maximum liability is limited to the order amount paid. This does not limit liability for gross negligence, fraud, or statutory rights.
You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from your breach of these Terms, misuse of products, or violation of laws.
We are not liable for failures due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, strikes, pandemics).
These Terms are governed by UAE laws for UAE-based transactions and South African laws for South Africa-based transactions. Disputes shall be resolved through negotiation, then arbitration (under UAE or SA rules, as applicable) or competent courts in Dubai (UAE) or Johannesburg (South Africa).

Under UAE E-Commerce Law, optional insurance or arbitration may apply.
If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains enforceable.
These Terms constitute the full agreement, superseding prior communications.
For questions or complaints:

  • Email: support@behindthescenes.com (placeholder; update with actual email)
  • Address: Behind the Scenes, [Company Address in UAE/South Africa]

For South Africa: Contact the National Consumer Commission if unresolved. For UAE: Contact the Ministry of Economy or relevant authority.
By using our services, you acknowledge reading and agreeing to these Terms.