cookies, data use, data retention, and data sharing
Cookie Policy
Effective Date: March 13, 2026
Last Updated: March 13, 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Van der Stahl Scientific, Inc. (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website located at www.vanderstahl.com (the “Website”). This policy provides you with clear and comprehensive information about the cookies we use, why we use them, and the choices available to you regarding their use.
This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which is available on our Website and provides additional information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By continuing to browse or use our Website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described in this Cookie Policy.
We are committed to transparency in our use of cookies and to complying with applicable laws and regulations, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws. Where required by law, we will obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to provide a better user experience, and to provide information to website owners about how their site is being used. Cookies are stored in your browser’s file directory and are sent back to the originating website on each subsequent visit, or to another website that recognizes that cookie.
Cookies serve a number of different functions. Some cookies are strictly necessary for a website to operate, while others are used to collect analytics data, remember your preferences, enable live chat features, or support marketing and advertising activities. The cookies we use are described in detail in Section 4 of this Cookie Policy.
2.1 Types of Cookies by Duration
Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that remain on your device only for the duration of your browsing session. They are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Session cookies are typically used to enable basic Website functionality and to maintain your session while you navigate between pages.
Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on your device for a specified period of time, or until you manually delete them. Persistent cookies are used to remember your preferences between visits, to analyze how you use our Website over time, and to provide you with a more personalized experience.
2.2 Types of Cookies by Origin
First-Party Cookies: These are cookies that are set directly by our Website, www.vanderstahl.com. First-party cookies are used to enable core Website functionality and to remember your settings and preferences.
Third-Party Cookies: These are cookies set by a domain other than our Website, typically by our trusted service providers such as Google Analytics and Tawk.to. Third-party cookies may track your browsing activity across multiple websites and are used to provide analytics data and additional functionality.
2.3 Similar Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may also use other similar tracking technologies on our Website, including:
- Web Beacons (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs): These are tiny graphic images embedded in web pages or emails that can be used to track when a page or email is opened, and to transmit information such as the IP address of the computer that downloaded the page, the URL of the page on which the web beacon appears, and the time the page was viewed.
- Local Storage: This is a mechanism similar to cookies that allows websites to store data locally on your device. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not sent to the server with every request.
- JavaScript Tags: Small pieces of JavaScript code that collect information about how you interact with our Website.
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies are essential for our Website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. These cookies are usually only set in response to actions you take on the Website, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
These cookies are set on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing you with a functioning and secure website. As they are essential to the operation of the Website, they do not require your consent under applicable law. You can set your browser to block these cookies, but this may prevent certain parts of the Website from functioning correctly.
3.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
Analytics cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Website. They help us to understand which pages are the most and least popular and to see how visitors move around the Website. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore completely anonymous on an individual basis.
We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC (“Google”), to analyze the use of our Website. Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about Website use through cookies, which are stored on users’ computers. The information generated relating to our Website is used to create reports about the use of the Website. Google will store and use this information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
If you do not want your data to be used by Google Analytics, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, which instructs Google Analytics to not use or share your data. The add-on is available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
3.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enable our Website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. These cookies allow the Website to remember choices you have made (such as your language preference or region) and to provide enhanced, more personal features.
We use Tawk.to, a third-party live chat service provider, to enable real-time customer support chat on our Website. Tawk.to places cookies on your device to enable the live chat functionality, to maintain your chat session while you interact with our support team, and to improve the performance of the chat service. These functional cookies do not track your browsing activity outside of our Website.
3.4 Targeting and Marketing Cookies
At this time, Van der Stahl Scientific, Inc. does not use targeting or advertising cookies on our Website for the purpose of serving behaviorally targeted advertisements. We do not allow third-party advertising networks to collect information about your browsing behavior through our Website for advertising purposes.
If we introduce targeting or marketing cookies in the future, we will update this Cookie Policy accordingly and, where required by applicable law, obtain your prior consent before placing such cookies on your device.
4. Detailed Cookie Inventory
The following table provides a detailed inventory of the cookies currently in use on the Van der Stahl Scientific Website, including the name of each cookie, its provider, its purpose, its type, and its duration.
5. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
The legal basis on which we rely to place cookies on your device varies depending on the category of cookie:
Strictly Necessary Cookies: We place these cookies on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing you with a functional and secure website. These cookies do not require your consent as they are essential for the Website to operate. By using our Website, you acknowledge that these cookies may be placed on your device.
Analytics and Performance Cookies: We place these cookies on the basis of your consent, except where applicable law permits us to rely on our legitimate interest. For visitors from the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions that require consent for analytics cookies, we will request your consent through our cookie consent banner before placing analytics cookies on your device.
Functional Cookies: We place these cookies on the basis of your consent or, where applicable law permits, on the basis of our legitimate interest in providing enhanced Website functionality, including live chat support services.
Where we rely on your consent to place cookies, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences through your browser settings or through our cookie consent management tool. Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out prior to withdrawal.
6. Third-Party Cookies and Services
6.1 Google Analytics
Our Website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Google Analytics uses cookies to help us analyze how users use our Website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of our Website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States.
Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of our Website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators, and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google.
We have enabled IP anonymization in Google Analytics, which means that Google will truncate or anonymize your IP address within member states of the European Union or in other parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area before transmitting it to the United States. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be sent to a Google server in the USA and shortened there.
For more information about Google’s privacy practices, visit https://policies.google.com/privacy. To opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics, you can use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
6.2 Tawk.to Live Chat
Our Website uses Tawk.to, a live chat service provided by Tawk.to Inc. Tawk.to places cookies on your device to enable the live chat functionality and to improve the performance of the chat service. These cookies allow Tawk.to to identify you as a returning visitor and to connect you with previous chat sessions.
Information collected through the Tawk.to live chat service may include your name, email address, IP address, browser type, and the content of your chat conversations. This information is processed in accordance with Tawk.to’s Privacy Policy, which is available at https://www.tawk.to/privacy-policy/.
We have entered into appropriate data processing agreements with Tawk.to to ensure that your personal data is handled in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
If you do not wish for Tawk.to cookies to be placed on your device, you may disable cookies in your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may prevent the live chat feature from functioning on our Website.
7. Your Cookie Choices and Controls
7.1 Cookie Consent Banner
7.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically set your browser to block cookies, to warn you before cookies are placed, or to delete cookies that have already been placed on your device. The specific steps you need to take to manage cookies through your browser settings will vary depending on the browser you are using. Please refer to your browser’s help documentation for specific instructions:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
- Opera: Settings > Advanced > Privacy & security > Content settings > Cookies
Please be aware that restricting or blocking cookies may impact your ability to use certain features on our Website. For example, disabling functional cookies may prevent the live chat from operating correctly, and blocking analytics cookies will mean that we cannot improve our Website based on how you use it.
7.3 Opt-Out Tools
In addition to browser settings, you can opt out of specific cookies using the following tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout to prevent your data from being used by Google
Analytics. - Your Online Choices (EU): If you are located in the European Union, you can visit http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/ to opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies.
- Network Advertising Initiative (USA): US residents can visit https://optout.networkadvertising.org to opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies.
- Digital Advertising Alliance (USA): US residents can also use the DAA opt-out tool at https://optout.aboutads.info.
8. Cookie Consent for International Visitors
8.1 European Economic Area and United Kingdom
For visitors accessing our Website from the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom (UK), we comply with the requirements of the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive (the EU Cookie Law). Under these regulations, we are required to obtain your prior, informed, freely given, specific, and unambiguous consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
When you first visit our Website from the EEA or UK, a cookie consent banner will be displayed. You may accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your cookie preferences. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by accessing our cookie settings. We will not place analytics or functional cookies on your device without your consent, and we will honor your choice throughout your visit and on subsequent visits to our Website.
8.2 California Residents
For residents of California, this Cookie Policy supplements our Privacy Policy and provides additional information about the cookies and tracking technologies we use, consistent with our obligations under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). California residents have the right to know about the personal information collected through cookies, the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information, and other rights as described in Section 8 of our Privacy Policy.
Van der Stahl Scientific, Inc. does not sell personal information collected through cookies, including to advertising networks or data brokers. We use cookie-derived data solely for the purposes described in this Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy.
8.3 Canada, Brazil, and South Africa
9. Data Retention for Cookie-Derived Information
The personal information collected through cookies on our Website is retained for the following periods:
- Google Analytics data: Retained for a maximum period of twenty-six (26) months from the date of collection, in accordance with our Google Analytics data retention settings.
- Tawk.to chat data: Chat transcripts and associated cookie data are retained for a period of two (2) years from the date of the chat session, unless a longer retention period is required for legal or business purposes.
- Cookie consent records: Records of your cookie consent preferences are retained for a period of one (1) year from the date of your consent, consistent with standard industry practice.
- Session cookies: Automatically deleted when you close your browser or end your session.
When cookie-derived personal information is no longer required for the purposes for which it was collected, or when the applicable retention period has expired, we will ensure that it is securely deleted or anonymized in accordance with our data management procedures.
10. Cookies and Children
Our Website is not directed at children under the age of thirteen (13), and we do not knowingly use cookies to collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and you believe that your child has provided personal information through cookies on our Website, please contact us at info@vanderstahl.com and we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
For users located in the European Economic Area, we do not knowingly process cookie-derived personal data from individuals under the age of sixteen (16) without appropriate parental consent, in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR.
11. Updates to This Cookie Policy
Van der Stahl Scientific, Inc. may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies and tracking technologies we use, changes in applicable laws and regulations, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes to this Cookie Policy, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this document.
For material changes that significantly affect your rights or the way we use cookies, we will provide notice through our Website, such as through a prominent notice on our homepage or through our cookie consent banner, at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect. We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies and related technologies.
Your continued use of our Website following the posting of changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes your acceptance of those changes. If you do not agree with any changes, you should adjust your cookie settings or discontinue your use of the Website.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us using the following information:
Company: Van der Stahl Scientific, Inc.
Privacy Contact: Charlie Webb
Email: info@vanderstahl.com
Website: www.vanderstahl.com
Phone:1-800-550-3854
Mailing Address: PO Box 379, Solvang, CA 93464
We are committed to working with you to resolve any concerns about your privacy and our use of cookies. We will make every effort to respond to all legitimate inquiries within thirty (30) days of receipt. For requests relating to your rights under the GDPR, we will respond within thirty (30) days as required by applicable law.
13. Governing Law
This Cookie Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. For users located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, nothing in this section limits any rights you may have under applicable data protection law, including the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
For EEA residents, the relevant supervisory authority is the data protection authority in your country of residence. For UK residents, the relevant authority is the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). For other international users, the relevant authority is the data protection or privacy authority in your country of residence.