Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Effective date: September 5, 2026 | Last updated: September 5, 2026
HARDCARBIDE is operated by Zhuzhou Hard Carbide Ltd., Zhuzhou, Hunan, China (“we”, “us”, “our”). We are the data controller for the personal data described below. This policy explains what we collect, why, and what rights you have — including your rights under the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
1. Who we are
- Company: Zhuzhou Hard Carbide Ltd.
- Location: Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- Email: manager@hardcarbide.com
- WhatsApp: +86 199 5831 1831
- Business hours: Mon–Sat, 08:30–18:00 (GMT+8)
2. What personal data we collect
(a) Data you give us directly
- Inquiry & contact forms: name, company name, email address, phone / WhatsApp number, country, and the content of your message or product requirement.
- Orders and contracts: company name, contact person, delivery address, tax / VAT identification, banking and payment references, proforma invoice (PI) records, and correspondence.
- Live chat: anything you type into the website chat widget.
- Email & WhatsApp correspondence: the content and metadata of messages exchanged with our sales team.
(b) Data collected automatically
- Website analytics: pages viewed, country, referrer, device and browser type. We use Independent Analytics, a self-hosted analytics plugin — the data stays in our own database, is aggregated, and is not used for cross-site profiling or advertising.
- Cookies: essential cookies for site operation (login sessions, shopping cart, language selection) and analytics cookies. See section 8.
3. Why we use your data, and our legal basis
| Purpose | Legal basis (GDPR Art. 6) |
|---|---|
| Answering inquiries, preparing quotations and samples | Steps prior to entering a contract; legitimate interests (B2B communication) |
| Performing a sales contract: production, shipping, invoicing, after-sales | Performance of a contract |
| Export, customs and tax record-keeping | Legal obligation |
| Improving our website and product range | Legitimate interests |
| Marketing emails about new products | Consent (you may withdraw at any time) |
4. Who we share your data with
We do not sell your personal data. We share it only where necessary:
- Freight forwarders and customs brokers — only the data needed to ship and clear your order.
- Banks and payment providers — to receive payment.
- IT service providers — website hosting (SiteGround) and business email hosting.
- Professional advisers and authorities — where legally required.
5. International transfers
We are based in China, so your data will be transferred outside the EEA/UK. We limit transfers to what is necessary to answer your inquiry and fulfil your order, and we apply confidentiality and security safeguards with every processor we use.
6. How long we keep your data
- Inquiries and quotations: 24 months from last contact.
- Order, invoice and export records: 7 years (tax and customs obligations).
- Chat and email correspondence: 12 months.
- Analytics data: aggregated, kept indefinitely in non-identifying form.
7. Your rights
Under the GDPR you have the right to: access your data, correct it, erase it, restrict or object to processing, receive it in a portable format, and withdraw any consent you have given. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority.
To exercise any of these rights, email manager@hardcarbide.com. We respond within 30 days.
8. Cookies
Essential cookies keep the site working (sessions, cart, language). Analytics cookies help us understand which products interest visitors. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings; essential cookies are required for the shop and inquiry forms to function.
9. Security
Our site is served over HTTPS/TLS. Access to customer records is restricted to staff who need it, and administrative accounts are password-protected. No system is perfectly secure, so please contact us immediately if you suspect any issue.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy. The current version is always published on this page with the effective date shown at the top.
11. Contact
Questions about this policy or about your data: manager@hardcarbide.com or WhatsApp +86 199 5831 1831.