- Purpose and Scope
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern access to and use of the official website of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations ("FECAVA"), as well as participation in FECAVA activities, programmes, and services, including but not limited to FECAVA certification and accreditation schemes. By accessing the website, submitting information, or applying for certification, the user expressly acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by these Terms.
- Legal Status and Governing Documents
FECAVA is an international non-profit association (association internationale sans but lucratif – AISBL) incorporated under Belgian law, with legal personality pursuant to the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations (Code des sociétés et des associations / Wetboek van vennootschappenenverenigingen). The FECAVA Constitution, Statutes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), internal regulations, certification rules, and duly adopted policies constitute the binding internal legal framework of the Association and form an integral part of these Terms. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency, the relevant statutory, regulatory, or certification-specific document shall prevail.
- Intellectual Property Rights
All content made available through the FECAVA website, including but not limited to text, logos, graphics, documents, standards, guidelines, and educational materials, is protected by intellectual property laws and remains the exclusive property of FECAVA or its licensors. No content may be copied, reproduced, distributed, published, modified, or exploited in any form without the prior written consent of FECAVA, except where permitted by mandatory law.
- Website Use and Availability
FECAVA endeavours to ensure that information published on its website is accurate and up to date but provides the website and its content on an "as is" and "as available" basis. FECAVA reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the website at any time without prior notice.
- Certification and Accreditation Programmes
Participation in any FECAVA certification or accreditation programme is subject to compliance with the applicable eligibility criteria, application procedures, assessment standards, ethical requirements, and decision-making processes as defined in the relevant certification regulations. Submission of an application does not confer any right to certification. Certification decisions are final, subject only to any appeal procedures expressly provided for in the applicable regulations.
- Fees and Financial Obligations
All fees associated with certification programmes, examinations, assessments, or administrative services shall be payable in accordance with published instructions. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all fees are non-refundable. FECAVA reserves the right to revise fees at any time.
- Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, FECAVA shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the website, reliance on published information, participation in certification programmes, or certification outcomes.
- Amendments
FECAVA reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Amendments shall enter into force upon publication on the website.
- Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Belgium. Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the use of the website, or participation in FECAVA activities or certification programmes shall fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Brussels, Belgium.