Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Maximus EU ("we", "us", "our"), operated by Gabriel Ross, uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on maximuseu.com (the "Website"). It describes what cookies are, which ones we use, why we use them, and how you can control your preferences.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which sets out the broader framework for how we handle your personal data. By using our Website, you acknowledge that you have been informed about our use of cookies. Where cookies require your consent, we will ask for it before placing them.
2. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits and to remember certain information about your preferences or actions.
Cookies are not programs and cannot carry viruses or malware. They cannot access other information stored on your device beyond what was placed there by the website you are visiting.
Similar technologies include:
- Web beacons / pixels: Tiny invisible images embedded in pages or emails that track whether content has been viewed
- Local storage: Data stored directly in your browser, used similarly to cookies but without an expiry date
- Session storage: Temporary data held only for the duration of your browser session
Throughout this policy, references to "cookies" include all such similar technologies unless otherwise stated.
3. Categories of cookies we use
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function and cannot be switched off. They do not require your consent under the ePrivacy Directive. They are typically set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, adding items to your cart, or completing a purchase.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _session_id | Shopify | Maintains your shopping session and cart contents | Session |
| _shopify_y | Shopify | Unique visitor identifier for analytics | 1 year |
| _shopify_s | Shopify | Tracks navigation within a session | 30 minutes |
| _shopify_fs | Shopify | Records first visit to the store | 1 year |
| cart | Shopify | Stores your shopping cart contents | 2 weeks |
| secure_customer_sig | Shopify | Identifies logged-in customers securely | 20 years |
3.2 Functional cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your language preferences or currency. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use. Disabling these cookies may affect the experience and functionality of the Website.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _shopify_country | Shopify | Remembers your country/region preference | Session |
| _shopify_currency | Shopify | Stores your preferred currency | Session |
| localization | Shopify | Stores language and locale preference | 1 year |
3.3 Analytics cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Website. All information collected is aggregated and therefore anonymised. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our Website.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users and sessions | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state for Google Analytics 4 | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users within a 24-hour window | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate to limit data collection | 1 minute |
3.4 Marketing and targeting cookies
These cookies may be set through our Website by advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Tracks visits to enable Facebook advertising features | 3 months |
| _fbc | Meta (Facebook) | Stores click identifier from Facebook ads | 2 years |
| ads/ga-audiences | Google Ads | Re-engages users based on past browsing behaviour | Session |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Used for ad targeting and measurement | 1 year |
| tt_webid / _ttp | TikTok | Measures ad performance and user behaviour on TikTok campaigns | 1 year |
4. Legal basis for cookie use
| Cookie category | Legal basis |
|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) — no consent required under ePrivacy Directive |
| Functional | Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) — consent recommended for third-party functional cookies |
| Analytics | Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) — required before placement |
| Marketing & targeting | Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) — required before placement |
5. Cookie consent and your choices
When you first visit maximuseu.com, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner. You may accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences by category. Your choice will be remembered for future visits.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by:
- Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our Website
- Adjusting your browser settings to block or delete cookies (see Section 6)
- Using opt-out tools provided by third-party services (see Section 7)
6. Managing cookies in your browser
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies, or to alert you when a cookie is being sent. The links below provide instructions for the most commonly used browsers:
Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of our Website, including the ability to add items to your cart or complete a purchase.
7. Third-party opt-out tools
You can opt out of interest-based advertising from third-party providers using the following tools:
- Google: adssettings.google.com and Google Analytics opt-out
- Meta (Facebook): facebook.com/adpreferences
- TikTok: TikTok privacy settings
- Your Online Choices (EU): youronlinechoices.eu — manage preferences across multiple ad networks
- Network Advertising Initiative: optout.networkadvertising.org
8. International data transfers via cookies
Some cookies placed by third parties (such as Google and Meta) result in personal data being transferred to servers outside the European Economic Area, including to the United States. Such transfers are carried out in accordance with Chapter V of the GDPR, using Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other appropriate safeguards approved by the European Commission. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
9. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, regulatory requirements, or third-party services. The most current version will always be published on this page with the date of last revision. We recommend reviewing this page periodically, particularly if you have previously given or withheld consent.
10. Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Name: Gabriel Ross (trading as Maximus EU)
Email: support@maximuseu.com
Address: Rua Lapas 1832, 3020-578 Brasfemes, Coimbra, Portugal
Phone: +351 255 785 440
Response time: Within 1–2 business days, Monday to Friday.