EFEC | UK-China Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Cookie Policy 

Last updated: 06 October 2025

EFEC UK-China Life Sciences Innovation Hub (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (www.efec-hub.com). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, your choices, and your rights under applicable laws, including UK GDPR, PECR, and China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL).

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer or device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, improve user experience, and provide information to site owners.

We also use similar technologies, such as web beacons, pixels, tags, and local storage, which for simplicity we also call “cookies” in this policy.

2. Types of cookies we use

We classify cookies into the following categories:

  1. Strictly Necessary Cookies
    • Essential for the website to function (e.g., security, page navigation, login sessions).
    • Without these, the website may not work properly.
    • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (UK), Necessary for service provision (China).
  2. Performance / Analytics Cookies
    • Help us understand how visitors use the website (pages visited, time spent, error reports).
    • We use these to improve content, design, and user experience.
    • Legal basis: Consent (UK), Informed consent (China).
  3. Functionality Cookies
    • Remember preferences (language, region, custom settings).
    • Enhance personalisation.
    • Legal basis: Consent (UK), Consent (China).
  4. Targeting / Advertising Cookies
    • Track browsing habits to deliver relevant ads or measure campaign performance.
    • May be set by third-party advertising networks.
    • Legal basis: Explicit consent (UK and China).

3. How we use cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Operate and secure our website
  • Improve functionality and performance
  • Analyse traffic and usage trends
  • Personalise content and communication
  • Deliver relevant marketing (if you opt-in)

4. Third-party cookies

Some cookies may be placed by trusted third-party providers (e.g. analytics platforms, social media plugins, event management tools). These providers may process your data in other countries.

  • UK users: Where data is transferred outside the UK, safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) are applied.
  • China users: Cross-border transfers are only made in compliance with PIPL requirements (e.g., security assessments, government-approved contracts, or certification).

5. Consent & your choices

UK & EU (UK GDPR / PECR)

  • You must give informed, opt-in consent before we use non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising).
  • You can withdraw consent at any time by updating your cookie settings.

China (PIPL & related regulations)

  • We will provide clear notice and obtain your explicit consent before placing any non-essential cookies.
  • You may refuse cookies without affecting your ability to use core functions of our site.
  • If cookies are used to track personal behaviour across websites, we will give you a separate, explicit option to opt in/out.

6. How to manage cookies

You can control or delete cookies via:

  • Browser settings – Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies.
  • Cookie banner / preferences tool – On your first visit, and at any time afterwards, you can update preferences via our [Cookie Settings] link.
  • Opt-out tools – For analytics/ads, you can use third-party opt-out tools (e.g. Google Analytics opt-out add-on).

Please note: Blocking or deleting cookies may impact functionality of some features.

7. Data retention

  • Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
  • Persistent cookies: Stored until they expire or you delete them.
  • We retain cookie data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes explained above, unless longer retention is required by law.

8. Your rights

Depending on where you are located:

  • UK (UK GDPR / DPA 2018): You have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing of your personal data collected via cookies. You can also withdraw consent at any time.
  • China (PIPL): You have the right to access, copy, correct, delete, or withdraw consent for any personal data collected via cookies. You also have the right to request an explanation of processing rules.

To exercise your rights, contact us at: privacy@efec-hub.com

9. Updates to this Cookie Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, laws, or our practices. The “Last updated” date will be amended accordingly. Where material changes occur, we will notify you via website banner or email before they take effect.

10. Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Cookie Policy:

  • Email: info@efec-hub.com
  • In the UK: You can also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (www.ico.org.uk).
  • In China: You can contact the relevant regulator (e.g. Cyberspace Administration of China) if you believe your rights are infringed.