Privacy Policy

 

The VRIKSH website (www.vrikshindia.in) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of information provided by users, applicants, exporters, importers, certification bodies, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you access or use this website.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal and organizational information that you voluntarily provide through registration forms, certification applications, inquiries, feedback forms, email communications, and other interactions with the VRIKSH platform. Such information may include:

• Name, designation, and contact details;
• Organization/company details;
• Business registration and export-related information;
• Certification and compliance-related documents;
• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, Geo location and website usage data.

2. Purpose of Information Collection

Information collected through the VRIKSH website may be used for the following purposes:

• Processing applications under the VRIKSH - Indian Timber Legality Assessment and Verification Scheme;
• Verifying compliance, legality, and certification requirements;
• Facilitating communication with applicants, exporters, importers, certification bodies, timber traders, saw millers, farmers, artisans and regulatory authorities;
• Providing technical support and responding to inquiries;
• Improving website functionality, security, and user experience;
• Generating statistical and administrative reports; and
• Complying with applicable legal, regulatory, and governmental requirements.

3. Use and Disclosure of Information

VRIKSH will not sell, rent, or trade personal information collected through this website.

Information may be shared only when necessary for:

• Verification, certification, audit, and assessment activities under the VRIKSH Scheme;
• Compliance with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental directives;
• Coordination with authorized government departments, customs authorities, accreditation bodies, certification agencies, or other entities involved in the implementation of the Scheme;
• Protection of the rights, property, integrity, and security of VRIKSH, EPCH, users, or the public.

Any such disclosure shall be limited to the extent necessary for the stated purpose.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, improve website performance, and analyze usage patterns.

Cookies may be used to:

• Remember user preferences and settings;
• Facilitate secure access to restricted areas;
• Monitor website performance and analytics;
• Improve navigation and functionality.

Users may choose to disable cookies through their browser settings. However, certain features of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

5. Data Security

VRIKSH implements reasonable technical, administrative, and organizational safeguards to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, misuse, or destruction.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel who require such access for the performance of their official duties. Information is stored on secure systems and protected through appropriate security measures.

While every effort is made to ensure the security of information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, VRIKSH cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted through the internet.

6. User Rights

Subject to applicable laws and regulatory requirements, users may request to:

• Access information maintained about them;
• Correct or update inaccurate information;
• Request deletion of information where legally permissible;
• Withdraw consent for specific uses of information; and
• Raise concerns regarding the processing of their information.

Account Deletion:

• Users can easily delete the account within the app. Simply go to settings> Delete account and follow the prompts.
• Your account, personal information and associated data will be permanently deleted. You may also visit the EPCH website and Vriksh India Website for further information.

Requests may be submitted through the contact details provided on the website.

7. Confidentiality of Certification Information

Information and documents submitted for certification, verification, audit, or compliance purposes under the VRIKSH Scheme shall be treated as confidential and shall be used solely for purposes connected with the administration, verification, monitoring, and enforcement of the Scheme, except where disclosure is required by law or authorized by the concerned party.

8. Third-Party Websites

The VRIKSH website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. Such websites operate independently and have their own privacy policies. VRIKSH is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of any third-party websites.

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of such websites before providing any personal information.

9. Changes to this Privacy Policy

VRIKSH reserves the right to amend, revise, or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any modifications shall be posted on this page and shall become effective from the date of publication unless otherwise specified.

Continued use of the website after the publication of changes shall constitute acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or the processing of personal information, users may contact:

VRIKSH – Indian Timber Legality Assessment and Verification Scheme
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
Email: [vriksh@epch.com]
Website: www.vrikshindia.in