GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (GTC)

Effective as of: 12 August 2025

IHK-Exportakademie GmbH has different General Terms and Conditions (GTCs) for the areas of seminars, certificate courses and customs forum on the one hand and for the area of business trips on the other. You can find our General Terms and Conditions below. We will also be happy to send them to you on request. In the event of any inconsistency or discrepancy between the English and German versions of our General Terms and Conditions, the German version shall prevail.

GTC (General)

General Terms and Conditions (Seminars, Certificate Courses, Customs Forum)

1. Scope of Application
1.1 These Terms and Conditions apply to all events organised by IHK-Exportakademie GmbH, regardless of their type or format, in particular in-person seminars and live online seminars. They apply to both consumers and business entities, unless a clause specifies otherwise.
1.2 Specific conditions apply in addition to certificate courses. Certificate courses are multi-day programmes leading to the issuance of an IHK Certificate.

2. Registration and Conclusion of Contract

2.1 The contract is concluded upon the participant’s registration and confirmation of registration by IHK-Exportakademie GmbH. The confirmation will be sent via email to the address provided by the participant. The event descriptions published on the IHK-Exportakademie GmbH website do not constitute a legally binding offer.
2.2 By registering, the participant accepts these Terms and Conditions.
2.3 As participant numbers are limited, registrations will generally be processed in the order in which they are received. For specific events and certificate courses, IHK-Exportakademie GmbH reserves the right to apply a selection procedure.

3. Terms of Payment
The agreed participation fee is due in full by the due date indicated on the invoice, regardless of contributions by third parties (e.g. the Federal Employment Agency, district offices, or employers). Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, teaching materials, tests and examination fees will be invoiced separately. In the event of non-attendance for reasons attributable to the participant, there is no entitlement to a refund unless the participant has revoked in accordance with the terms set forth below.

4. Revocation and Cancellation
Participants may revoke (only for consumers) or cancel the contract by notifying IHK-Exportakademie GmbH in text form (by post or email). The date of receipt of the cancellation by IHK-Exportakademie GmbH shall be decisive regarding the participant’s payment obligations hereunder. If revocation or cancellation is not made in due time, or if the participant does not attend or attends only in part, the full participation fee shall be payable. The cancellation fee will be waived if a replacement participant is nominated.

a. Events without IHK Certificate:
Cancellation is possible up to 14 days prior to the event start, subject to a cancellation fee of EUR 15. For cancellations made up to 7 days before the event, 50% of the participation fee is payable.

b. Events with IHK Certificate:
Cancellations are free of charge up to 4 weeks before the course begins.
Thereafter, IHK-Exportakademie GmbH may retain or charge the following cancellation fees:
• Between 4 and 2 weeks before start: 30% of the invoice amount
• Between 2 and 1 week before start: 50% of the invoice amount

5. Substitution of Participants
Participation rights may be transferred to a substitute participant, provided the change is communicated in writing by the original participant. No additional fees will be charged beyond the participation fee.

6. Rebooking
Rebooking to a different event date is possible free of charge up to 10 days before the original event start via email. Rebookings made thereafter will be treated as new registrations; the original contract remains in force and the full participation fee remains payable. Once rebooked, revocation as per clause 4 is excluded.

7. Liability for Cancellation
IHK-Exportakademie GmbH reserves the right to:

    • Cancel events up to 5 days prior for organisational reasons (e.g. insufficient number of participants);
    • Cancel events at any time up to and including the day of the event due to force majeure, pandemic-related legal restrictions, or unforeseen illness/accident of the lecturer;
    • Reschedule the event or convert an in-person event into an online format after notifying participants accordingly.

In the event of cancellation by IHK-Exportakademie GmbH, any participation fees already paid will be refunded in full including VAT. Further claims for damages or expenses, except in cases of death, bodily injury or health impairment or gross negligence on the part of IHK-Exportakademie GmbH, are excluded. This also applies to costs for hotel bookings, travel arrangements, etc.

8. Changes to Trainers, Content, Schedule
Changes in instructors, event times or content do not entitle the participant to withdraw or reduce the participation fee, provided such changes are reasonable and have a justified cause.

10. Liability
IHK-Exportakademie GmbH selects qualified lecturers for its seminars. No liability is accepted for the correctness, completeness, or up-to-dateness of seminar content or materials. IHK-Exportakademie GmbH shall not be liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from incomplete or incorrect seminar content. Liability for breach of contract and tort is limited to intent and gross negligence, except in cases of injury to life, body, or health or breaches of material contractual obligations (“cardinal duties”). In the latter cases, liability is limited to foreseeable and typical damages.

11. Copyright and Usage
All software and materials used are protected under copyright. Copying or dissemination to third parties requires prior written consent of the rights holder. Audio or video recordings by participants are prohibited. If IHK-Exportakademie GmbH records the event, participants will be informed and a consent form will be required.

12. Data Protection
Participant and/or contracting party data will be stored and processed electronically for event management purposes. Participant names and chat content may be visible to other participants. Data will not be shared with unauthorised third parties. Confirmation emails may be sent unencrypted and may be read by third parties. We may inform you about future events. Your data will be stored for this purpose. Consent may be revoked at any time. Please refer to our data protection notice at: https://www.ihk-exportakademie.de/datenschutz/

13. Jurisdiction
If the participant is a merchant under the German Commercial Code, a legal entity under public law or a special public fund, the place of jurisdiction is Stuttgart. IHK-Exportakademie GmbH may also file suit at the participant’s general place of jurisdiction. German law shall apply; the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) is excluded.

14. Side Agreements/Miscellaneous
Any side agreements must be made in writing to be valid.
In the event of any inconsistency or discrepancy between the English and German versions of these GTC, the German version shall prevail.

Notice under § 36 VSBG (German Consumer Dispute Resolution Act)
IHK-Exportakademie GmbH is neither obliged nor willing to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

Revocation Policy for Consumers
If you are a consumer, you are entitled to revoke this contract under the following conditions.

Right of Revocation
You have the right to revoke this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

The revocation period is 14 days from the date of contract conclusion.

To exercise your right of revocation, you must inform us (IHK-Exportakademie GmbH, Jägerstraße 30, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany, Tel: +49 711 2005-1364, Email: info@ihk-exportakademie.de) by means of a clear statement (e.g. letter sent by post, or email). You may use the attached sample revocation form, but this is not mandatory.

Timely dispatch of the notice before the revocation period expires shall suffice.

Consequences of Revocation
If you revoke this contract, we shall refund all payments received from you, including delivery costs (except additional costs arising from your choice of a delivery method other than the cheapest standard option offered by us), without undue delay and no later than 14 days from the date we received your revocation notice. We will use the same payment method used for the original transaction unless expressly agreed otherwise; under no circumstances will you be charged any fees for this refund.
If you requested services to begin during the revocation period, you shall pay us an amount proportional to the services already provided up to the time you notified us of your revocation from this contract.

Sample Revocation Form
(If you wish to revoke this contract, please fill out this form and send it back.)

To:
IHK-Exportakademie GmbH
Jägerstraße 30
70174 Stuttgart

      • Email: info@ihk-exportakademie.de
      • I/we () hereby revoke the contract concluded by me/us () for the purchase of the following goods () / provision of the following service* ():
      • Ordered on () / received on ()
      • Name of consumer(s):
      • Address of consumer(s):
      • Signature of consumer(s) (only if submitted on paper):
      • Date:

____

(*) Delete as appropriate.

GTC (Business Delegation Trips)

Effective as of: 12 August 2025

1. Subject Matter and Scope

1.1 This agreement concerns the provision of travel services.
1.2 These General Terms and Conditions (“GTC”) of IHK Exportakademie GmbH (“IHK Exportakademie”) apply to travel services (hereinafter “Trips”) provided under a contract between IHK Exportakademie and the Company (hereinafter “Participant”).

2. Participation Requirements and Travel Terms

2.1 Participation in Trips is primarily open to companies that are members of a Baden Württemberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry and therefore eligible for funding. Such funding is already included in the advertised travel price. Other companies may participate only if, after all eligible companies have registered—no later than the stated registration deadline—there are still places available. Upon request, a participant may obtain registration details reflecting the non funded price.
2.2 It is the sole responsibility of each Participant to obtain timely information regarding entry requirements (e.g. necessary vaccinations, valid passport, visa). Likewise, obtaining travel cancellation or interruption insurance, international health insurance, or similar coverage is the individual Participant’s responsibility.
2.3 Each Participant is also responsible for arranging required travel documents or vaccinations for entry into the destination country and bears the risk of refusal or delays. The Participant must arrange the insurance indicated in clause 2.2 at their own expense.
2.4 The Trips are intended to facilitate business contacts. IHK Exportakademie does not guarantee that business contacts will be established or that transactions will be successfully concluded.

3. Registration / Conclusion of Contract

3.1 To register, the Participant must submit the completed registration form via the IHK Exportakademie’s online portal (this constitutes the offer). Registrations made with conditions or reservations are invalid.
3.2 IHK Exportakademie will confirm the registration in writing by email (acceptance), thereby forming a contract for participation, subject to the Trip actually taking place.
3.3 If aspects such as travel to the event, accommodation, meals, or other travel services are not included in the program or advertised as included in the Trip price, IHK Exportakademie acts as an intermediary under a service contract for the specified travel agency or tour operator. IHK Exportakademie offers no guarantees or liability for the performance of those services.
3.4 Participation is generally limited to 10 Participants. Registrations are considered in the order received, taking into account clause 2.1.


4. Prices and Payment Terms

4.1 The participation fee listed on the registration form and program covers the services specified therein. Costs for transportation to the event, accommodation, visas, vaccinations, meals, or any additional travel services not included in the program are not covered by the participation fee, unless explicitly stated.
4.2 The Participant is obligated to pay the agreed participation fee for the booked Trip services.
4.3 Fees are quoted in euros.
4.4 Should costs from suppliers change due to factors beyond IHK Exportakademie’s control—such as increased transportation costs (e.g. fuel), higher charges (e.g. port or airport fees), or exchange rate differences—IHK Exportakademie may increase the participation fee proportionately. Participants will be promptly notified of such changes. Fee increases are permitted only up to 21 days before departure. A Participant may withdraw from the Trip without penalty or request participation in another event of equal or greater value if the fee increase exceeds 5%, provided IHK Exportakademie is able to offer such an alternative. The Participant must assert such rights immediately after notification of the fee increase.
4.5 If the participation fee has already been invoiced, it must be paid in full prior to departure. If payment is incomplete at departure, following a reminder and expiry of a reasonable additional payment period, the contract shall be terminated. In such cases, a cancellation fee equivalent to the participant’s withdrawal liability applies, unless a substantial travel deficiency has already occurred.


5. Obligations of the Tour Operator

5.1 IHK Exportakademie is contractually obliged to provide the agreed travel, transportation, accommodation services, the overseas program, and travel documents.
5.2 IHK Exportakademie endeavors to adhere to the announced program. Changes to individual services are only permitted if they are not substantial and do not affect the overall character of the Trip. Participants will be informed without delay once IHK Exportakademie becomes aware of any changes.
5.3 In the event of significant changes to essential services, Participants are entitled to withdraw from the Trip without fees or request participation in another of at least equal value, if available. Participants must exercise these rights immediately upon notification of the change.


6. Liability for Deficiencies

6.1 IHK Exportakademie is liable for deficiencies in services in accordance with statutory provisions.
6.2 Trip leaders are not authorized to acknowledge claims.
6.3 No guarantees in the legal sense are given by IHK Exportakademie.
6.4 Claims for deficiencies must be filed within one year from the day the Trip was supposed to end under the contract.
6.5 For claims for damages, please see clause 7 of these GTC.

7. Liability for Damages

7.1 Liability for contractual obligations and tort is limited to intent and gross negligence, except in cases of injury to life, body, or health, where liability is unlimited in all degrees of fault.
7.2 For other damages under the Trip contract, liability is limited to foreseeable, typically occurring damages.
7.3 Total liability per Participant is capped at three times the Trip price and applies even if the damage arises from services provided by a third-party supplier.
7.4 Any limited or excluded liability by applicable international conventions (or national laws based on such conventions) that govern the supplier’s services also apply to IHK Exportakademie.
7.5 For property damage not due to intent or gross negligence, liability is limited to €4,000 per Participant, or up to three times the Trip price if that exceeds €4,000.
7.6 For non-injury claims due to slight negligence, the limitation period is one year from claim emergence.


8. Participant’s Withdrawal / Cancellation

8.1 Participants may withdraw from the contract by notifying IHK Exportakademie in writing within the deadlines specified in this section. Reasonable compensation for the Trip arrangements already made may be requested.
8.2 If the withdrawal notice is received by the registration deadline, no participation fee is due.
• Up to four weeks before departure: 50% of the participation fee
• Up to two weeks before departure: 80% of the participation fee
• Later than that, or for no-shows: 95% of the participation fee
8.3 Delays or losses in the shipment of materials, samples, or goods, or refusal of entry of such materials by the host country, do not entitle the Participant to withdraw from the contract.


9. Trip Operator’s Withdrawal / Termination Due to Force Majeure

9.1 IHK Exportakademie may withdraw from the contract for good cause, particularly if
• the minimum number of Participants is not met by the registration deadline, or
• the number of Participants falls below the required threshold within 30 days prior to the Trip, or
• performance becomes unreasonable for IHK Exportakademie due to circumstances beyond its control.
In such cases, fees already paid will be promptly refunded unless the Participant opts to book a similar alternative Trip from IHK Exportakademie’s offerings. No further claims are admissible.
9.2 If the Trip is significantly impeded, endangered, or affected by unforeseeable force majeure, either party may terminate the contract. The refund shall follow the procedure set forth under § 651j(2) German Civil Code (BGB).


10. Final Provisions

10.1 All legally significant declarations or notices by the Participant to IHK Exportakademie or third parties must be in writing (i.e., in text form).
10.2 Unless otherwise agreed, IHK Exportakademie’s registered office in Stuttgart is the place of performance and payment.
10.3 The contractual rights and obligations are governed exclusively by the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.
10.4 The exclusive place of jurisdiction is Stuttgart.
10.5 If any provision of these GTC becomes invalid, this will not affect the validity of the remaining provisions or the Trip contract.
10.6 In the event of any inconsistency or discrepancy between the English and German versions, the German version shall prevail

Tour Operator: IHK Exportakademie GmbH