General Business Terms and Conditions

Training & Research

SKZ – KFE gGmbH

As of: November 2026
 

General Information
SKZ – KFE gGmbH (hereinafter referred to as “KFE”) promotes research and practical scientific development, particularly in the field of plastics technology. KFE’s range of services also includes promoting training in the field of plastics technology and related areas for specialists and managers from industry, skilled trades, commerce, and government agencies, as well as organizing and conducting conferences, events, specialized seminars, hands-on training courses, and online courses as part of continuing education initiatives for entrepreneurs within the meaning of Section 14 of the German Civil Code (BGB).
 

1. Scope of Application
1.1. The General Terms and Conditions of SKZ – KFE gGmbH (hereinafter referred to as “KFE”), as well as the three accompanying appendices covering the areas of research, education and training, and conferences and events, shall apply exclusively; KFE does not recognize any terms and conditions of the client that conflict with or deviate from these General Terms and Conditions, unless KFE has expressly agreed to their validity in writing. KFE’s Terms and Conditions shall apply even if KFE carries out the order without reservation while being aware of terms and conditions of the client that conflict with or deviate from its own Terms and Conditions.

1.2. All agreements made between KFE and the client for the purpose of executing a contract or order must be set forth in this contract or order.

1.3. KFE’s Terms and Conditions also apply to all future transactions with the Client.

1.4. These Terms and Conditions apply only to business entities as defined in § 14 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and to consumers as defined in § 13 of the German Civil Code (BGB).
 

2. Pricing
2.1. Statutory value-added tax is not included in KFE’s prices; where required by the nature of the service, it will be shown separately on the invoice at the statutory rate.

2.2. Additional provisions can be found in the appendices “Appendix for Research Project Contracts,” “Appendix for Training and Continuing Education Contracts,” and “Appendix for Conference and Event Contracts,” which are attached to these General Terms and Conditions.

2.3. Offers are valid for six weeks from the date of the offer, unless a different validity period is specified in the text of the offer.
 

3. Cancellation
The provisions governing the cancellation of contracts are set forth in the appendices titled “Appendix for Research Project Contracts,” “Appendix for Education and Training Contracts,” and “Appendix for Conference and Event Contracts,” which are attached to these General Terms and Conditions.
 

4. Confidentiality / Subcontracting
4.1. KFE employees are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of all business-related matters of which they become aware in the course of their work.

4.2. KFE will provide information to third parties regarding ongoing or completed work only with the client’s express written consent.

4.3. In the event of capacity constraints or temporary equipment malfunctions, KFE is entitled to award subcontracts to testing laboratories known to it or to other subcontractors that meet the same requirements for a quality management system. Confidentiality is thereby maintained.
 

5.  Binding Deadlines for the Provision of Services / Force Majeure
5.1. Binding performance deadlines require express agreements regarding the specific date.

5.2. Unforeseeable force majeure and other unforeseeable extraordinary events—including shortages of materials, energy, labor, and transportation capacity, production disruptions, labor disputes, delivery delays by upstream suppliers, transportation disruptions, and official orders—that render KFE unable to fulfill its performance obligations—shall fully release KFE from its obligation to perform for the duration of their effects or, in the event of impossibility of performance, in full. The client shall be notified of the occurrence of such an event as soon as possible. In this case, the performance period shall be extended by the duration of the hindrance.
 

6. Liability
6.1. KFE shall be liable in accordance with statutory provisions if it culpably breaches a material contractual obligation; however, even in this case, liability for damages is limited to foreseeable, typically occurring damages.

6.2. Liability is limited in each case to the order amount. The maximum liability amount is limited to the respective coverage limit of the liability insurance policy.

6.3. Liability for culpable injury to life, body, or health remains unaffected.
 

7. Data Processing
In accordance with the GDPR, KFE is authorized to store and process the customer’s personal or financial data. The relevant privacy policy on the website applies.
 

8. Legal Provisions
The legal relationship between the contractual partners shall be subject to German law.
 

9. Place of Jurisdiction
The place of jurisdiction shall be Würzburg, but KFE may also take legal action at the Client’s local court.
 

10. Final Clause
If a provision contained in these Terms and Conditions proves to be ineffective, this shall have no bearing on the validity of the contract or any other of its provisions.
 

Annex for Training Contracts

(This annex forms an integral and equally valid part
of the General Terms and Conditions of SKZ-KFE gGmbH)

As of: November 2026

1. Registration for Training Programmes
1.1. For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, “events” refer to all offerings, regardless of whether they are designated as conferences, training programs, courses, e-learning programs, seminars, workshops, technology days, etc.

1.2. Registration is done online via our website or in writing using our registration form. If another method is used, we absolutely require the name of the participant and the complete company address or billing address, including a phone number and email address. Registration is binding. A contract is not concluded until KFE issues an order confirmation, which is sent by mail or email. Registrations are processed in the order in which they are received by KFE. If an event is already fully booked, KFE will notify the registrant immediately.

1.3. KFE reserves the right to set a registration deadline for selected events, subject to room capacity.
The deadline for finalizing the participant list is 14 days before the start of the event.

1.4. KFE is entitled to verify that participants meet the necessary eligibility requirements before the start of the event, if applicable. This applies in particular to DVS and DVGW events, for which KFE is required to do so.

1.5. The event location is specified in the registration confirmation. However, KFE reserves the right to change the event location and the speaker, if necessary, or to modify the program schedule. Participants will be notified of any such changes.
 

2. Pricing
2.1. Statutory value-added tax is not included in KFE’s prices; where required by the nature of the service, it will be shown separately on the invoice at the statutory rate.

2.2. Training and Continuing Education Events

2.2.1. The price for participation in training and continuing education events is listed in the respective printed informational materials (brochures, flyers, etc.) as well as in the event database on the Internet.

2.2.2. Payment of the participation fee, without any deductions, is due within 14 days of the invoice date. Payments must be made to the account specified on the invoice, citing the invoice number and customer number.
 

3. Cancellation of Participation in Training Programmes
3.1. In the event of a withdrawal or cancellation up to one week before the start of the event, KFE reserves the right to retain 10% of the participation fee plus applicable VAT as an administrative fee. In the event of a later withdrawal or cancellation, the full participation fee plus applicable VAT must be paid. If you are unable to attend, you may designate a suitable substitute in writing. This provision does not apply to digital learning content with personalized access to the e-learning portal (elearning.skz.de), as this content is available immediately upon booking. In this case, neither cancellation nor the designation of a substitute is possible.

3.2. In the event of cancellation of exhibition space or sponsorship up to eight weeks before the start of the event, KFE reserves the right to retain 20% of the price as a processing fee (plus applicable VAT). In the event of later cancellation, the full price plus VAT must be paid.

3.3. KFE reserves the right to cancel the event in the event of insufficient attendance, the absence of the speaker(s), or force majeure. Any participation fees already paid will be refunded. Further claims are excluded.
 

4. Usage and Exploitation Rights for Course and Seminar Documents
All rights of use and exploitation of the participant handouts, other seminar, course, or training program materials, and seminar, course, or training program resources belong exclusively to KFE. The participant does not have the right to reproduce or distribute the materials, in whole or in part, without KFE’s written permission. Electronic participant handouts may be saved by the participant solely for personal use.
 

5. Final Clause
If a provision contained in the Terms and Conditions or this Annex to the General Terms and Conditions proves to be ineffective, this shall have no bearing on the validity of the contract or any other provisions.
 

Annex for Contracts Related to Conferences and Events

(This annex forms an integral and equally valid part
of the General Terms and Conditions of SKZ-KFE gGmbH)

As of: November 2026

1. Registration for Conferences and Events
1.1. For the purposes of these General Terms and Conditions, “events” refers to all offerings, regardless of whether they are designated as conferences, training programs, courses, seminars, workshops, technology days, etc.

1.2. Registration is completed online via our website or in writing using our registration form. If another method is used, we require the participant’s name and the complete company address or billing address, including a phone number and email address. Registration is binding. A contract is not concluded until KFE issues an order confirmation, which is sent by mail or email. Registrations are processed in the order in which they are received by KFE. If an event is already fully booked, KFE will notify you immediately.

1.3. KFE reserves the right to set a registration deadline for selected events, subject to room capacity.

1.4 All events will be conducted in accordance with the published program content, taking into account current legal requirements and the recognized state of the art.

1.5. The event location is specified in the registration confirmation. However, KFE reserves the right to change the event location and speakers, if necessary, or to modify the program schedule. Participants will be informed of any such changes in a timely manner. 
 

2. Pricing
2.1. Statutory value-added tax is not included in KFE’s prices; where required by the nature of the service, it will be shown separately on the invoice at the statutory rate.

2.2. Conferences and Events

2.2.1. The price for participation in the events is listed in the respective printed informational materials (brochures, flyers, etc.) as well as in the event database on the Internet.

2.2.2. Payment of the participation fee, without any deductions, is due within 14 days of the invoice date. The invoice will be issued before the start of the event. Payments must be made to the account specified on the invoice, citing the invoice number and customer number. Participants must pay the contractually agreed participation fee in full, even if the registered person fails to attend the event for any reason.

2.2.3. Members of FSKZ e.V. receive a special rate for professional conferences, with a 15% discount on the participation fee.
 

3. Rescheduling
3.1. A one-time rescheduling to another event or an alternate date is permitted free of charge within two weeks of the cancellation of the originally booked event.

3.2. If you are unable to attend, you may designate a suitable substitute participant for the booked event at any time, free of charge. 
 

4. Cancellation of Events
4.1 A cancellation (withdrawal from the contract) must be made in writing (via email or letter).

4.2 In the event of a cancellation, the following cancellation fees apply, depending on the event:

4.2.1 For in-person events:

• 10% of the participation fee plus VAT up to four weeks before the event begins.
• 50% of the participation fee plus VAT if canceled two to four weeks before the event begins.
• 100% of the participation fee plus VAT if canceled less than two weeks before the event begins.

4.2.2 For hybrid events:

• Switch from in-person to online up to three weeks in advance: free of charge; the participation fee for an online event will then be billed.
• Switch from in-person to online less than three weeks prior: 100% of the in-person fee will be charged.

4.2.3 For online events:

• 10% of the participation fee plus VAT up to four weeks before the event begins.
• 50% of the participation fee plus VAT if canceled two to four weeks before the event begins.
• 100% of the participation fee plus VAT if canceled less than two weeks before the event begins.

4.2.4 In the event of a no-show or if the participant withdraws from the event, the full participation fee plus VAT must be paid.

4.2.5 In the event of cancellation of exhibition space or sponsorship up to eight weeks before the start of the event, KFE reserves the right to retain 20% of the price as a processing fee (plus VAT). In the event of later cancellation, the full price plus VAT must be paid.

4.3 KFE reserves the right to cancel the event or hold it as an online event for good cause (such as insufficient attendance, the speaker’s unavailability, or force majeure). In the event of a cancellation, any participation fees already paid will be refunded. If the event is changed to an online format, only the difference between the original price and the lower price of the online event will be refunded. Further claims are excluded.

4.4 If it is not possible to hold the event due to changes in the law, such as the implementation of restrictions in certain areas, we will automatically notify you, and you may rebook for another event free of charge.
 

5. Usage and Exploitation Rights for Course and Seminar Documents
All rights of use and exploitation of the event materials are reserved exclusively by KFE. Participants are not permitted to reproduce or distribute the materials, in whole or in part, without the written permission of KFE. Participants may save electronic event materials solely for personal use.
 

6. Liability
6.1. KFE assumes no liability for the intended success of the event and/or any intended admission to examinations and/or passing such examinations, regardless of their nature. KFE, as well as its agents or vicarious agents, shall be liable for damages suffered by the Service Recipient on the event premises (hotel, conference center, etc.) only in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence. KFE is not liable for items brought in by the service recipient (clothing, training materials, valuables, etc.). The respective house rules must be observed.

6.2. The speakers are responsible for the content of the presentations and documentation folders/conference materials.

6.3. Claims for damages arising from a breach of material contractual obligations are limited to foreseeable damages typical for this type of contract. There is no claim for compensation for consequential damages, in particular loss of work or earnings and lost profits.
 

7. Final Clause
If a provision contained in the Terms and Conditions or this Annex to the General Terms and Conditions proves to be ineffective, this shall have no bearing on the validity of the contract or any other provisions.
 

Annex for Research Project Contracts

(This annex forms an integral and equally valid part
of the General Terms and Conditions of SKZ-KFE gGmbH)

As of: November 2026

1. Pricing
1.1. The statutory rate of value added tax is not included in the prices quoted by KFE; if required for the type of service, this shall be charged at the statutory rate and indicated separately in the invoice.

1.2. Research and Development Orders / Services

1.2.1. If there is an increase in prime costs between the conclusion and full execution of a contract – especially with regard to wages, required goods and energy – KFE shall be entitled to adjust its prices accordingly.

1.2.2. The Client shall receive timely written notice of any cost increases or necessary major changes to the scope of an order.

1.2.3. If raw materials and/or products are supplied by the Client or commissioned third parties, the corresponding safety data sheets must be submitted in advance and delivered alongside the goods. If the same materials are supplied in separate deliveries, the corresponding safety data sheet must only be provided once, unless changes have been made to the composition or safety classification of the materials.

1.2.4. Surplus materials and samples shall be returned at the request of the Client. If no information is provided by the Client, surplus materials and samples shall be disposed of six weeks after the completion of the order or, if necessary, they shall be used anonymously in the SKZ Group for demonstration purposes.

1.2.5. The costs for materials, including transportation costs, shall be borne by the Client.

1.2.6. The costs for the environmentally friendly disposal of used materials shall be borne by the Client.

1.2.7. KFE reserves the right to request an advance payment of max. 50% of the calculated costs when the order is placed. Once the order has been received, the Client shall receive an order confirmation with a corresponding invoice. Payments must be made in full within 14 days of the invoice date.

1.2.8. In the case of higher order values, KFE shall be entitled to charge the full amount in three instalments (upon placement of the order, halfway through the project and at the end of the project).

1.2.9. Unless a different payment method is requested in the order confirmation, payment must be made via transfer to KFE’s account, which shall be indicated on the invoice, within 14 days of the invoice date.

1.2.10. The Client shall only have a set-off right if its counterclaims have been legally established, signed or acknowledged by KFE. The Client may only exercise a right of retention if its counterclaim is based on the same contractual relationship.

1.2.11. Partial invoices may be issued depending on the status of the services. KFE reserves the right to invoice up to 100% of the order amount before starting the work.

1.2.12. Unless otherwise agreed, the costs for progress reports shall not be included in the quoted prices.
 

2. Cancellation of Research and Development Orders / Services
2.1. The Client may only cancel an order free of charge within a period of one week after placing the order, and this must be done in writing. If an order is cancelled after this period, cancellation fees shall be charged at 10% of the net order value plus the statutory rate of VAT.

2.2. If the Client wishes to cancel a placed and confirmed order once the test has begun, the Client may be invoiced for any expenses incurred up to the cancellation date plus an administration fee. This administration fee shall amount to 10% of the net order value plus the statutory rate of VAT.
 

3. Rights related to Development Services
3.1. KFE shall retain ownership of all rights to the services it provides, especially rights to inventions, all intellectual property rights and rights to its specialist knowledge. The Client shall be granted a simple licence to exploit these rights, provided this is necessary for the intended use of the development results. KFE shall not be obliged to register and continue or transfer its property rights.

3.2. KFE shall be granted a simple free licence to exploit the Client’s property rights for the purpose of carrying out the services.

3.3. KFE does not warrant that its services and results shall be free of any third-party rights. The Client is aware that property rights searches should be carried out to avoid any infringements.
 

4. Publications
Research reports may only be published in an abridged or partial form with the prior written consent of KFE. The same applies to the use of reports for advertising purposes.
 

5. Delays and Compensation for Research and Development Orders / Services
5.1. If KFE fails to provide its service on time, the Client shall only be entitled to withdraw from the contract or assert compensation claims for non-fulfilment if the Client has previously granted KFE a reasonable grace period in writing and threatened to withdraw from the contract or assert compensation claims for non-fulfilment.

5.2. The Client shall not be entitled to assert compensation claims for the delayed execution or non-fulfilment of a contract in the event of simple negligence.
 

6. Review
If the Client raises an objection to the research report within 14 days, the results shall be reviewed by KFE. If the accuracy of the disputed results is confirmed by the review, the costs incurred for the review shall be borne by the Client.
 

7. Final Clause
If a provision contained in the Terms and Conditions or this Annex to the General Terms and Conditions proves to be ineffective, this shall have no bearing on the validity of the contract or any other provisions.