Terms and Conditions
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ONLINE SALE (TERMS AND CONDITIONS)
These General Terms and Conditions of Sale govern the purchase of products through the website www.apodep.com (hereinafter, the “Website”), operated by VERBUM GLOBAL S.r.l.s. (hereinafter, the “Seller”), with its registered office at Vicolo Sabbionara 2 — 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) — Italy, VAT No. IT04634140240, Tax Code 04634140240, registered with the Vicenza Business Register, REA No. VI-418565, Email: info@apodep.com, Certified Email (PEC): verbumglobal@pec.it.
1. General Provisions and Definitions
1.1 Scope of Application: These Terms and Conditions apply to all sales contracts concluded on the Website between the Seller and a User acting as a “Customer” (a natural person purchasing for purposes unrelated to their professional activity).
1.2 Acceptance of the Terms: By submitting a purchase order, the Customer fully and unconditionally accepts these General Terms and Conditions.
1.3 Amendments: The Seller reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Amendments take effect upon publication on the Website and apply only to orders submitted thereafter.
1.4 Technical Infrastructure and Third-Party Provider
a) The Website is hosted on the Shopify Inc. e-commerce platform, which provides the software infrastructure, hosting and online technological tools that enable the Seller to market and sell its products (sunglasses and perfumes) worldwide.
b) The Customer acknowledges and accepts that Shopify Inc. (including its affiliates and partners) acts solely as a technical service provider and is not a party to the sales contract concluded between the Customer and the Seller. Consequently, Shopify Inc. has no direct liability, whether contractual or non-contractual, towards the Customer regarding the accuracy of product descriptions, order management, shipping, returns, the conformity of sunglasses’ UV filters, the tolerability of perfumes or any dispute arising from the purchase. For any request for assistance or legal complaint, the Customer must contact only the Seller through the contact channels specified in these Terms and Conditions.
2. Product Characteristics and Prices
2.1 Product Catalogue: The Website specialises in the online sale of sunglasses and perfumes/fragrances. Product pages provide the essential characteristics supplied by the respective manufacturers.
2.2 Prices and Currency: All prices are expressed in euros (€) and include applicable VAT. Shipping costs and any additional charges are displayed before payment and summarised in the shopping cart.
2.3 Specifications for Sunglasses (CE Requirements):
a) CE Marking: All sunglasses are classified as Category I Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and bear the required CE marking, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and standard UNI EN ISO 12312-1.
b) UV Protection: Unless otherwise stated, the lenses offer certified broad-spectrum UV400 protection (blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays up to 400 nm).
c) Suitability for Driving: Category 0, 1, 2 and 3 lenses are suitable for driving. Category 4 lenses (very dark lenses for high-altitude mountain environments) are NOT suitable for driving vehicles under applicable law. The Seller disclaims all liability for the improper use of Category 4 filters while driving.
d) Limitations of Use: The sunglasses are NOT suitable for direct observation of the sun (including eclipses), protection against artificial light sources (tanning lamps, lasers), or protection against heavy mechanical impacts.
2.4 Specifications for Perfumes: Fragrance pyramids and fragrance descriptions serve illustrative and evocative purposes. Images of bottles are used for promotional purposes; minor packaging changes introduced by manufacturers do not constitute a defect in the goods.
2.5 Product Review Policy (Transparency and Authenticity)
In accordance with the applicable provisions of the Italian Consumer Code and Directive (EU) 2019/2161 (the Omnibus Directive), the Seller adopts a strict policy to ensure the authenticity of reviews published on the Website relating to sunglasses and perfumes:
a) Verification of Origin: The Website publishes only reviews from verified purchasers. The system automatically sends a review request by email solely following the actual delivery of an order associated with a customer registered or tracked through Shopify.
b) Publication Method: Anonymous reviews and reviews manually submitted by users who have not completed a transaction for the specific product are not permitted. Reviews are published in chronological order and include both positive and negative opinions, provided they do not contain offensive, blasphemous or defamatory language or infringe the privacy of third parties.
c) Prohibition of Manipulation: The Seller does not purchase reviews, enter into agreements for the submission of fake reviews, or alter the weighted average product rating in any way by selectively removing legitimate critical reviews.
3. Purchase Procedure and Conclusion of the Contract
3.1 Stages of the Purchase: The Customer selects the products, adds them to the shopping cart, enters the shipping and billing details, selects the payment method and confirms the order.
3.2 Conclusion of the Contract: The sales contract is deemed legally concluded only when the Seller sends the Customer an Order Confirmation Email containing a summary of the goods purchased and their prices.
3.3 Availability: If a product becomes unavailable after the order has been submitted, the Seller will promptly notify the Customer by email, cancel the transaction and refund the full amount paid at no cost to the Customer.
4. Payment Methods and Security
4.1 Accepted Payment Methods
The Customer may pay the amount due using one of the following methods:
a) Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cards: Major international card networks are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express). The card is charged when the order is confirmed.
b) PayPal: By selecting this method, the Customer is redirected to PayPal’s secure server, where they can log in to their account or pay by card without sharing their financial details with the Seller.
c) Digital Wallets (Apple Pay / Google Pay): These enable fast and secure payment through biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) stored on the Customer’s device.
d) Advance Bank Transfer: When payment is made by bank transfer, the order will be processed and dispatched only after the funds have actually been credited to the Seller’s bank account (generally within 2–3 working days). The bank details (IBAN) will be provided in the order confirmation email. The Customer must include the order number as the payment reference.
4.2 Specific Provisions for Payment via PayPal
a) When purchasing via PayPal, the Customer is redirected to PayPal’s secure platform (PayPal Europe S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A.). The transaction is governed exclusively by the terms of use and legal agreements entered into between the Customer and PayPal, to which the Seller is not a party.
b) The Seller does not store, process or have access to the login credentials or financial details associated with the Customer’s PayPal account. If the Customer exercises the right of withdrawal (Article 6) or the order is cancelled, the corresponding refund will be credited directly to the Customer’s PayPal account or the card linked to that account. The Customer acknowledges that the time required for the funds to be credited depends exclusively on the technical and banking policies of PayPal and the card issuer, and that the Seller cannot be held liable for any delays in processing the refund caused by the third-party platform.
4.3 Instalment / Deferred Payments (Buy Now Pay Later)
To facilitate the purchase of high-end products (such as designer sunglasses or artistic/niche perfumes), the Seller offers deferred payment services through the partner platform Klarna:
a) How It Works: The Customer may divide the total order amount into 3 interest-free monthly instalments (0% APR), automatically charged to the credit or debit card registered with the partner platform.
b) Approval: Instalment payments are subject solely to the approval and terms of use of the partner platform (Klarna/Scalapay). The Seller does not participate in the assessment of creditworthiness and is not liable if the transaction is declined.
c) Returns for Purchases Paid in Instalments: In the event of a full return, the refund covers the entire order amount; in the event of a partial return, it covers only the amount relating to the returned items. The partner platform handles any refunds and the cancellation or adjustment of instalments in accordance with its own terms and conditions.
4.4 Transaction Security
The Seller guarantees the highest level of security in handling financial data. All credit card and digital wallet transactions are processed through secure external payment gateways using advanced SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption protocols and 3D Secure protection systems (e.g. Verified by Visa or Mastercard Identity Check). The Seller does not store or have any access to the Customer’s credit card details.
5. Shipping, Delivery and Safety Restrictions (Perfumes and Flammable Goods)
5.1 Shipping Methods and Carriers
Shipping costs, where applicable, are calculated based on the destination and clearly displayed before the order is confirmed.
5.2 Safety Restrictions for Perfumes (Flammable Liquids)
In accordance with international regulations governing the transport of goods (the ADR Agreement for road transport and IATA regulations for air transport), perfumes and alcohol-based fragrances are classified as dangerous goods (flammable liquids). Consequently, the following mandatory restrictions apply:
a) Domestic and European Shipping: Perfumes are shipped exclusively by road to the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom. Delivery times for islands (e.g. Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica) or remote areas may be extended by 24–48 hours compared with standard delivery times because air transport cannot be used. Perfumes are not currently shipped to destinations other than those listed.
b) International Shipping Outside the EU: Due to strict restrictions on the air transport of flammable liquids on passenger flights or standard cargo services, certain destinations outside Europe or overseas may not be served for perfume purchases or may require special “Dangerous Goods” shipping rates. If the User nevertheless manages to place an order for a country that is not served, the Seller reserves the right to cancel the order and issue a full refund.
c) Mixed Orders (Sunglasses + Perfumes): For orders containing both sunglasses and perfumes destined for areas subject to air transport restrictions, the entire parcel will be shipped by road or, at the Seller’s discretion, divided into two separate shipments at no additional cost to the Customer.
5.3 Volume Limits per Parcel
For safety reasons and to qualify for statutory exemptions for the transport of dangerous goods in “limited quantities” (LQ), the Seller reserves the right to limit the maximum number of perfume bottles included in a single order or parcel (e.g. a maximum of 5 bottles or a total volume not exceeding 0.5 litres per shipment).
5.4 Customs Clearance, Duties and Import Taxes Outside the EU
For all shipments to countries outside the European Union or territories with special tax arrangements:
a) General Rule: Any customs duties, local import taxes, local VAT/border tax or customs clearance charges imposed by the authorities of the destination country are entirely payable by the Customer.
b) Countries with Charges Covered by the Seller (DDP): As an exception to the general rule, for shipments to Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States, the prices displayed on the Website and the total calculated at checkout already include customs duties and local import taxes. For these destinations, the Customer will not be asked to pay any additional charges or duties to the carrier upon delivery.
c) Refusal of Delivery: If the Customer refuses delivery of the parcel to avoid paying customs duties requested by the local authorities, the parcel will be returned to the sender. All outbound shipping costs, return shipping costs and customs penalties charged to the Seller will be deducted from the Customer’s refund.
d) Customs Inspections: The Seller informs the Customer that customs authorities have the right to open and inspect parcels. The Seller is not liable for any damage to the outer packaging (including the removal of the cellophane wrapping from perfumes) caused by such official inspections.
5.5 Delivery Times and Transfer of Risk
The delivery times indicated on the Website are estimates for guidance only and do not constitute essential terms of the contract. Pursuant to Article 63 of the Italian Consumer Code, the risk of loss of or damage to the goods passes to the Customer only when the Customer (or a third party designated by the Customer, other than the carrier) takes physical possession of the product. Upon delivery, the Customer must check the condition of the packaging. If the parcel is visibly damaged or wet (potentially indicating a broken bottle), the Customer must accept delivery subject to inspection, recording this reservation and the specific reason on the carrier’s delivery receipt.
6. Right of Withdrawal, Return Procedure and Refunds
6.1 Statutory Withdrawal Period and Change of Mind
Pursuant to Article 52 of the Italian Consumer Code, the Customer acting as a Consumer has the right to withdraw from the purchase contract for any reason, without giving any explanation and without any penalty, within 14 (fourteen) calendar days from the day on which the Customer (or a third party designated by the Customer) takes physical possession of the parcel.
6.2 Procedure for Exercising the Right of Withdrawal
Access the Returns and Withdrawal section in the CUSTOMER SERVICE menu on the Website.
a) Enter the email address used for the purchase and sign in using the verification code received by email.
b) Select the relevant order and initiate a withdrawal request.
c) Select the product to be returned, complete the required information and submit the request.
d) Once the request has been approved, follow the instructions received by email to arrange the return shipment.
e) You may send your declaration of withdrawal from the contract by email to info@apodep.com, by certified email (PEC) to verbumglobal@pec.it, or by post to VERBUM GLOBAL S.r.l.s., Vicolo Sabbionara 2, 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI), Italy.
f) For this purpose, you may use the Withdrawal Form attached to the invoice or download it here. Use of the Withdrawal Form is not mandatory.
g) To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning the exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period expires.
6.3 Procedure for Returning Goods
a) To exercise the right of withdrawal, the Customer must dispatch the parcel to the Seller within 14 days of communicating their intention to withdraw.
b) Requirements for Valid Proof of Return Shipment
To obtain a refund before the goods are physically received at our warehouse, pursuant to Article 56(3) of the Italian Consumer Code, the Consumer must provide valid proof of return shipment. To be considered valid by the store, the documentation submitted must strictly meet the following requirements:
- Official Document: This must be a paper or digital shipping receipt issued exclusively by an authorised postal operator or express courier. Simple written declarations or photographs of the sealed parcel will not be accepted.
- Verifiable Shipping Details: The document must clearly show the sender’s name, the recipient’s exact address, corresponding to our returns warehouse, and the date on which the parcel was handed over to the carrier.
- Active Tracking Number: The receipt must contain the shipment’s unique tracking number. This number must already be active and trackable through the carrier’s online systems when the notification is submitted.
6.4 Prepare Your Parcel
a) Place the Product(s) Inside: Place the product(s) in their intact original box. If you purchased sunglasses, check that all accessories are included (case, cleaning cloth and booklets). For perfumes, ensure that the protective cellophane wrapping is intact and has not been tampered with.
b) Protect the Goods: Use the same cardboard shipping box in which you received the order (or an equally sturdy one) and add protective material (bubble wrap or paper) to prevent damage during transport. Please remember that the sender remains responsible for the shipment until it arrives at our warehouse.
c) Place the completed Return Form inside the parcel. This will help us identify your order.
6.5 Dispatch the Product
The parcel may be sent using the carrier or postal service of your choice. We recommend choosing a tracked shipping service. Send the parcel to: VERBUM GLOBAL S.r.l.s. — Vicolo Sabbionara 2 — 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) — Italy.
Advice for the Sender
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Choose a Reliable Carrier: Ensure that the carrier provides adequate assurances regarding the handling of the goods.
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Consider Additional Insurance: For high-value goods, it is advisable to arrange transport insurance to protect against unforeseen events or road accidents.
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Monitor the Shipment: Use tracking systems until delivery to our premises has been confirmed.
7. Mandatory Product Condition Requirements for Acceptance of Returns
The right of withdrawal is deemed to have been properly exercised only if all the following product condition requirements are fully met. Failure to comply with any one of the requirements listed below will result in rejection of the return and no refund being issued.
7.1 Condition of the Product
a) Absence of Signs of Wear: The goods must be returned in perfect condition, completely clean, unused and free from scratches, abrasions, stains or alterations of any kind.
b) Limited Product Testing: Only handling necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the product is permitted (e.g. normally trying on sunglasses), as would be allowed in a physical shop.
7.2 Labels and Seals
a) Anti-Return Security Tag: The Seller’s anti-return security tag must be intact, uncut and still attached to the product in its original position.
7.3 Packaging and Accessories
a) Protection of the Original Packaging: The original product packaging (e.g. the sunglasses’ hard case) is considered an integral part of the goods. It must not be damaged, written on, sealed with adhesive tape or used as the outer packaging for the return shipment.
b) Completeness of the Contents: The product must be returned together with all original accessories included in the packaging (e.g. instruction manuals, certificates of authenticity, dust bags and testers).
Specific Clause on the Right of Withdrawal for Perfumes and Cosmetic Products
7.4 Exclusion of the Right of Withdrawal for Hygiene and Health Protection Reasons
Pursuant to Article 59(1)(e) of Legislative Decree No. 206 of 6 September 2005 (the Italian Consumer Code), the right of withdrawal is expressly excluded for the supply of sealed goods that are not suitable for return for reasons of hygiene or health protection and have been unsealed after delivery.
7.5 Given the nature of perfumes, fragrances and cosmetic products, the User accepts and acknowledges that:
a) Conditions for Return: The right of withdrawal applies and may be exercised only if the product is returned completely intact, in its sealed original packaging.
b) Opened or Unsealed Products: A perfume is considered “opened” (and therefore no longer eligible for a refund) if the outer protective transparent film (cellophane), tamper-evident sticker, security seal or the brand’s original cardboard packaging/box has been removed, damaged or tampered with.
c) Prohibition of Use: For chemical and health safety reasons and to ensure product traceability, withdrawal is not permitted under any circumstances for perfume bottles that have been sprayed, tested or used, even partially.
7.6 If a cosmetic product or perfume is returned unsealed or used, the return will not be accepted. The goods will remain available for collection by the Customer at the Seller’s warehouse and may be sent back to the Customer only at the Customer’s expense.
7.7 Return Shipping Costs: Unless otherwise provided by promotions available on the Website, the Customer bears the shipping costs for returning the intact product.
a) If a return is rejected by the Seller because the product no longer meets the condition requirements (e.g. an unsealed perfume, scratched sunglasses or missing accessories), the goods will remain available for collection by the Customer at the Seller’s warehouse for a maximum, strict period of 60 (sixty) calendar days from the date on which the “Return Rejection Notification” is sent by email.
b) Within this period, the Customer must arrange for the goods to be sent back at their own expense or collected by a carrier of their choice. If the 60-day period expires without the Customer paying for return delivery or arranging physical collection of the goods, the product will be deemed legally abandoned.
c) Upon expiry of this period, the Seller will be released from any duty of safekeeping, storage or liability towards the Customer and reserves the right to dispose of or destroy the goods in accordance with the law, without the Customer being entitled to claim any refund, compensation or return of the goods.
Specific Clause on the Right of Withdrawal for Sunglasses
7.8 Product Condition Requirements for Exercising the Right of Withdrawal
Pursuant to Article 57(2) of the Italian Consumer Code, the Consumer is liable only for any diminished value of the goods resulting from handling other than that necessary to establish their nature, characteristics and functioning.
7.9 Given the aesthetic, functional and collectible value of sunglasses and their accessories, the exercise of the right of withdrawal is subject to the following mandatory conditions:
a) Condition of the Sunglasses: The sunglasses must be returned completely intact and in as-new condition. They must show no signs of prolonged use, wear, dirt or structural alteration (e.g. widened or deformed temples).
b) Condition of the Lenses and Frame: The lenses and frame must be completely free from scratches, abrasions, chips or signs of wear, however minor. The Seller will carefully inspect each pair of sunglasses upon receipt using appropriate optical equipment.
c) Identification Tag: The sunglasses are shipped with an Identification Tag attached to the frame. The right of withdrawal applies only if the tag has not been removed, cut or tampered with.
d) Original Kit and Accessories: The product must be returned in the brand’s intact original packaging. The return must include all original accessories, including, by way of example: (i) the original hard or soft case; (ii) the microfibre cleaning cloth, which must not have been washed or used; (iii) certificates of authenticity, information booklets and UV filter information; (iv) any protective outer cardboard boxes supplied by the brand.
7.10 If the sunglasses are returned without any of the accessories listed above, with the identification tag removed, or with scratches and damage that eliminate their commercial value, the return will not be accepted. The goods will remain available for collection by the Customer at the Seller’s warehouse and may be sent back to the Customer only at the Customer’s expense.
7.11 Returns of Products Supplied with Gifts or Promotions
If the purchase of a product (e.g. sunglasses or perfume) included a complimentary product (such as fragrance samples, branded merchandise, pouches, cleaning accessories or other promotional goods), exercising the right of withdrawal in respect of the main product requires the Customer to return the complimentary product as well.
The complimentary product forms an integral part of the promotional offer and may not be retained separately. Accordingly:
a) Condition of the Complimentary Product: The complimentary product must be returned in the same intact condition required for products offered for sale (e.g. samples must not have been opened or sprayed, and branded merchandise must be unused and in its original packaging).
b) Special Exception for the “Campioncino Salva-Reso” (Try-Before-Opening Sample): If the Seller has expressly supplied a sample of the same fragrance bearing the wording “Try the sample before opening the perfume”, the Customer may keep or use the specific sample provided for testing, provided that the main bottle is returned fully sealed. All other complimentary products unrelated to testing that fragrance (e.g. branded merchandise or samples of other fragrances) must be returned.
c) Failure to Return the Complimentary Product: If the Customer does not return the complimentary product together with the main product, or returns it damaged or used, the Seller reserves the right to deduct the complimentary product’s commercial list price from the final refund.
7.12 Refund Process
The Seller will reimburse all payments received from the Seller, including standard delivery costs, within 14 days of the day on which the Seller was informed of the Seller’s decision to withdraw from the contract.
The refund will be made using the same means of payment used by the Seller for the initial transaction, unless the Seller has expressly agreed otherwise.
7.13 Handling of Rejected Returns and Goods Held in Storage
a) If a return is rejected by the Seller because the product no longer meets the condition requirements (e.g. an unsealed perfume, scratched sunglasses or missing accessories), the goods will remain available for collection by the Customer at the Seller’s warehouse for a maximum, strict period of 60 (sixty) calendar days from the date on which the Return Rejection Notification is sent by email.
b) Within this period, the Customer must arrange for the goods to be sent back at their own expense or collected by a carrier of their choice. If the 60-day period expires without the Customer paying for return delivery or arranging physical collection of the goods, the product will be deemed legally abandoned.
c) Upon expiry of this period, the Seller will be released from any duty of safekeeping, storage or liability towards the Customer and reserves the right to dispose of or destroy the goods in accordance with the law, without the Customer being entitled to claim any refund, compensation or return of the goods.
7.14 Return Shipping Costs
Unless otherwise provided by promotions available on the Website, the Customer bears the shipping costs for returning the intact product.
7.15 Partial Returns of Multi-Item Orders
If the Customer purchased several products within the same order (e.g. sunglasses and perfume) and decides to exercise the right of withdrawal in respect of only some of them (partial withdrawal):
a) Condition of the Goods: The returned product (in this example, the perfume) remains subject to the mandatory condition requirements under Article 6.3 (packaging sealed in its intact original cellophane wrapping).
b) Refund of Outbound Shipping Costs: Under European legislation, in the event of partial withdrawal, the Seller is not required to refund the original outbound shipping costs, as those costs were necessary to deliver the products that the Customer has decided to keep (e.g. the sunglasses). Therefore, only the amount actually paid for the returned product will be refunded.
c) Return Shipping Costs: The direct costs of returning the individual product remain entirely payable by the Customer.
d) Promotions and Volume Discounts: If the original order benefited from a promotion linked to the cart value (e.g. free shipping on orders over €300 or volume discounts), and the partial return reduces the value of the retained order below that threshold, the Seller reserves the right to recalculate the amount and deduct from the refund the value of the discount or shipping benefit that no longer applies.
e) Refund Timing and Payment Method: The refund for a partial withdrawal will be processed within the timeframe and using the payment method specified in Section 7.12.
8. Legal Guarantee of Conformity
Following the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/771 through Legislative Decree No. 170/2021, which amended the Italian Consumer Code, the current rules provide as follows:
e) Refund Timing and Payment Method: The refund for a partial withdrawal will be processed within the timeframe and using the payment method specified in Section 7.12.
8.1 Duration: 24 months (2 years) from delivery. The guarantee covers pre-existing defects of conformity.
8.2 Notification Deadline: No notification deadline applies. A defect may be reported at any time within the two-year period.
8.3 Limitation Period for Legal Action: 26 months from delivery.
8.4 Burden of Proof: The burden of proof is reversed for 12 months. If a defect becomes apparent within the first year, it is presumed to have existed at the time of delivery; the Seller must prove otherwise. After the first year, the Consumer must prove that the defect existed at the time of delivery.
8.5 Available Remedies: Repair or replacement. These are the primary remedies and must be provided completely free of charge. Alternatively, as secondary remedies, a price reduction or termination of the contract may be requested.
8.6 Specifications for Perfumes: The guarantee covers malfunction of the spray mechanism or structural leaks from the bottle. It does not cover subjective fragrance preferences or perceptions of longevity, or chemical changes (oxidation) caused by improper storage by the Customer (e.g. exposure to sunlight or heat after opening).
8.7 Specifications for Sunglasses: The guarantee covers structural failures caused by defective soldering or hinges, and optical defects in the lenses that existed before use. It does not cover scratches caused by use, breakage resulting from drops, or damage caused by exposure to excessive heat (e.g. on a car dashboard).
8.8 Remedies: If a defect is established, the Customer is entitled to repair or replacement free of charge. If this is impossible (e.g. the product is out of stock), the Customer is entitled to a price reduction or termination of the contract with a refund. If a technical inspection establishes that the damage is accidental or was caused by the Customer, transport and handling costs will be charged to the Customer.
The Consumer is advised to notify the Seller of the defect in writing by email to info@apodep.com, by certified email (PEC) to verbumglobal@pec.it, or by post to VERBUM GLOBAL S.r.l.s., Vicolo Sabbionara 2, 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI).
9. Limitation of Liability (Allergic Reactions and Use)
9.1 Allergens and INCI: The perfumes sold comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The Customer is solely responsible for consulting the list of ingredients (INCI) shown on the packaging before use, particularly in the case of known allergies or hypersensitivities.
9.2 Disclaimer of Liability: The Seller disclaims all liability for allergic reactions, irritation, dermatitis or skin intolerances resulting from the application of the products. It is recommended that a preliminary “patch test” always be carried out on a small area of skin before first use.
9.3 Force Majeure: The Seller is not liable for service disruptions, delays or failed deliveries attributable to force majeure, fortuitous events, or failures of the internet network or express carriers.
Disclaimer of Liability for Allergic Reactions and Skin Tolerability
9.4 Disclaimer of Liability for Adverse Reactions
All perfumes, fragrances and cosmetic products sold on the Website comply with Italian and European safety regulations (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, as amended) and are sourced directly from the official manufacturers or authorised distributors.
9.5 However, given the individual nature of skin tolerability and the possible presence of natural or synthetic allergens inherent in fragrances, the Seller declares, and the User accepts, the following:
a) Duty to Check the INCI List: The Customer is solely responsible for checking the ingredients of the product before use. The complete list of ingredients (INCI nomenclature) is accurately reproduced on the outer packaging of each perfume and, where possible, on the product information page on the Website. The Customer must consult this list, particularly if aware of any allergies, intolerances or hypersensitivities to specific substances (e.g. Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin, etc.).
b) Disclaimer of Liability: The Seller shall not be held liable in any way for allergic reactions, dermatitis, irritation, skin intolerances or any other adverse effects resulting from the application or use of perfumes purchased on the Website.
c) Guidelines for Safe Use: When using a particular fragrance for the first time, or in the case of particularly sensitive skin, the Customer is advised to carry out a preliminary “patch test” by applying a small amount of the product to a small area of skin (e.g. the inside of the wrist) and waiting 24–48 hours to check for any abnormal reactions.
d) Subjective Perception of Fragrances: The descriptions of fragrance pyramids (top, heart and base notes) provided on the Website serve purely illustrative and evocative purposes. Any variations in the perception of a perfume or its longevity due to individual factors, such as the Customer’s skin pH or perspiration, do not constitute a product defect and cannot be attributed to the Seller’s liability.
9.6 In the event of a confirmed allergic reaction following use of the product, the Customer is advised to stop using the perfume immediately and consult a specialist doctor. Upon the Customer’s express request, the Seller undertakes to provide the contact details of the manufacturer or the brand’s official distributor to enable the adverse event to be reported to the competent authorities (cosmetovigilance).
10. Conformity, CE Certification and UV Filter Categories (Specific to Sunglasses)
A) Declaration of Conformity and CE Marking
All sunglasses sold on the Website are classified as Category I Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (minimal risks), intended to protect the wearer’s eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight. The Seller guarantees that each model bears the required CE marking on the frame or packaging, indicating the product’s conformity with the health and safety requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and harmonised technical standard UNI EN ISO 12312-1.
B) Level of UV Protection
The lenses fitted in the sunglasses offered for sale provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. High Contrast sunglasses lenses feature multilayer, anti-reflective and oil-repellent coatings and provide exceptional protection against UVA, UVB and UVC solar radiation.
C) Filter Classification and Suitability for Driving
In accordance with European standards, sunglasses filters are classified into numerical categories based on their visible light transmission coefficient. The Customer must check the filter category stated in the product information before purchasing to ensure safe use:
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Categories 0 and 1: Clear or lightly tinted lenses. Minimal sun protection, suitable for indoor use or overcast conditions.
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Categories 2 and 3: Moderately or heavily tinted lenses (the most common for everyday use and at the seaside/in the mountains). They provide excellent protection in bright conditions and are fully suitable for road driving.
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Category 4: Very dark lenses offering extremely high protection (e.g. for extreme mountaineering or glaciers). Under applicable law, these lenses are NOT suitable for driving vehicles because they excessively reduce visibility. The Seller disclaims all liability for accidents or penalties arising from the use of sunglasses with Category 4 filters while driving.
D) Essential Limitations of Use
The sunglasses sold on the Website are intended exclusively for general and recreational use. Pursuant to standard UNI EN ISO 12312-1, the Seller informs the Customer that these products are NOT suitable for:
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Direct observation of the sun or viewing solar eclipses directly (risk of blindness or solar retinopathy).
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Protection against artificial light sources (such as tanning lamps, sunbeds or industrial lasers).
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Protection of the eyes against heavy mechanical impacts, industrial debris or chemical splashes.
Each pair of sunglasses is supplied with the manufacturer’s accompanying information leaflet, which the Customer undertakes to read carefully before use for the correct maintenance and cleaning instructions.
11. Intellectual Property and Guarantee of Authenticity
11.1 The Seller operates on the Website as an officially authorised retailer of the international niche perfume and luxury sunglasses brands featured in the catalogue. All trademarks, logos, trade names, industrial designs (including bottles, frames, lenses and packaging), official photographs, texts and product descriptions remain the exclusive property of the respective brand owners and lawful rights holders.
11.2 The Website and its contents (including the graphic layout, descriptions and proprietary images created by the Seller) are protected by copyright and industrial property laws in force in Italy and the European Union, and by international copyright treaties (the Berne Convention and TRIPS) applicable in non-EU countries.
11.3 Trademarks are displayed on the Website solely to describe, promote and identify the originality and authenticity of the products in accordance with authorised distribution agreements. Their display does not grant the Customer or any third party any licence, right of use or right of commercial exploitation of those trademarks.
11.4 Any unauthorised copying, data extraction (data scraping), reproduction or commercial use of the Website’s contents is strictly prohibited. Any infringement committed by EU or non-EU customers will be pursued before the competent courts.
12. Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
12.1 Applicable Law
These General Terms and Conditions of Sale and all purchase contracts concluded on the Website are governed by Italian law and must be interpreted in accordance with it.
a) EU Customers: Customers whose habitual residence is outside Italy retain the protection of any more favourable mandatory provisions of the law of their country of habitual residence, pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 593/2008 (the Rome I Regulation).
b) Non-EU Customers: For Users acting as Customers who reside outside the European Union, the contract is governed by Italian law, without prejudice to any non-waivable rights provided by the mandatory rules of the Customer’s country of habitual residence, where the Seller directs its commercial activities to that country.
12.2 Jurisdiction
For any dispute arising from the interpretation, performance, validity or termination of these General Terms and Conditions of Sale and contracts concluded on the Website:
a) Customers Residing in Italy or an EU Country: Mandatory territorial jurisdiction lies with the courts of the Customer’s place of residence or domicile, in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 206/2005 (the Italian Consumer Code) and Regulation (EU) No. 1215/2012 (the Brussels I Recast Regulation).
b) Customers Residing in Non-EU Countries: Subject to the application of mandatory and non-waivable local rules of the Customer’s country of residence, the courts of Vicenza shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute.
12.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
In accordance with Article 141-sexies(3) of the Italian Consumer Code, the Seller informs the Customer that, where a complaint has been submitted directly to the Seller and no satisfactory solution has been reached, the Customer may use the alternative dispute resolution procedures provided for by law through ADR bodies.
12.4 ADR Platform for Online Dispute Resolution
The European Consumer may use this platform to submit a complaint and initiate an online dispute resolution procedure. The ADR platform is accessible free of charge at the following official address: https://consumer-redress.ec.europa.eu/index_en.
Last updated: 22 October 2026