Last updated on: 08/25/2026
In these general terms and conditions, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
TBCE: The Belgian Chocolate Experience NV, with its registered office at Koningin Astridplein 7, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium, company number BE0830.298.818, operator of, among others, Chocolate Nation, Octave, THEO, and other activities under its management.
Customer: any natural person, legal entity, company, organization, or association that requests a quote, makes a reservation, or enters into an agreement with TBCE.
Agreement: any written or electronic agreement between TBCE and the customer.
Activity: any service offered by TBCE, including, but not limited to, museum visits, workshops, events, venue rentals, catering, meetings, training sessions, group visits, and other commercial activities, regardless of the physical location.
These general terms and conditions apply to all quotations, reservations, agreements, deliveries, and services provided by TBCE in connection with business customers, group visits, events, room rentals, workshops, catering, and other commercial activities.
Separate terms and conditions may apply to the purchase of museum tickets, gift certificates, online store products, and other consumer sales. In the event of a conflict, these specific terms and conditions shall take precedence for the relevant purchase or service.
Deviations from these general terms and conditions are valid only if they have been confirmed in writing by both parties in advance.
By confirming a quote, making a reservation, or entering into an agreement, the customer declares that they have read and agree to these general terms and conditions.
All quotes are non-binding, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Unless otherwise stated, a quote remains valid for thirty calendar days.
A quote becomes binding only after written confirmation by the customer and acceptance by TBCE.
TBCE reserves the right to adjust prices if significant changes occur in taxes, raw material prices, energy prices, or other external cost factors prior to confirmation.
A reservation is only final after:
TBCE reserves the right to refuse a reservation if it conflicts with the law, public order, safety, or the organization’s values.
All prices are exclusive of VAT, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Upon confirmation of a reservation, a deposit will be invoiced as specified in the quote. The reservation is only final upon receipt of this deposit within the payment term stated on the invoice.
The balance will be invoiced prior to the activity, in accordance with the payment terms specified in the quote or invoice. All invoices must be paid in full before the start of the activity, unless TBCE expressly waives this requirement in writing.
In the event of non-payment or late payment, TBCE reserves the right to suspend performance of the agreement or to cancel the activity, without the customer being entitled to any compensation. Any costs resulting therefrom shall be borne by the customer.
Invoices that are not paid on time shall, by operation of law and without prior notice of default, give rise to statutory default interest and any lump-sum compensation in accordance with applicable Belgian law.
TBCE also reserves the right to refuse or suspend future reservations until outstanding invoices have been paid in full.
Changes to a confirmed reservation will be made only with TBCE’s written consent.
Changes may result in adjustments to the price, schedule, or availability of facilities, staff, catering, or other services.
The following applies to group activities:
In the event of late changes, at least the last confirmed number of participants will be billed.
An increase in the number of participants, a change in the schedule, or a change to the agreed-upon services is possible only with TBCE’s written consent and to the extent that operational capacity permits.
In the event of cancellation by the customer, the following cancellation fees apply:
If a reservation is rescheduled to a new date, TBCE will decide at its sole discretion whether the amounts already paid can be transferred.
TBCE undertakes to perform its services with due care and professionalism.
TBCE reserves the right to:
Such changes shall not give rise to compensation as long as the essence of the agreement remains intact.
The customer agrees to use and treat the buildings, spaces, installations, technical equipment, furniture, and all other property of TBCE with due care.
It is not permitted, without TBCE’s prior written consent, to:
The customer is liable for any damage to buildings, installations, technical equipment, furniture, or other property of TBCE caused by the customer, its employees, suppliers, subcontractors, performers, guests, or participants in the event. All repair, replacement, and cleaning costs will be charged in full to the customer.
Unless otherwise noted in writing in advance, the infrastructure is deemed to have been made available in good condition.
The customer remains responsible for its own materials, goods, and personal belongings throughout the entire duration of the event. TBCE cannot be held liable for any loss, theft, or damage to these items.
The customer agrees to strictly comply with all legal regulations and all TBCE guidelines regarding safety, fire prevention, evacuation, maximum occupancy, and noise pollution.
A general ban on smoking and vaping applies in all TBCE buildings, except in any outdoor areas designated for this purpose. Any fines, damages, or additional costs resulting from a violation shall be borne entirely by the customer.
The client is responsible for ensuring the event proceeds in an orderly manner and must ensure that employees, suppliers, subcontractors, performers, guests, and participants comply with the applicable safety regulations.
If the safety of visitors, employees, or the infrastructure is compromised, or if the applicable regulations regarding safety, fire prevention, or noise pollution are not followed, TBCE reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate the event, without the customer being entitled to any refund or compensation.
The customer remains liable for all damages, costs, or consequences resulting from failure to comply with these safety regulations.
Participants must register in a timely manner.
Late arrival may result in the inability to participate, either in whole or in part.
This does not entitle the participant to a refund.
Children remain under the supervision and responsibility of their chaperones at all times.
TBCE takes previously reported allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences into account to the greatest extent possible.
Despite all precautions, the complete absence of allergens can never be guaranteed.
The customer remains responsible for providing relevant dietary information in a timely manner.
TBCE is liable only for damages resulting directly from its proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
TBCE is never liable for:
TBCE’s liability shall in any case be limited to the amount of the relevant agreement, unless otherwise required by law.
During activities, TBCE may take photographs and make video recordings for communication, promotional, and archival purposes.
Anyone who does not wish to be recognizable in the images must notify TBCE in advance.
Commercial use of visual material in which TBCE’s infrastructure is the central focus is permitted only with prior written consent.
Force majeure includes, among other things:
In such cases, TBCE has the right to suspend, modify, or cancel the agreement in whole or in part without being liable for damages.
TBCE processes personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
More information is available in the Privacy Policy on the website.
All agreements are governed exclusively by Belgian law.
Disputes should preferably be resolved amicably.
If no agreement is reached, the competent courts of Antwerp shall have exclusive jurisdiction, subject to mandatory statutory provisions.