Information
Cookie Policy
We explain what cookies are, which ones we use in the Micro Wire shop, what for, for how long and how you can accept, refuse or change your choice at any time — as easily as you made it.
1. What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text file stored on your computer or phone when you visit a website. It lets the site remember information between pages and visits — for example, that you have items in your basket, that you are signed in or which language you chose.
This policy also covers similar technologies, such as the browser's local storage (localStorage) and pixels, which we refer to collectively as "cookies".
First-party cookies are set by Micro Wire; third-party cookies are set by external services we use (e.g. Google Analytics).
Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser; persistent cookies stay stored until the stated period ends or until you delete them.
2. Which cookies do we use?
Only strictly necessary cookies work without your permission. All others stay switched off until you accept them, and you can refuse them without any effect on your purchases.
Strictly necessary
Basket, sign-in, checkout, payments, security and recording your cookie choice. The shop cannot work without them. Exempt from consent (Article 5(2) of Portuguese Law No. 41/2004 — Directive 2002/58/EC).
Preferences
They remember choices such as language, shop/country or listing view, so you don't have to set them again on every visit.
Analytics and performance
They measure visits and the most viewed pages (Google Analytics) so we can improve the shop. We use aggregated data and do not identify you by name, but these cookies process online identifiers — so they only work with your consent.
Marketing
They let us measure campaigns and show relevant advertising on other sites. They are only switched on if you expressly accept them.
3. Cookie list
| Cookie | Source | Purpose | Category | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mw_session | Micro Wire | Keeps your session, basket and sign-in | Necessary | Session |
| mw_consent | Micro Wire | Stores your cookie choice | Necessary | 6 months |
| language · currency | Micro Wire | Remember your chosen language and currency | Preferences | Up to 1 year |
| _ga | Distinguishes visitors for statistics | Analytics | 2 years | |
| _ga_<ID> | Keeps the analytics session state | Analytics | 2 years | |
| cw_* | Micro Wire (chat) | Keeps your customer support chat when you open it | Necessary | Up to 1 year |
Payment providers (e.g. 3-D Secure authentication) may set their own strictly necessary cookies during payment. We review this list whenever we add or remove a service.
Transfers outside the EU
Google LLC may process data in the United States. It is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (European Commission adequacy decision of July 2023). We have enabled the IP anonymisation and minimum retention options available in Google Analytics.
4. Your consent
How it works
- On your first visit we show a notice with the options Accept, Reject and Customise, all given equal prominence.
- No optional cookie is switched on before you choose. Continuing to browse does not count as acceptance.
- You can accept by category and withdraw your consent whenever you like, without affecting processing already carried out.
- Your choice is stored for 6 months; after that, we ask again.
To change your choice: delete this site's cookies in your browser (see section 5). On your next visit, the notice will appear again and you can choose again.
Legal basis
Exempt from consent because they are essential to the service you requested (Article 5(2) of Law No. 41/2004), and legitimate interest in the shop's security (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Your prior consent (Article 5(1) of Law No. 41/2004 and Article 6(1)(a) GDPR).
Clouds and Roots Unipessoal, Lda. (Micro Wire), NIPC 516154940, Avenida Manuel Milheirão Nr 117, 3070-767 Praia de Mira, Portugal.
6. Your rights
Under the GDPR, you can request access to, rectification, erasure, restriction or portability of your data, and object to its processing. The details are in our Privacy Policy, where you will also find the contact details for exercising these rights.
If you believe your data is not being handled correctly, you can lodge a complaint with the Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD), the Portuguese data protection authority.
We may update this policy when we change the services we use. Last updated: October 2026.