Terms of service

Last updated: 05.02.2026

1. Scope and Subject of Contract

1.1 These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) apply to all contracts between Martin Gerlach (hereinafter referred to as "Intermediary" or "we") and his customers (consumers and entrepreneurs) concluded via the website or other means of distance communication. 1.2 Intermediary Service: The subject of the contract is the procurement (agency service) of a driver's license translation by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The Intermediary acts expressly in the name and on behalf of the Customer (Direct Representation). 1.3 Contract Structure: By placing an order, two legally separate relationships are established: * a) Agency Agreement (Customer – Intermediary): The Customer commissions the Intermediary with checking documents, submitting the application to the JAF, advancing fees, and transmitting the result (print code or document). * b) Contract for Work (Customer – JAF): The contract regarding the actual creation of the translation is concluded directly between the Customer and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). 1.4 Deviating conditions of the Customer are not recognized unless the Intermediary expressly agrees to their validity in writing.

2. Conclusion of Contract

2.1 The presentation of services on the website does not constitute a legally binding offer but an invitation to place an order. 2.2 By clicking the button "Order with obligation to pay" (or similar wording), the Customer submits a binding offer to conclude the agency agreement. At the same time, the Customer authorizes the Intermediary to trigger the translation order with the JAF in the Customer's name. 2.3 The contract is concluded when the Intermediary accepts the order by sending an order confirmation via e-mail or commences the execution of the service (e.g., document verification).

3. Prices, Payment Terms, and Billing

3.1 The total prices stated on the website consist of two components, which are shown separately on the invoice: * Service Fee: The fee for the Intermediary's activity (incl. statutory VAT, if applicable). * Reimbursement of Expenses (JAF Fee): The official fees of the Japan Automobile Federation. 3.2 Disbursements: The Customer acknowledges that the JAF fees are merely advanced by the Intermediary in the name of the Customer (disbursements). These amounts do not constitute taxable remuneration of the Intermediary. 3.3 The total amount is due for payment immediately upon conclusion of the contract. The Intermediary will only make advance payments to the JAF after receipt of payment.

4. Customer's Obligations to Cooperate

4.1 The Customer assures that all information provided is truthful and that the transmitted documents (scan of the driver's license) are valid and legible. 4.2 Delays or rejections by the JAF based on illegible scans or incorrect information provided by the Customer shall be borne by the Customer. 4.3 If the JAF rejects the application due to circumstances for which the Customer is responsible (e.g., invalid or illegible driver's license), the Intermediary's claim to the Service Fee remains valid, as the intermediary service has been rendered.

5. Scope of Services and Delivery

5.1 The Intermediary owes the proper commissioning of the JAF and the transmission of the result to the Customer. 5.2 Delivery: Depending on the selected option, delivery takes place either: * Digital: By transmitting a print code via e-mail, allowing the Customer to print the document in Japan (e.g., at 7-Eleven stores). * Physical: By sending the translation via post to the address provided by the Customer. 5.3 Delivery times are non-binding unless expressly agreed as binding, as they depend on the processing time of the JAF and postal delivery times.

6. Warranty and Liability

6.1 Own Service: The Intermediary is liable according to statutory provisions for the careful selection of the JAF and the proper forwarding of data and payments. 6.2 Third-Party Service (Translation): Since the translation is created by the JAF, the Intermediary assumes no warranty for the correctness of the content or freedom from defects of the translation itself. 6.3 Complaints: Should the translation have defects, the Intermediary will support the Customer in lodging a complaint with the JAF. However, in this case, the Customer's claims exist primarily against the JAF. 6.4 Limitation of Liability: The Intermediary is liable for intent and gross negligence. In cases of slight negligence, the Intermediary is liable only for the breach of essential contractual obligations, limited to the typical, foreseeable damage. Liability for loss of holiday enjoyment or consequential costs (e.g., rental car cancellation) due to delays by the JAF or postal services is excluded.

7. Right of Withdrawal (for Consumers in the EU)

7.1 Customers who are consumers residing in the EU generally have a statutory right of withdrawal. 7.2 Expiry of the Right of Withdrawal: The right of withdrawal expires prematurely if the Intermediary has fully performed the service and has only begun to perform the service after the Customer has given their express consent and at the same time confirmed their knowledge that they lose their right of withdrawal upon complete contract fulfillment. 7.3 Since the translation by the JAF is a custom-made product and the fees are immediately transferred to the JAF, withdrawal is generally excluded or subject to compensation for value for services already rendered once the order has been forwarded to the JAF.

8. Data Protection

The Intermediary processes personal data of the Customer for contract processing and forwards it to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) in Japan to the extent necessary. Japan has an adequate level of data protection (adequacy decision by the EU/Switzerland). Further information can be found in the Privacy Policy.

9. Final Provisions

9.1 The law of Switzerland applies. 9.2 For consumers residing in the EU, mandatory protective provisions of the country in which the consumer has their habitual residence remain unaffected by this choice of law. 9.3 The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from this contract is, to the extent legally permissible, Zurich.