TERMS & CONDITIONS
Last updated: 10 October 2026
1. Introduction and Organisation
1.1 These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the UniCare website, charitable donations, recurring monthly donations and purchases of products through the UniCare online shop.
1.2 The website is operated by:
UniCare e.V.
Butzweilerhofallee 3
50829 Cologne
Germany
Registered association: VR 22379, Cologne
Email: info@unicare-foundation.com
Website: https://unicare-foundation.com
1.3 UniCare e.V. is a German registered non-profit association supporting charitable and humanitarian activities.
1.4 UniCare e.V. is the legal seller of products purchased through its online shop. Warehousing, fulfilment and shipping may be performed by independent logistics partners acting on its behalf.
1.5 UniCare distinguishes between charitable donations, recurring donations and online shop purchases. These transactions are subject to different legal conditions, as explained below.
2. Definitions
2.1 Donation: A voluntary financial contribution made to UniCare without receiving goods or services in exchange.
2.2 Donor: An individual or legal entity making a charitable contribution.
2.3 Recurring donation: A voluntary contribution authorised for collection at regular intervals, normally monthly.
2.4 SEPA Direct Debit: A payment method through which a donor authorises the collection of payments from a designated bank account.
2.5 Customer: An individual or legal entity purchasing products from the UniCare online shop.
2.6 Consumer: A natural person acting for purposes outside their trade, business or profession.
2.7 Online shop purchase: A transaction involving the purchase and delivery of physical goods.
2.8 Right of withdrawal: The statutory right of a consumer to withdraw from certain distance contracts within the applicable withdrawal period.
3. Applicability and Acceptance
3.1 These Terms and Conditions apply to donations, recurring donation arrangements and online shop purchases made through the UniCare website.
3.2 Users will have access to the applicable Terms and Conditions before completing a transaction.
3.3 By completing a transaction and accepting the applicable Terms and Conditions, users agree to the relevant provisions, without prejudice to mandatory statutory rights.
3.4 UniCare may amend these Terms and Conditions. Amendments will apply to future transactions and will not retroactively remove rights arising from completed purchases or existing agreements.
3.5 Mandatory consumer protection and payment rights remain unaffected by these Terms and Conditions.
4. Charitable Donations
4.1 Donations to UniCare are voluntary financial contributions intended to support its charitable objectives.
4.2 Donations may be made as one-time contributions or recurring monthly contributions.
4.3 Unless expressly agreed otherwise, UniCare may allocate donations among eligible charitable activities in accordance with its statutory objectives and internal governance procedures.
4.4 Donors do not receive ownership of goods or services in exchange for their charitable donations.
4.5 Donations are generally final once received, subject to applicable law, the Refund Policy in Section 7 and applicable payment scheme rights.
4.6 UniCare may decline, suspend or return donations where necessary to comply with applicable law, fraud prevention, sanctions requirements or payment processing obligations.
5. Monthly Donations and SEPA Direct Debit
5.1 Donors may authorise UniCare to collect recurring monthly donations through SEPA Core Direct Debit.
5.2 The recurring donation arrangement begins when the donor validly signs and submits the SEPA Direct Debit mandate.
5.3 The first payment will normally be collected within 7 to 14 business days after signing, provided the applicable advance notification period can be observed.
5.4 Donors will receive an email confirming the exact collection date and amount at least seven calendar days before the first payment.
5.5 Subsequent donations will be collected monthly. The applicable amount and collection date will be communicated in accordance with the agreed SEPA pre-notification arrangements.
5.6 By signing the applicable SEPA Direct Debit mandate containing this agreement, the donor agrees to receive SEPA Direct Debit pre-notification at least seven calendar days before collection.
5.7 The monthly donation amount will be clearly displayed before the mandate is submitted.
5.8 Any proposed change to the recurring donation amount will be handled in accordance with applicable SEPA rules and any required donor authorisation.
5.9 The SEPA mandate will contain the required authorisation wording and creditor identification details.
5.10 Donors must provide accurate bank account information and may authorise collections only from bank accounts they are entitled to use.
6. Cancellation Policy for Recurring Donations
6.1 Donors may cancel their recurring monthly donation at any time without cancellation fees.
6.2 Cancellation requests may be submitted using the cancellation form available on the UniCare website or by emailing info@unicare-foundation.com.
6.3 Donors should provide sufficient information to identify their recurring donation arrangement.
6.4 UniCare will confirm receipt of the cancellation request and notify the donor when cancellation has been processed.
6.5 UniCare will stop initiating future collections following receipt and verification of the cancellation request, subject to collections already submitted to the banking system.
6.6 A collection already submitted for processing may still be completed. Any applicable refund or SEPA reversal rights remain unaffected.
6.7 Cancellation of future donations does not automatically entitle a donor to reimbursement of donations previously collected.
6.8 Donors may also contact their bank to block or revoke a SEPA Direct Debit authorisation in accordance with applicable banking rules.
7. Refund Policy for Donations
7.1 Donations are generally non-refundable once successfully received, except where a refund is required by applicable law or approved by UniCare following an individual review.
7.2 Donors may request a refund by emailing info@unicare-foundation.com.
7.3 Refund requests should include the donor’s name, donation date, amount and sufficient information to identify the transaction.
7.4 UniCare will review refund requests individually and communicate its decision within a reasonable period.
7.5 Under the SEPA Core Direct Debit scheme, donors generally have the right to request a refund through their bank within eight weeks of the debit date without providing a reason.
7.6 In cases of unauthorised SEPA Direct Debit transactions, donors may have up to 13 months to report the transaction and request a refund, subject to applicable legal and banking requirements.
7.7 These bank refund rights are separate from UniCare’s internal refund procedure.
7.8 Nothing in this policy limits mandatory statutory rights or rights under applicable payment schemes.
8. Online Shop and Product Purchases
8.1 UniCare sells physical products through its online shop.
8.2 Products purchased through the online shop are commercial sales transactions and are legally distinct from charitable donations, even where the proceeds support charitable activities.
8.3 UniCare e.V. is the legal seller and contractual counterparty for all products sold through its online shop.
8.4 Product descriptions, essential characteristics and prices are displayed on the relevant product pages.
8.5 Product prices include applicable taxes where required. Shipping costs and any additional mandatory charges will be disclosed before checkout is completed.
8.6 By completing checkout, the customer submits an order for the selected products.
8.7 A purchase contract is concluded when UniCare accepts the order, for example by issuing an order acceptance or dispatch confirmation.
8.8 Customers will receive electronic confirmation containing the relevant order information.
8.9 If an ordered product is unavailable, UniCare will inform the customer and provide the remedies required by applicable law, including reimbursement where appropriate.
9. Prices, Payment and Shipping Costs
9.1 The applicable product price is the price displayed at checkout before the order is submitted.
9.2 All applicable taxes, shipping charges and other mandatory costs will be disclosed before the customer confirms the purchase.
9.3 Standard shipping within Germany may be offered at EUR 3.99 per order where this rate is displayed at checkout.
9.4 Shipping charges for other destinations or products may vary according to the destination, product characteristics and fulfilment arrangements.
9.5 The applicable shipping costs will always be displayed before the customer completes the purchase.
9.6 Customers will not be charged undisclosed additional shipping fees after an order has been accepted.
9.7 Available payment methods will be displayed during checkout.
9.8 Payment transactions may be processed through authorised third-party payment service providers.
9.9 UniCare remains responsible as the legal seller of webshop products, regardless of the payment or fulfilment provider used.
10. Delivery and Fulfilment
10.1 UniCare works with regional fulfilment and logistics partners to process and deliver webshop orders.
10.2 The fulfilment partner and shipping location may vary depending on the customer’s location and product availability.
10.3 Available delivery destinations, shipping charges and estimated delivery times will be communicated before the customer places an order.
10.4 Delivery information will also be included in the order confirmation or subsequent shipping notification.
10.5 UniCare will deliver products within the agreed delivery period. Unless otherwise agreed, delivery will take place without undue delay and no later than 30 days after conclusion of the contract, subject to applicable law.
10.6 If an order cannot be delivered within the agreed or legally applicable period, customers may exercise their statutory rights, including requesting delivery within an appropriate additional period and cancelling the contract where legally permitted.
10.7 For consumer purchases, the risk of accidental loss of or damage to the goods generally passes to the consumer when the consumer or a designated third party other than the carrier takes physical possession of the goods, subject to applicable law.
10.8 Customers should contact info@unicare-foundation.com regarding missing, damaged or incorrectly delivered orders.
11. Right of Withdrawal for Online Shop Purchases
11.1 Consumers purchasing products online generally have the right to withdraw from the purchase contract within 14 calendar days without providing a reason.
11.2 The withdrawal period normally begins on the day the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer other than the carrier, receives the goods.
11.3 Where an order is delivered in several separate shipments, the withdrawal period generally begins when the final item or shipment is received.
11.4 To exercise the right of withdrawal, the consumer must inform UniCare of their decision through a clear statement.
11.5 Withdrawal may be communicated by emailing info@unicare-foundation.com, by post to UniCare’s registered address, or through the electronic withdrawal function provided on the website.
11.6 Consumers may use the model withdrawal form in Section 20, but are not required to do so.
11.7 The withdrawal deadline is met if the consumer sends the withdrawal notification before the applicable withdrawal period expires.
11.8 Statutory exceptions to the right of withdrawal may apply, including certain personalised goods, perishable goods and sealed goods that are unsuitable for return for health protection or hygiene reasons once unsealed, provided the relevant legal conditions are satisfied.
11.9 This withdrawal policy applies to webshop purchases and does not automatically apply to voluntary charitable donations.
12. Free Returns for Webshop Purchases
12.1 UniCare pays the standard return shipping costs for eligible webshop returns, following a customer-friendly returns policy comparable to that used by major charitable organisations.
12.2 Consumers who validly exercise their right of withdrawal must return the goods without undue delay and no later than 14 calendar days after notifying UniCare of their withdrawal.
12.3 Customers should contact info@unicare-foundation.com to obtain the applicable return instructions and prepaid return documentation.
12.4 UniCare uses regional fulfilment partners. The applicable return address may vary depending on the customer’s location and the fulfilment partner responsible for the order.
12.5 The applicable return address will be provided through the order documentation or customer service and, where available, on the delivery note or in the order confirmation or shipping email.
12.6 Customers will not be required to pay standard return shipping costs for eligible returns arranged through UniCare’s return procedure.
12.7 Customers may be responsible for diminished value resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods, to the extent permitted by law.
12.8 Nothing in this section limits statutory rights concerning defective or non-conforming goods.
13. Refund Policy for Online Shop Purchases
13.1 Where a consumer validly withdraws from an online shop purchase, UniCare will reimburse all payments received for the relevant purchase, including the cost of the least expensive standard delivery option offered, where applicable.
13.2 Reimbursement will be made without undue delay and no later than 14 calendar days after UniCare receives the withdrawal notification.
13.3 UniCare may withhold reimbursement until the goods have been received or the customer has provided evidence of returning the goods, whichever occurs first, where permitted by law.
13.4 Refunds will be issued using the same payment method used for the original purchase unless the customer expressly agrees otherwise.
13.5 No refund processing fees will be charged to the consumer.
13.6 Additional delivery costs resulting from the customer’s choice of a more expensive delivery option than the least expensive standard delivery offered are not refundable where permitted by law.
13.7 For defective, damaged, incorrect or non-conforming products, customers retain all applicable statutory remedies.
13.8 Refund enquiries may be submitted to info@unicare-foundation.com.
14. Product Quality and Statutory Guarantees
14.1 UniCare is responsible for ensuring that products sold to consumers conform to the purchase contract and applicable legal requirements.
14.2 Consumers benefit from applicable statutory conformity and legal guarantee rights, including the generally applicable minimum two-year protection for consumer goods under EU law.
14.3 Where a product is defective or does not conform to the contract, the consumer may be entitled to repair, replacement, a price reduction or termination of the contract with reimbursement, in accordance with applicable law.
14.4 Statutory remedies will be provided without charge where required by law.
14.5 Any additional commercial warranty does not replace or restrict statutory consumer rights.
15. Complaints Policy
15.1 UniCare aims to resolve complaints fairly, transparently and within a reasonable timeframe.
15.2 Donors and customers may submit complaints concerning donations, payments, cancellations, products, delivery, returns or refunds by emailing info@unicare-foundation.com.
15.3 Complaints should include sufficient information to identify the relevant transaction and explain the issue.
15.4 UniCare aims to acknowledge complaints within five business days.
15.5 UniCare aims to provide a substantive response within 30 calendar days.
15.6 Where further investigation is required, UniCare will inform the complainant of the expected response timeframe.
15.7 If a complainant is dissatisfied with the initial decision, they may request a further internal review.
15.8 Where reasonably possible, the matter will be reviewed by a person or management representative who was not responsible for the original decision.
15.9 Following the review, UniCare will communicate its final internal decision and explain any available next steps.
16. Dispute Resolution
16.1 UniCare aims to resolve disputes directly through its internal complaints and review procedures.
16.2 UniCare is not generally obliged to participate in proceedings before a consumer dispute resolution body and does not undertake to participate voluntarily in such proceedings.
16.3 Where a consumer dispute cannot be resolved directly, UniCare will provide the information required by applicable German consumer dispute resolution legislation.
16.4 For eligible consumer contract disputes, the following general German consumer conciliation body may be relevant:
Universalschlichtungsstelle des Bundes
Zentrum für Schlichtung e.V.
Straßburger Straße 8
77694 Kehl am Rhein
Germany
Website: https://www.universalschlichtungsstelle.de/
16.5 Reference to this body does not constitute a commitment by UniCare to participate in voluntary dispute resolution proceedings.
16.6 Consumers retain the right to pursue remedies through the competent courts and any other procedures available under applicable law.
16.7 Donors and customers also retain their applicable rights to contact their bank concerning payment disputes and to exercise statutory payment and consumer rights.
17. Privacy and Personal Data
17.1 UniCare processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
17.2 Personal data may be processed for donation administration, payment processing, order fulfilment, customer support, legal compliance and other lawful purposes.
17.3 Personal data may include identification, contact, transaction and payment information where necessary.
17.4 UniCare may use authorised service providers, including payment processors and fulfilment partners, where necessary for these purposes.
17.5 Personal data will be processed on an appropriate legal basis and retained in accordance with applicable legal requirements and retention periods.
17.6 Individuals may exercise their applicable rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability and objection.
17.7 Requests concerning personal data may be sent to info@unicare-foundation.com.
17.8 UniCare will respond to data protection requests within the periods required by applicable law.
17.9 Further information is available in UniCare’s separate Privacy Policy.
18. Liability
18.1 UniCare is responsible for its contractual and statutory obligations in accordance with applicable law.
18.2 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by law.
18.3 In particular, mandatory liability for intent, gross negligence, injury to life, body or health, and applicable product liability remains unaffected.
18.4 Any contractual limitation of liability applies only to the extent legally permitted.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
19.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.
19.2 This choice of law does not deprive consumers of mandatory protections available under the laws of their country of habitual residence where such protections apply.
19.3 Legal disputes shall be brought before the courts having jurisdiction under applicable law.
19.4 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits mandatory consumer rights concerning jurisdiction, remedies or access to justice.
20. Model Withdrawal Form for Online Shop Purchases
Complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from an online shop purchase.
To: UniCare e.V.
Butzweilerhofallee 3
50829 Cologne
Germany
Email: info@unicare-foundation.com
I/We hereby give notice that I/we withdraw from my/our contract of sale of the following goods:
Product(s): __________________________
Order number: __________________________
Ordered on: __________________________
Received on: __________________________
Name of consumer(s): __________________________
Address of consumer(s): __________________________
Date: __________________________
Signature (only if submitted on paper): __________________________
21. Final Provisions
21.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain effective to the extent permitted by law.
21.2 Applicable statutory provisions shall govern any matters not validly regulated by these Terms and Conditions.
21.3 UniCare may update these Terms and Conditions to reflect changes in applicable law, payment arrangements or operational procedures.
21.4 The applicable version will be made available to donors and customers before they complete a transaction.
21.5 These Terms and Conditions should be read together with UniCare’s Privacy Policy, applicable SEPA Direct Debit mandate, product information and any other mandatory pre-contractual information.
UniCare e.V.
Butzweilerhofallee 3
50829 Cologne, Germany
Registered association: VR 22379, Cologne
Email: info@unicare-foundation.com
Website: https://unicare-foundation.com
Last updated: 10 October 2026
