As we approach the dawn of 2024, it's evident that several changes and new regulations are on the horizon. Taking a glance at what alterations await us in the transition from 2023 to 2024 is certainly worthwhile. In this blog post, we'll outline the key modifications set to take effect from January 1, 2024. Please note that the information in this post is tailored for individuals residing in Germany.
Environmental Focus: Tethered Caps and Expanded Deposit System
- Tethered Caps: Starting July 2024, lids on single-use beverage containers, particularly those made of plastic, must be equipped with Tethered Caps. These non-detachable lids aim to reduce environmental pollution caused by cap disposals.
- Expanded Deposit System: Commencing January 1, 2024, plastic single-use beverage bottles for milk, milk-based drinks, and drinkable dairy products with a capacity of 0.1 to a maximum of 3 liters will join the list of items subject to deposit. This legislative measure is designed to further enhance the recycling rate of plastic packaging.
Innovative Energy Generation: Simplified Installation of Balcony Power Stations
- Balcony Power Stations: The installation of balcony power stations might become more straightforward. Proposed changes in rental and homeowner association law designate balcony power stations as a "privileged measure," facilitating easier implementation.
Climate-Friendly Heating: Building Energy Act (GEG)
- Building Energy Act (GEG): Starting January 1, 2024, only heating systems with a high proportion of renewable energy sources will be permitted in certain buildings. This aims to contribute to the gradual climate-friendly heating transition in Germany.
Electric Mobility: New Funding Regulations and Black Box Requirement for Vehicles
- Funding for Electric Cars: Funding amounts for electric cars will change from January 1, 2024. The grant for electric cars with a net list price up to €45,000 will be €3,000.
- Black Box for Vehicles: From July 7, 2024, all newly registered vehicles in classes M1 and N1 must be equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR). This device records relevant data before and after an accident to better reconstruct the causes of the incident.
Bureaucratic Changes: Driving License Exchange, GbR Reform, and Tax Relief
- Driving License Exchange: Individuals born between 1965 and 1970 holding a pink or grey driving license must exchange it for the new card-format license by January 19, 2024.
- GbR Reform: The Modernization of Partnership Law Act (MoPeG) will come into effect on January 1, 2024, reforming partnership law, especially for civil law partnerships (GbR).
- Tax Relief: Planned changes in tax law could bring higher lump sums and exemptions, including an increase in the deduction limit for expenses for gifts to business partners and a higher insurance threshold.
Social Changes: Higher Minimum Wage and Support for School Supplies
- Minimum Wage: From January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will be raised to €12.41 per hour, benefiting approximately six million employees in Germany.
- School Supplies: Support for personal school supplies will increase from 2024 to cover the costs of materials such as pens, pencils, and notebooks.
Healthcare: Higher Disability Pensions and Hospital Transparency
- Disability Pensions: From July 2024, around three million recipients of disability pensions will receive more money, depending on the date of pension commencement.
- Hospital Transparency: From April 1, 2024, patients should be able to access online information about various clinics, enabling them to make informed decisions about their medical care.
Animal Rights and Administration
- Animal Welfare Act: The period during which male chicken embryos can be killed extends to the 12th day of incubation from January 1, 2024.
- Child Passport: From January 1, 2024, no new child passports will be issued, renewed, or updated. Instead, children and individuals under 24 can apply for a regular passport.
Administration: Sending IDs by Mail?
- ID Dispatch: From November 2024, new legal requirements may allow newly applied-for IDs or passports to be sent directly to the applicants by mail. Please note that the technical and organizational implementation of this change may take until spring 2025.
These changes provide an overview of the diverse modifications that 2024 has in store. It is advisable to stay informed about specific regulations and keep an eye on developments to make the most of these changes.