These changes will come into force in Germany in 2022
German consumers face bans on plastic bags, online contract cancellation buttons, animal labels on food and more in the new year.
According to an article by German news broadcaster ARD (www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/das-aendert-sich-2022-fuer-verbraucher-101.html), in stores, with the exception of durable and reusable plastic bags, are no longer allowed to sell plastic bags. A thin plastic bag in the fruit and vegetable section.
Additionally, consumers can expect greater transparency when purchasing food from supermarkets. In the future, labeling of animal products will be mandatory, including information on the conditions under which the animals were raised, transported and slaughtered.
According to the article, a deposit (=Pfand) of €0.25 is now imposed on bottled fruit and vegetable juices, including smoothies. Stores will take half a year to adapt to this new regulation.
Disposal of old electrical appliances becomes easier. They can now be handed over to supermarkets, discounters and even online retailers. Larger devices such as TVs, on the other hand, can only be picked up by retailers if they purchase a new device.
Furthermore, the article states that the German post office (=Deutsche Post) charges higher fees for sending regular letters and postcards. The cost of a standard letter has increased to 0.85 Euro cents and the cost of a postcard is now 0.70 Euro.
Smokers are also affected by price increases. A carton of 20 cigarettes costs an average of 10 cents more because of the higher tobacco tax. Tobacco tax will also apply to e-cigarette and hookah substances from July.
Online shoppers will have more rights in 2022, despite rising fees and prices. Previously, such warranty rights could only be claimed by means of corresponding contracts. In addition, he can now report errors or defects to sellers within 12 months instead of the previous 6 months for all contracts made after January.
Users who have signed an online contract can now easily cancel the contract. Websites that offer such contracts will soon have a button that will allow you to cancel an existing contract. Starting July 1st, such a cancel button will be mandatory.
Previously, per the General Terms and Conditions, term contracts had to be terminated three months prior to the end of the contract term. Otherwise, the contract was extended for one year. For contracts concluded after March 2022, only a one-month cancellation notice period applies. Failure to do so will extend the period indefinitely. After that, the customer can terminate the contract at any time with his one month notice period. Regarding mobile phone contracts and Internet contracts, the notice period has already been shortened since December. The only exemption from this new rule is insurance contracts.
Meanwhile, according to German news broadcaster NDR, gas and kerosene prices have risen again this year, while electricity prices are gradually falling.
In addition, German car club ADAC has said that new rules will be introduced for motorists later this year. The rule requires him to carry at least two medical masks in his POV medical kit. However, no specific date has been announced yet. In addition, for changes in car insurance premiums, tax credits for plug-in his hybrid and autogas vehicles, and requirements for new cars and his TÜV and HU stickers, see his web at https://www.adac.de/ You can check it on the site. news/neu-in-2022/.
In addition, news outlet Heise Online reports that Deutsche Bahn no longer sells paper tickets on trains. Alternatively, customers can purchase digital tickets up to 10 minutes before the start of their journey through Deutsche Bahn’s website or digital app.
