Telephone advertising, doorstep selling and coffee trips are more strictly regulated
The deadline for many innovations is May 28th
More comprehensive notification and transparency obligations for online marketplaces
Stricter notification and transparency obligations apply to operators of online marketplaces: From May 28, they must inform their customers why products are displayed where in the ranking, whether the offers on their website are from companies or private individuals, and whether the prices are personalized are calculated and to what extent the authenticity of reviews is ensured. For example, the comparison of offers should be simplified for customers and market events should be made more transparent.
The new regulations result from the implementation of the “EU directive on better enforcement and modernization of consumer protection regulations” by the Bundestag on June 10, 2021.
Simplified discount marking for groceries
According to the consumer center, 84 percent of food waste is avoidable. In order to at least reduce food waste a little, new regulations for the discount markings of foodstuffs whose best-before date (BBD) will soon expire will apply from May. This is reported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture: If there was previously an obligation to display a new total and basic price on the shelf, the products only have to be marked with a discount sticker – the price tag on the shelf does not have to be adjusted, the discount is applied to the checkout deducted.
Stricter guidelines for telephone advertising
As of May 28th, stricter laws for telephone advertising will come into effect. Advertisers must document the addressee’s express consent and keep it for at least five years. Those who do not comply with the new regulation will have to pay fines. This emerges from the law for fair consumer contracts passed by the Bundestag on June 24, 2021.
Regional introduction of a solar obligation for new buildings
In Baden-Wrttemberg, all new residential buildings must be equipped with a solar system from May. There is currently no nationwide regulation, but it could come soon.
Standardization of basic price information for all products
In addition to the transparency obligations for online marketplaces, a second law will apply – also from May 28 – to make it easier for consumers to compare products: Across all sectors, the basic prices for all products must be indicated in 1 liter or 1 kilogram. This emerges from the new Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV) passed in November 2021.
In concrete terms, this means for consumers: the small print prices below the product price (e.g. 1.0 kg = 3.99 euros) are given in the same unit by all suppliers. Customers no longer have to calculate the standard basic price themselves, but can see at a glance which product is more expensive or cheaper in a quantity comparison.
Stricter rules for coffee trips and doorstep shops
As of May 28, coffee trips are subject to a more comprehensive transparency obligation: when advertising the event, providers must explain where which goods are being advertised and how contact can be made. The distribution of dietary supplements, medicines and financial services is prohibited. This was decided by the Bundestag on June 10, 2021 with the law to strengthen consumer protection in competition and commercial law. Violators are apparently punished with fines of 10,000 euros.
In addition, as of May 28, customers in door-to-door sales will be protected against rip-offs with a new regulation: the payment may no longer take place on the same day as the contract is signed. Instead, it is made easier for customers to revoke contracts concluded in door-to-door shops. This is reported by the daily news.
Elimination of the Corona Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance
The Corona Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance expires on May 25th. In theory, working will then be as possible as before the pandemic began. Of course, this only applies if the regulation is not renewed again. The rule was last extended on March 20th.
Olga Rogler / Editor finanzen.net
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