With the onset of the new year, significant changes are set to take place in Germany. Many new rules, restrictions, and other changes will affect the lives of citizens, whether it's about shopping, daily life, driving, or even bureaucratic matters like applying for an identity card. In 2024, much will be different.
Related topic: Financial and tax changes in Germany in 2024
Key changes expected in Germany in 2024
From January 1, 2024, consumers will have to spend more on dairy products.
The reason for this is quite simple. According to a new regulation, the deposit system will continue to expand. A deposit of 25 cents will be levied on dairy products in disposable plastic bottles for beverages.
The new EU regulation also impacts single-use packaging for beverages. From July 2024, so-called 'tethered caps' (non-removable bottle caps) will become mandatory for all products. Some people may already be familiar with them from well-known beverage brands such as Coca-Cola or Fanta.
The cap is firmly attached to the bottle and cannot be removed. The regulation aims to ensure that fewer plastic caps end up in the environment in the future.
In some grocery stores, changes by 2024 will be even more specific. Discounters like Lidl and Aldi, for example, are excluding certain products from their assortment. From the beginning of the year, customers will only be able to purchase fresh and lactose-free milk of their own brands in 3 and 4 types.
During the year, long-life milk will also be upgraded to a higher level of quality 3. This is especially important for those who frequently purchase dairy products.
Changes for drivers in 2024
The beginning of the year will also bring about some changes in traffic regulations, particularly affecting drivers.
The first changes will start in January. Starting from the new year, only an 'ecological bonus' of 3000 euros instead of 4500 euros will apply for private purchases of small electric cars.
At the same time, the CO₂ emission tax is also increasing to a new level. It will rise from 30 to 40 euros per ton of CO₂. Specifically, gasoline and diesel fuel are likely to significantly increase in price next year.
Mid-year, from July 7, 2024, a new regulation will come into effect, affecting all newly registered vehicles.
According to the new EU regulation, a black box will become mandatory in cars. Data will be recorded to better reconstruct accidents.
New rules for obtaining driver's licenses are also planned for 2024. The EU proposes introducing stricter rules from 2024, which may be particularly restrictive for the elderly and novice drivers.
A ban on driving at night and speed limits on highways are expected to apply to novice drivers. Regular driving checks are proposed for individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, this issue is still actively being discussed.
Related topics:
From January 1, 2024, the deposit system in Germany will expand to include a 25-cent levy on dairy products sold in disposable plastic bottles for beverages. The new EU regulation also mandates the use of 'tethered caps' for all beverage products starting from July 2024, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
In response to the new CO₂ emission tax, the price of gasoline and diesel fuel is expected to significantly increase in Germany next year, with the tax rising from 30 to 40 euros per ton of CO₂.
