Changes in Maternity Rights, Veteran Benefits, and Electricity Regulations this June
Consumer-Relevant Changes in June 2023
Berlin – Season of travel for caravan and motorhome owners begins alongside notable regulatory shifts in June. Here are the primary updates and modifications to look out for:
Maternity Protection following Miscarriage
Women experiencing miscarriages past the 13th week of gestation now qualify for maternity protection. This protection ensures a legally guaranteed recovery period, providing physical and emotional recovery for affected individuals. Entitlements vary depending on the exact timing of the miscarriage.
National Veterans' Day
June 15 marks the inaugural celebration of National Veterans' Day in Germany, with the main event unfolding in front of the Reichstag in Berlin. Numerous events will take place across the country, honoring soldiers who have served in the German Armed Forces. Anyone with military service in the German military is considered a veteran.
Prompt Electricity Provider Switching
Effective June 6, electricity provider transitions will be processed within 24 hours, according to the Consumer Center of Lower Saxony, in an effort to promote competition. Despite this change, contract termination notices remain in effect. Retroactive registrations, such as those prompted by moving, will no longer be feasible.
Barrier-Free Access in Online Retail
Beginning June 28, online retailers must ensure their websites and portals are accessible for people with disabilities, compliant with the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance. This regulation extends to banking services, transport company apps, and websites.
Approaching School Holidays
Millions of students are nearing the end of the academic year, with students in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia set to begin their summer holidays on June 27. Bavaria will hold off until August 1, with most states' students considering the first week of August their holiday commencement.
New EU Smartphone Rules
June 20 will usher in new eco-design requirements for smartphones and cordless telephones from the European Union, mandating phones meet minimum robustness standards and require replacement parts for at least seven years after discontinuation. The goal is to lessen the environmental footprint of these devices.
Gas Checks for Caravans and Motorhomes
As of June 19, experts recommend regular checks for motorhome and caravan owners with liquid gas systems, aiming to reduce accidents during heating, cooling, and cooking activities within campers.
Tax Filing Deadline
Individuals who require tax consultation or tax aid organization assistance should note the tax filing deadline extends until June 2 for the year 2023.
These updates provide a brief overview of consumer-related changes taking place across Germany in June 2023. For more detailed information, future updates, and official guidelines, it's advisable to consult appropriate government or regulatory websites.
- The science behind ensuring online retail websites are accessible for people with disabilities, as per the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance, becomes a priority from June 28.
- To maintain a health-and-wellness balance and promote mental health, women who have miscarriages past the 13th week of gestation can now qualify for maternity protection, offering physical and emotional recovery.
- Sports enthusiasts may need to pay attention to their liquid gas systems in caravans and motorhomes due to recommended checks starting from June 19 for a safer experience during camping.
- A new finance-related development arrives on June 2, which pushes the deadline for tax filings into the second day of that month for 2023.
- The home-and-garden sector will experience changes in technology as new EU regulations on June 20 will mandate smartphones and cordless telephones to meet minimum robustness standards and provide replacement parts for at least seven years.
- Lifestyle choices during the summer season get a boost with the approaching school holidays, starting on June 27 in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, while Bavaria and other states follow in August.
- Business owners in Germany can look forward to promoting their services in the health-and-wellness sector on June 15, the inaugural National Veterans' Day, which celebrates veterans in the German Armed Forces, fostering a sense of community and recognition.
