THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
December 2024 brings new laws and regulations affecting people living in Germany. Among the key changes, the USB-C connector will become the standard for charging cables across the EU. Consumers will also benefit from improved information in the event of product recalls. Additionally, new protections for pregnant women will shield them from harassment by anti-abortion activists near medical facilities. Tax allowances will increase, providing financial relief, alongside several other changes aimed at enhancing consumer rights and social protections.
Increase in basic tax-free allowance and child tax-free allowance
The basic tax-free allowance for single people will rise to 11,784 euros and to 23,568 euros for married couples in 2024. This increase of €180 and €360 respectively has already been approved by the Bundestag and will apply retroactively from 1 January 2024.
In addition, the tax-free allowance for children will increase by 228 euros to 6612 euros for each child. Half of this amount is added to the basic tax-free allowance for each parent and reduces their tax burden accordingly.
According to the law, companies must implement the tax relief retroactively for the entire year in the December payroll. This will lead to a one-off increase in net pay. From January 2025, the increases in allowances will be included in the monthly pay slip.
EU standardises charging cable is coming
From 28 December 2024, it will be mandatory for all new mobile devices sold in the EU, such as smartphones, tablets, headphones, portable video game consoles, keyboards, e-readers, navigation devices, headsets and portable speakers – provided they can be charged with a cable, to be equipped with a USB-C port. The standardised charging cable will also apply to laptops from 2026.
This measure is intended to help reduce electronic waste and simplify everyday life for consumers, as a single charging cable can be used for several devices, which is good for both the wallet and the environment.
More product safety
The new General Product Safety Regulation, effective from 13 December 2024, aims to ensure safer non-food products for consumers. In addition to existing safety requirements, the regulation introduces stricter rules for product recalls. Retailers, whether selling online or in physical stores, will now be required to provide clear and timely information to consumers in the event of a recall. This includes using contact details provided by customers to notify them directly about any safety issues with purchased products.
Train tickets will become more expensive
Starting December 2024, Deutsche Bahn will implement price increases for many long-distance train tickets. From 15 December, when the new winter timetable takes effect, Flex fares on long-distance routes will rise by 5.9%. Additionally, cancelling Flex tickets will incur a fee if done within seven days of the travel date. The cost of the BahnCard 100 will also increase by 6.6%. However, the prices for BahnCard 25 and 50, as well as Spar and Supersaver fares, will remain unchanged. Travellers planning trips during the Christmas period should prepare for these changes.
More protection for pregnant women and doctors
Anyone who harasses pregnant women outside counselling centres and doctors’ surgeries could face a fine of up to 5,000 euros. The same applies if someone obstructs the work of doctors who perform abortions. Harassment is punishable as an administrative offence. These are regulations from the reform of the Pregnancy Conflict Act.
Femi Awoniyi
READ ALSO: New Laws and Regulations in November 2024
