The coming year after 2025 will once again bring numerous legal changes that affect consumers. From price increases at the post office to new regulations for smartphones to financial adjustments – you should know these changes:
Unified USB-C charging cable
From December 28, 2024, all new smartphones and tablets must be equipped with a USB-C port. This regulation for a “general purpose cable” is intended not only to simplify use, but also to reduce the amount of electronic waste. From 2026, this regulation will also apply to laptops.
Higher costs for letters and parcels
Sending letters and parcels with Deutsche Post will be more expensive from January 1, 2025. Standard letters will then cost 95 cents instead of the previous 85 cents, and the price for postcards will also rise to 95 cents. The price for DHL parcels will be increased to 4.19 euros. In addition, the delivery time for letters is extended – they only have to arrive on the third working day after they are posted.
Greater control over debt collection companies
Supervision of debt collection companies will be centralized from 2025 and will in future lie with the Federal Office of Justice. The aim is to better protect consumers from dubious practices, as supervision was previously spread across different federal states.
Product Safety Regulation
The new product safety regulation has been in effect EU-wide since December 2024. Manufacturers and retailers must provide clear information about their products, such as contact details and the appointment of an EU representative. This is intended to protect buyers from unsafe goods, especially when shopping online.
Financial adjustments
- Minimum wage and mini-job limit: The minimum wage will rise to 12.82 euros per hour, and mini-jobbers will be able to earn up to 556 euros per month in the future.
- Basic tax allowance: The basic tax allowance increases to 12,084 euros in 2025.
- Housing benefit: Low-income households receive an average of 30 euros more, which increases the monthly housing benefit to around 400 euros.
Changes to family benefits
- Child benefit: Families receive 255 euros per month per child – an increase of 5 euros.
- Child allowance: The tax allowance is increased to 9,600 euros per child.
- Parental allowance: From April 2025, the income limit for receiving parental allowance will drop to 175,000 euros annual income. Higher earners lose their entitlement.
