Consumers should prepare for some changes that will come into force from September 2024. These include price increases and stricter regulations.
Munich – New month, new rules: With the start of September 2024, consumers will face a number of changes that affect various areas of life. From price increases to new subsidies, people need to prepare for changes. The effects will be felt in the next few weeks – here is an overview.
1. Introduction of the new emissions standard for vehicles
The first phase of the new Euro 6e emissions standard will come into force on September 1st. This is intended to help minimize environmental and health damage caused by vehicles. According to the ADAC, newly registered cars must comply with stricter limits for nitrogen oxides. The emissions standards will be implemented gradually.
The standard affects not only cars, but also buses and other vehicles throughout the EU. It sets limits for brake and tire wear and imposes new requirements on the durability of components and systems as well as the lifespan of car batteries. Vehicles that do not comply with this standard may only be registered until August 31st.
2. Nationwide warning day on 12 September
The next nationwide warning day will take place on September 12, as announced by the federal government. The federal and state governments are testing their warning systems in a joint exercise. From 11 a.m., various warning devices will be activated, including sirens and warning apps on smartphones, to alert the population. TV and radio stations, the Internet and mobile phones will be tested. The all-clear is planned for 11:45 a.m.
3. Tightening of hand luggage regulations from September
From September 1, 2024, stricter rules for liquids in hand luggage at airports will apply. Passengers will then only be allowed to carry liquids “in containers with a capacity of up to 100 milliliters each in a transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag,” according to the Federal Police.
The return to stricter controls comes as the reliability of the new CT scanner, which could have allowed larger volumes of liquid, has not yet been fully confirmed by the EU. Until the safety concern is resolved, the stricter rules will remain in place.
4. Changes to streaming services: Disney+ ends simple account sharing
Following Netflix, streaming provider Disney+ is now also enforcing the rule from September to prevent free account sharing. In future, an account may only be used in one household. A change that could lead to an increase in customers – and that other streaming providers could follow.
5. Deadlines in September: Applying for heating subsidies, filing tax returns, submitting Corona emergency aid and elections
In September, there are not only some new developments, but also some deadlines that citizens should be aware of. From September 3, apartment owners and house owners can apply for state funding for their heating systems. The funding applies to the replacement of old gas and oil heating systems. At least 30 percent funding is planned, up to 70 percent is possible.
Another important deadline in September concerns the tax return. The deadline for submitting the 2023 tax return ends on September 2nd. This applies to employees without tax support. If you miss the deadline, you risk additional costs. Also check and submit all receipts quickly.
It is important for entrepreneurs to submit their final declaration for Corona emergency aid by September 30. The documents must be submitted via a tax advisor or auditor. The tax office will then decide on possible additional payments or refunds.
Two dates in September are also important for three federal states. In Germany, the state parliaments in Saxony and Thuringia will be elected on September 1st, and it will be the turn of the people of Brandenburg on September 22nd.
6. Simplifying organ donation
From the end of September, the intention to donate organs should be able to be stored in the health insurance app. Previously, a signed organ donor card was required for this. In 2023, 2,877 organs were donated in Germany – but currently around 8,400 people are still waiting for a donor organ. Some large health insurance companies already offer the new function. There has also been an online organ donation register since March.
7. No longer required to make reservations on international train routes
Anyone who travels with Deutsche Bahn will already be familiar with the process: you book a train, but the seat is not automatically included and does not have to be booked. Things have been different for international trains since June, with reservations required on almost all long-distance train connections – this temporary change ended on September 1st. Deutsche Bahn had temporarily introduced the requirement due to the expected high demand for the European Football Championship. The only exception: between Munich and Zurich, the reservation requirement applies until October 5th.
8. Coca-Cola drinks will probably become more expensive – by several percent
Another change that at least industry experts agree on: Coca-Cola will increase its prices from September 1st. Purchasing prices are expected to rise “in the single-digit percentage range,” according to Florian von Salzen, Managing Director Commercial Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Germany, at rtl.deIt is expected that the increase will also be passed on to the consumer.
It is unclear how high the increase will be. Insiders explained at the Pictureone would assume around nine percent. A case with twelve one-liter bottles could then cost 19.99 euros, plus deposit. Other brands of the company, such as Fanta and Sprite, are also affected.
