https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/ LegalExplain — Germany en https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1225/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1225/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT On 8 June 2026, the EU Council added two individuals and one entity to its sanctions list linked to Iran's military support for Russia's war in Ukraine and for armed groups in the Middle East, as well as actions threatening freedom of navigation. The regulation imposed asset freezes and travel bans on the newly listed parties. Note that this regulation has since been repealed, meaning it has likely been superseded by a subsequent or consolidated measure. This primarily affects EU-based businesses, financial institutions, and individuals who may have any dealings with the newly designated persons or entity. EU operators are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to anyone on the sanctions list. It is worth checking the current EU sanctions list on EUR-Lex or the EU Sanctions Map to ensure no business partners or counterparties are listed; since this regulation has been repealed, you may want to review the replacing measure for the up-to-date list of designated persons. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1211/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1211/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The European Commission has updated — for the 357th time — the list of persons and entities subject to asset freezes under EU rules targeting those associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. Seven individuals or entities have been removed from the list following a decision by the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on 21 May 2026. Note: this regulation has since been repealed and may have been replaced by a more recent version. This primarily affects banks, financial institutions, businesses, and any organisation required to comply with asset-freezing obligations under Regulation (EC) No 881/2002. The seven removed individuals or entities are no longer subject to EU financial restrictions. If your organisation manages sanctions compliance screening, it is worth updating your internal restricted-party lists to reflect these removals. The official updated list is available in the Official Journal of the European Union. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1154/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1154/ Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT From 18 June 2026, the active substances methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad, and terpenoid blend QRD 460 are officially removed from the EU list of approved substances used in plant protection products (pesticides). This happened because their approval periods expired and no valid renewal applications were maintained. Note: this regulation has been repealed, which may indicate it was superseded by a subsequent measure. This primarily affects farmers, pesticide manufacturers, and distributors who use or sell products containing these substances. National authorities across EU Member States will also need to revoke or adjust product authorisations that rely on these active substances. If you use or sell plant protection products, it is worth checking whether any of them contain methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad, or terpenoid blend QRD 460, and contacting your national pesticide authority for guidance on sell-off periods or product withdrawals. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1043/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1043/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The European Commission has cancelled the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for 'Salemi', a product previously registered under EU food quality schemes. This means the name 'Salemi' no longer carries official EU geographical protection. The regulation came into force on 2 June 2026 and has since been repealed, meaning it was a final administrative act completing the cancellation process. Producers in the Salemi area of Sicily (Italy) who previously relied on the PGI label to market their product are most directly affected, as they can no longer claim EU-protected geographical status for that name. Retailers, importers, and consumers across the EU who purchased or sold products under this PGI designation should be aware the protected label no longer applies. If you are a producer or business that used the Salemi PGI label on packaging or marketing materials, it is worth reviewing your labelling to ensure compliance. Official information is available through the European Commission's eAmbrosia geographical indications register. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1045/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1045/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT This regulation imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts from China, meaning Chinese exporters were found to be selling these chemicals in the EU below fair market price. However, this regulation has since been repealed, meaning the provisional duty it introduced is no longer in force. Businesses that import, manufacture, or use alkyl phosphonic acids or their sodium salts — chemicals used in applications such as flame retardants, water treatment, and industrial processes — were the primary parties affected. Since the regulation is repealed, importers should be aware that the legal situation may have changed, either reverting to previous rules or being replaced by a new measure. It is worth checking whether a definitive anti-dumping regulation or a successor measure has been adopted, as provisional duties are typically followed by a final determination. Official information is available at the European Commission's Trade Defence section on trade.ec.europa.eu. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1063/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1063/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT This regulation imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of PET Spunbond (a type of polyester fabric used in packaging, agriculture, hygiene products, and construction) from China, on the grounds that it was being sold in the EU at artificially low prices. However, the regulation has since been repealed, meaning the provisional duty it introduced is no longer in force. Businesses importing PET Spunbond from China into the EU were the primary parties affected, as were EU manufacturers of the same material who sought protection from cheaper Chinese competition. End-users of PET Spunbond products may also have been impacted through price changes. If your business imports or uses PET Spunbond from China, it is worth checking whether a definitive anti-dumping measure has replaced this provisional regulation, as repeal of a provisional duty can indicate either the investigation was closed or a permanent regulation was adopted. Official information is available at the European Commission's Trade Defence website. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1088/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1088/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT This regulation amended the lists of approved third countries and zones allowed to export poultry, poultry germinal products, and fresh poultry and game bird meat into the EU, specifically updating the entries for Canada and the United States. Such updates typically reflect changes in the disease status of specific regions, often related to outbreaks of avian influenza. Importantly, this regulation has already been repealed, meaning it was superseded by a subsequent rule shortly after coming into force. This primarily affects businesses involved in importing poultry products, fresh poultry meat, or game bird meat from Canada or the United States into the EU, including importers, customs agents, and food industry operators. Consumers are indirectly affected as these rules determine which foreign poultry products can legally reach EU markets. Since this regulation has been repealed, importers and traders dealing with poultry products from Canada or the US should check the current version of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 and its annexes for the up-to-date list of authorised zones. Official information is available via the European Commission's food safety and trade portals. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1055/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1055/ Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The EU Council has updated the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures under Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, which targets those responsible for actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. This implementing regulation adds, removes, or amends entries on the sanctions list, meaning affected persons may have their assets frozen and be subject to travel bans within the EU. Businesses, banks, financial institutions, and individuals across the EU are affected if they have any dealings with newly listed persons or entities. Anyone on the updated list faces asset freezes and other restrictions, and EU persons are prohibited from making funds or resources available to them. It is worth checking the updated EU sanctions list if you conduct business or financial transactions that could involve parties connected to Russia or the conflict in Ukraine. Official information and the full list are available at the EU's sanctions database (sanctions.ec.europa.eu). https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1078/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1078/ Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT This regulation updated the list of individuals or entities subject to EU sanctions for carrying out or supporting cyber-attacks that threaten the EU or its member states. It was issued on 11 May 2026 and took effect on 13 May 2026, but has since been repealed, meaning it has been superseded by a newer measure. The sanctions primarily affect individuals, organisations, and businesses directly listed — freezing their assets and imposing travel bans within the EU. Businesses and financial institutions in the EU are indirectly affected, as they are prohibited from dealing with listed parties. Since this regulation has been repealed, it is worth checking the current EU sanctions list on the official EU Sanctions Map or EUR-Lex to see which measures are now in force regarding cyber-attack-related restrictions. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1026/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1026/ Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The European Commission has extended for three years (until 30 April 2029) a fishing derogation for boat seines targeting transparent gobies, Ferrer's gobies, and lowbody picarel in the territorial waters of Spain's Balearic Islands. Boat seines are a traditional small-scale fishing method, and this derogation allows them to operate closer to the coast and in shallower water than standard Mediterranean rules would allow. Affects a small number of traditional Balearic fishermen using boat seine nets for specific small fish species in shallow coastal waters. No practical impact on the general public. No action required. Relevant Balearic fishermen may continue their traditional fishing activities under the existing derogation until 30 April 2029. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1027/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1027/ Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The European Commission has extended for three years (until 27 March 2029) the derogation allowing 'volantina' trawlers in Slovenian territorial waters to fish closer to the coast and in shallower water than normally permitted under the Mediterranean fisheries regulation. This is a technical fishing rule that accommodates the specific local tradition of this small-scale gear type. Affects a small number of Slovenian fishermen using volantina trawl gear in the Adriatic Sea. For consumers and the general public there is no practical impact. No action required from the public. Slovenian volantina fishermen may continue operating under the existing derogation conditions until 27 March 2029. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1051/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R1051/ Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The EU Council has updated the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures in view of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The EU's Sudan sanctions regime — established in 2014 — includes asset freezes and travel bans against individuals and groups responsible for actions threatening peace, stability, or transitional processes in Sudan. This regulation adds or amends entries on the list. Directly affects individuals and entities newly listed — their EU assets are frozen and they cannot enter the EU. EU financial institutions, businesses, and individuals dealing with Sudan must verify the updated list; non-compliance risks criminal liability. EU financial institutions and businesses must screen transactions against the updated list immediately. Newly designated entities must have their assets frozen and the relevant national authority notified without delay. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R0996/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/32026R0996/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT The European Commission has created and amended certain agricultural tariff quotas under the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This means adjusting import volumes and conditions for specific agricultural products from those South American countries that benefit from reduced EU customs duties. The regulation ensures the correct administration of quotas flowing from the trade deal. Primarily affects EU importers of agricultural products from Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) and EU agricultural producers who may face increased competition from cheaper imports under the quotas. Consumers may benefit from slightly lower prices on some food products covered by the quotas. No action required from the general public. Businesses importing agricultural goods from Mercosur countries should review the updated quota tables in Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and (EU) 2020/1988 to check whether their product category is affected. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/WASSERSTOFFBG/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/WASSERSTOFFBG/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Germany has enacted a law streamlining planning and permitting procedures for the entire hydrogen value chain — production (electrolysis), storage (including underground caverns), import terminals, and transport pipelines. Projects receive a statutory overriding public interest designation, shortened approval timelines, and a single-authority permitting window. Energy companies, industrial hydrogen consumers, and port operators planning hydrogen infrastructure projects benefit from faster regulatory approvals. Landowners and communities near planned hydrogen installations may be affected by new routing and compensation rules. No action required from individuals. Companies planning hydrogen projects should check whether the accelerated procedure applies to their specific facility type. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KPANG/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KPANG/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Germany has enacted a law limiting public petrol stations to a maximum of one fuel price increase per calendar day, with any rise permitted only at noon (12:00). Price reductions can still happen at any time. Violations carry fines of up to €100,000. The Federal Government may suspend the rule by ordinance in exceptional circumstances, subject to Bundestag approval. All drivers buying fuel at public petrol stations in Germany benefit from more predictable prices — stations can no longer quietly raise prices multiple times a day. Petrol station operators and fuel companies must adjust their pricing systems to comply. No action required from consumers. Knowing that prices can only rise at noon, drivers can plan to fill up in the morning when prices are more likely to be at the day's lower level. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/PFÄNDFREIGRBEK-2026/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/PFÄNDFREIGRBEK-2026/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Germany has updated the garnishment-exempt income thresholds for 2026, effective 1 July 2026. The basic monthly amount shielded from creditor seizure rises from €1,555 to €1,587.40. Each additional dependent adds a further protected amount that also increases (from €585.23 to €597.42 per person per month). The ceiling above which all income is fully seizable rises from €4,766.99 to €4,866.30 per month. Anyone in Germany whose wages, salary, or other income is subject to garnishment by creditors — typically people with court-ordered debt enforcement proceedings against them. Employers who administer payroll garnishments must apply the new tables from 1 July 2026. No action required from most people. If you have garnishments on your income, check with your employer or the bailiff whether the new (higher) exemption tables will be applied from 1 July 2026. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KRITISDACHG/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KRITISDACHG/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Germany has enacted an overarching framework law (Dachgesetz) strengthening the physical resilience of critical infrastructure, implementing the EU CER Directive. It establishes risk assessment obligations for critical infrastructure operators, resilience plans, incident reporting requirements, and a supervisory framework coordinated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK), covering sectors including energy, water, transport, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. Operators of critical infrastructure — power grids, water utilities, hospitals, airports, ports, financial market infrastructures, and large digital service providers — face new compliance obligations including mandatory risk assessments, resilience plans, and incident reporting. Authorities gain new supervisory and enforcement powers. Ordinary residents are not directly affected. Businesses operating infrastructure in the designated critical sectors should assess whether they meet the thresholds and engage compliance advisors. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/INTSCHSIHERKSTBESTV/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/INTSCHSIHERKSTBESTV/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Germany has issued a regulation formally listing the countries classified as 'safe countries of origin' for international protection purposes under the Asylum Act. The ten designated countries are: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Senegal, and Serbia. Nationals of these countries face an accelerated asylum procedure and must rebut a stronger presumption that their applications are unfounded. Asylum seekers from the ten listed countries face a faster and more restrictive procedure — their applications are presumed manifestly unfounded unless they can demonstrate a specific individual risk of persecution. Nationals of other countries are not affected by this list. Asylum seekers from the listed countries should consult a recognised migration advice centre or lawyer immediately, as the accelerated procedure leaves very little time for appeals. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/GEOBG/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/GEOBG/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Germany has enacted a law creating streamlined planning and permitting procedures for geothermal plants, heat pumps, heat distribution pipelines, and thermal storage systems. Projects now benefit from faster approval timelines, clearer legal status for underground drilling rights, and coordinated regulatory competence, replacing the previous patchwork of sectoral rules. Energy companies, municipalities, and housing associations planning heat transition projects benefit from faster and simpler permits. Homeowners or building owners interested in connecting to a district heating network or installing large heat pump systems may also benefit indirectly as project costs decrease. No action required from individuals. Those planning geothermal or heat pump installations can check whether the new streamlined procedure applies to their project with their local authority or a certified energy advisor. https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KSTTG/ https://legalexplain.vercel.app/de/en/law/KSTTG/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Germany has implemented the EU DAC8 directive, requiring crypto-asset service providers (exchanges, brokers, wallet services) to collect verified identity and tax data from their customers and report it annually to the German Federal Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern), which automatically shares it with tax authorities in other EU member states. Crypto providers face fines for non-compliance. Anyone holding or trading crypto assets through a regulated service provider in Germany will have their transaction and identity data reported to the tax authorities. German residents using non-EU providers are also affected if those providers are registered in Germany. Crypto service providers face new due-diligence, reporting, and registration obligations. Crypto holders should ensure their crypto accounts reflect their correct tax identification number and that they are declaring crypto gains in their German tax returns. The first reporting period applies from 1 January 2026.