Bureaucratic madness in the craft industry

Photo: © Andreas Buck

Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts | October 2026

Chamber of Skilled Crafts celebrates 1.440 new master craftsman titles

Nine out of ten newly qualified master craftsmen are optimistic about their professional future – the graduation ceremony took place on October 11th in the Halle Münsterland.

Photo: © CCS/Mercando

Chamber of Skilled Crafts of Saarland | October 2026

Craftsmanship demonstrated its strength at the traditional trade fair.

After a one-year hiatus, the long-established Ingobertus Fair returned to St. Ingbert at the beginning of October. Around the town hall, more than 110 exhibitors from crafts, trade, services, and other sectors showcased the diversity and performance of the regional economy.

Photo: © filmfoto/123RF.com

Chamber of Skilled Crafts of Saarland | October 2026

Energy tax refund: Repayment also possible in 2026

Energy costs are and will remain a burden for many craft businesses. However, at least manufacturing companies can have parts of their electricity and energy taxes (oil/gas) refunded, thus saving money.

Photo: © Alexander Weiß

Chamber of Skilled Crafts of Saarland | October 2026

Healthy at the workplace: Information event

The Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts and the IKK Südwest health insurance company invite you to a joint information event on workplace health.

Photo: © Alexander Raths /123RF.com

Operations Management | October 2026

New rules for product liability

The German Bundestag has passed the new product liability law. For the first time, it takes software, AI, and the circular economy into account. Manufacturers and importers are now subject to greater responsibility. Tradespeople who carry out installation work are generally not.

Photo: © Aktion Modernes Handwerk e. V.

Operations Management | October 2026

The 2026/2027 daycare center competition for skilled trades is starting.

When kindergarten children work together building digs, styling hair, or baking bread, it means the annual trades competition for kindergartens is underway again. Kindergartens and businesses can register now. New this year: Every participating child will receive a "Kindergarten Trades Passport."

Photo: © KfW Image Archive

Operations Management | October 2026

The federal government is increasing funding for the Efficiency House 55 subsidy program.

Planning security for families wanting to build: Due to high demand, the federal government is providing additional funding for the Efficiency House 55 Plus subsidy program so that it can continue until the end of the year. The construction industry is advocating for its continuation until summer 2027.

Photo: © Andriy Popov/123RF.com

Operations Management | October 2026

Registered mail with delivery confirmation: Post office changes procedure

Following a ruling by the Federal Labor Court (BAG), Deutsche Post has improved the delivery process for registered mail with delivery confirmation. However, a risk remains with notices of termination. An expert explains which alternatives offer greater security.

Photo: © sasun1990/123RF.com

Crafts policy | October 2026

"Climate change is an ecological, but also an economic challenge."

This year, the municipal policy forum of Handwerk.NRW focused on climate change and necessary adaptations to increasingly hot summers.

Photo: © private

Crafts policy | October 2026

The Greens demand: Finally introduce maternity protection for the self-employed!

Maternity protection must also apply to the self-employed. This is what the Green Party parliamentary group is demanding with a corresponding motion in the Bundestag.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Crafts policy | October 2026

State modernization: Despite progress, the skilled trades still see a great need for action

The German Federal Cabinet has adopted a report on the implementation of the modernization agenda. The skilled trades sector praises the efforts of the federal and state governments, but hopes that the reduction of bureaucracy will bring more tangible relief to businesses in the future.

Photo: © Anna Pustynnikova /123RF.com

Crafts policy | October 2026

Packaging Ordinance: Bakery trade calls for effective de minimis thresholds for SMEs

The baking industry welcomes the simplifications for businesses regarding packaging regulations adopted by the EU Parliament's Environment Committee. However, it simultaneously calls for further simplifications and clear de minimis thresholds for medium-sized businesses.

Photo: © nomadsoul1/123RF.com

Operations Management | October 2026

Online tool: How to check the fuel or electricity costs of your company vehicles

Keep track of your fleet's fuel and charging costs with a free online check.

Photo: © stockbroker/123RF.com

Operations Management | October 2026

Draft law: New rules for liability after traffic accidents

A draft law from the Federal Ministry of Justice aims to regulate liability after traffic accidents more fairly. In the future, for example, it should no longer make a difference whether the other car is leased.

Photo: © Mercedes-Benz

Electric drives | October 2026

New e-vans and a digital ecosystem

Mercedes-Benz Vans presents new modular electric transporters as well as the Mercedes-Benz PRO business ecosystem for commercial customers.

Photo: © Atout France

Panorama | October 2026

"We want to promote France as a four-seasons destination"

Interview with Frédéric Meyer, Regional Director at the French tourism agency Atout France in Germany.

Photo: © fizkes/123RF.com

Panorama | October 2026

1Live Sector Report: "We need to talk about death"

In its week-long sector report, the radio station 1Live dedicated itself to the topic of death on the radio and online – from grief to the profession of undertaker.

Photo: © Filip Dujardin for Design Museum Ghent

Travel | October 2026

Design Museum Ghent celebrates reopening

The Design Museum Gent officially reopened its doors on October 3, 2026, after a four-year transformation phase, presenting a radically new concept as a vibrant place for social discourse.

Photo: © Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/ Jochen Günther

Trade fairs for the skilled trades | October 2026

ISH 2027 showcases trends in building technology

The ISH trade fair will take place in Frankfurt am Main from March 15th to 19th, 2027. The fair will focus primarily on installation, heat generation, drinking water hygiene, bathroom design, digitalization, and building operation.

Photo: © catalin205/123RF.com

Current building regulations | October 2026

Warning: How tradespeople can avoid liability traps

Any tradesperson working on a construction site who wants to protect themselves from liability for the mistakes of others must inform the client of any concerns they may have regarding the preliminary work of other trades. We explain how to formulate and submit these concerns correctly.

Photo: © Strauss

New tools for the trades | October 2026

Strauss presents AI-powered tool glasses for the trades

At the end of September, Henning Strauss, CEO and brand manager of Strauss, presented an AI-supported tool glasses that is scheduled to go on the market in 2027.

Photo: © Brillux

Workwear: How to dress correctly | October 2026

Brillux expands range of painter's workwear

Brillux has revamped its workwear for painters and plasterers. New outerwear, two safety shoe models, and additional accessories complete the collection.

MenuClose

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the craft industry Theme specials

Bureaucracy is becoming an increasing burden in the skilled trades. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts is making significant relief for businesses a priority.

Photo: © ZDB/Darius Ramazani

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2026

Bakers and confectioners expect reliable energy policy and a reduction in bureaucracy.

The baking and confectionery trades are demanding practical and reliable political frameworks for energy and raw materials, as well as a consistent reduction in bureaucracy. Otherwise, they argue, the security of supply for bread and baked goods cannot be guaranteed.

Photo: © andreypopov/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2026

Too much bureaucracy? New federal reporting portal

Bureaucracy is paralyzing the economy. Citizens also suffer from overly complicated forms. Suggestions for reducing bureaucracy can now be submitted to the federal government's "EinfachMachen" (Simply Do It) bureaucracy reporting portal.

Photo: © jat306/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2025

ZVSHK sees the planned reduction of bureaucracy as a start, not a breakthrough.

The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) industry welcomes the measures to reduce bureaucracy agreed upon by the Conference of Minister-Presidents and the Federal Government. However, these measures must not remain mere announcements; they must be implemented quickly.

Photo: © 279photo/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2025

Healthcare trades demand a reduction in bureaucracy

To ensure high-quality patient care with assistive devices, structural, digital, and regulatory barriers must be urgently removed. Healthcare professionals have formulated five demands for policymakers in this regard.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2025

Bureaucracy reduction: Cabinet introduces several measures

The federal government is planning further measures to relieve the burden on businesses and public administration. The skilled trades sector says this is an important first step, but further measures must follow.

Photo: © Jaruek Chairak /123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2025

Building cleaning: How much time is wasted by bureaucracy

A third of working time in the building cleaning industry is spent on bureaucracy. Read on to find out what causes the most work and why employers long for the return of the "sick note" (a form of sick leave).

Photo: © jat306/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2025

64 billion euros in bureaucratic costs per year

The reduction of bureaucracy in Germany is gaining momentum. However, small and medium-sized enterprises are seeing little relief. According to the Regulatory Control Council, one bright spot is the construction turbo.

Photo: © erpeewee/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2025

EU Asbestos Directive: Germany faces a bureaucratic challenge

At the end of July, the Ministry of Labor presented a draft bill for the implementation of the EU Asbestos Directive into national law. Construction associations and the painting and decorating trade consider implementation in this form to be simply disproportionate and unacceptable.

Photo: © qwasyx/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2025

From now on: Less bureaucracy in the supply chain law

The German government wants to ease the burden on companies of office work. To this end, it has instructed the responsible federal agency to exercise restraint regarding the Supply Chain Act. It is to act in a business-friendly manner "with immediate effect."

Photo: © Katarzyna Białasiewicz/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2025

Ecodesign: Practical and low-bureaucracy rules should be the focus

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has presented a draft bill for modernizing the national implementation of ecodesign and energy labeling. Crafts associations are calling for a regulation that is compatible with small and medium-sized businesses.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2025

Federal Council approves proposal to reduce bureaucracy

The Federal Council has passed a resolution on reducing bureaucracy. At the same time, the ZDH is presenting a new catalogue of measures.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2025

Use the bureaucracy reporter!

Every company can describe its bureaucratic burdens online using the bureaucracy reporter of the Chambers of Crafts in Frankfurt (Oder) and Potsdam.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2025

NRW launches Federal Council initiative to reduce bureaucracy

The North Rhine-Westphalian state government is committed to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in Berlin. "Less bureaucracy, more time for what matters" is its motto.

Photo: © ikonoklast/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2025

Efficiency gains through bureaucracy reduction: Less control, more revenue

Bureaucracy isn't only created by the government. Often, it's the companies themselves that burden their teams with excessive documentation requirements. Reducing this burden generates more revenue and retains employees, a recent study shows.

Photo: © Ines Weitermann

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2025

Bureaucracy as a hindrance

Before the special committee of the state parliament on reducing bureaucracy, the skilled trades called on politicians to finally remove bureaucratic hurdles.

Photo: © Action Modern Crafts

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2025

Tools: Less bureaucracy for the healthcare trades

An amended regulation brings more clarity and fewer bureaucratic hurdles to the provision of medical aids. The Federal Guild Association for Orthopaedic Technology advocated for the reform.

Photo: © Ines Hasenau

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2025

Debureaucratization through virtual building authorities

In the DHB interview, Brandenburg's new Minister of Infrastructure, Detlef Tabbert (BSW), talks about the growing gap between urban and rural areas, the role of cities in the second row, and how skilled trades can benefit from infrastructure measures.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2025

EU Commission proposes reducing bureaucracy

The EU Commission aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses and is launching two omnibus packages to this end. The skilled trades sector welcomes this but calls for further measures.

Photo: © maxxasatori/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2024

SMEs: Tax advisors demand bureaucracy reduction

In a survey conducted by Datev, tax consultants are calling for tax cuts and a massive reduction in bureaucracy to ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses. Their daily experiences in their firms are worrying.

Photo: © kurhan/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2024

Bureaucracy: ZVK welcomes simplifications in the automotive trade

The automotive trade welcomes the Federal Council's adoption of the Bureaucracy Reduction Ordinance. The measures enacted therein represent an important step toward increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2024

State government decides to reduce bureaucracy

With a package to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate business activity, the North Rhine-Westphalian state government aims to ease the burden on businesses and citizens. It is intended to improve the state's business environment and stimulate investment.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2024

Public Procurement and Collective Bargaining Act: ZDB warns of additional bureaucratic burden

The Federal Cabinet is about to make decisions on two proposed laws. The construction industry warns of even more bureaucratic burdens and a disadvantage for small and medium-sized businesses.

Photo: © pejo/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2024

Criticism of the eAU procedure: Crafts demand change

Since the introduction of electronic sickness reports, many companies have been struggling with increased costs. Retrieving data from health insurance companies is bureaucratic and doesn't always run smoothly. A Bavarian initiative is now calling for automated data transfer.

Photo: © peshkov/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2024

Less bureaucracy in occupational pension schemes

With the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV, important changes to occupational pension schemes will come into effect in the new year. Read the details here.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2024

Federal government adopts bureaucracy relief regulation

The Federal Cabinet has approved further measures to reduce bureaucracy. The easing of food information requirements is particularly important for the skilled trades.

Photo: © jat306/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2024

Bureaucracy: Regulatory Control Council recognizes trend reversal

In its assessment of the status of bureaucracy reduction for 2024, the National Regulatory Control Council notes a flattening of the burden trend. The skilled trades sector is calling for net bureaucracy reduction targets and practice reviews from all ministries.

Photo: © kalinavova/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2024

Too much bureaucracy: ZDB calls for improvements to the deforestation regulation

Starting December 30 of this year, the provisions of the EU Deforestation Regulation are to become binding in the member states. The ZDB is calling for a two-year postponement and an amendment to the law.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2024

Trade associations criticize the bureaucracy reduction law

According to the ZDH, various trade associations in the skilled trades also criticise what they consider to be the slow pace of bureaucracy reduction.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2024

Bundestag votes for bureaucracy relief

The Bundestag has passed the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV. The skilled trades see it as a positive approach, but without any noticeable relief effects.

Photo: © bacho12345/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2024

Rhineland-Palatinate launches bureaucracy reduction offensive

"Bureaucracy slows down the economy and annoys people," says the state government of Rhineland-Palatinate, presenting a comprehensive package that is also intended to relieve the trades and crafts sector of bureaucratic burdens.

Photo: © jat306/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2024

Savings Bank President Reuter: More investments, less bureaucracy

Despite high levels of pressure, small and medium-sized businesses are holding their own. However, they urgently need investment—including private capital—and a new entrepreneurial spirit, according to the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV). What are the prospects?

Photo: © andreypopov/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2024

Medical aid provision: reducing bureaucracy instead of regulatory fantasies

The alliance "We provide for Germany" rejects the demands of the GKV-Spitzenverband for more regulation in the provision of medical aids.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | August 2024

Survey: Bureaucratic burdens in small and medium-sized businesses at record high

Bureaucratic burdens are becoming an increasingly serious problem for small and medium-sized businesses. According to a survey conducted by DZ Bank and the Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken (Cooperative Banks), these regulations are hindering business success – even more than the shortage of skilled workers.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2024

Federal Cabinet approves amendments to the Bureaucracy Relief Act IV

The Federal Cabinet has adopted a drafting aid to supplement the government's draft of the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV. The skilled trades sector sees no progress in this and calls for more effective relief measures.

Photo: © Sergey Triapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2024

Reduce bureaucracy in the skilled trades

In order to promote the reduction of bureaucracy and to get to grips with it, the Münster Chamber of Crafts is asking companies for examples of burdens.

Photo: © jat306/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2024

BMJ presents draft bureaucracy relief regulation

The Federal Ministry of Justice intends to implement another component of the Meseberg Bureaucracy Reduction Programme and has proposed a Bureaucracy Reduction Ordinance with 25 measures.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

Bureaucracy: "The Bundestag must now provide relief"

On the occasion of the first debate on the draft Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV in the Bundestag, the skilled trades sector reminds us how urgently their businesses need a noticeable reduction in bureaucracy.

Photo: © kzenon/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

Roofing trade commits to Europe and calls for more bureaucracy reduction

The ZVDH underscores the importance of Europe for the German economy and the skilled trades sector. It calls for a growth-friendly environment and appropriate framework conditions for skilled trades businesses in the coming legislative period.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

NRW FDP wants to free the craft sector from bureaucracy

The North Rhine-Westphalia FDP parliamentary group is launching an initiative to reduce bureaucracy and tax burdens for craft businesses and is presenting a ten-point program to this end.

Photo: © Jörg Diester

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

Bureaucracy: regulations and laws instead of personal responsibility

"The personal responsibility of companies is increasingly being replaced by guidelines, specifications, and laws," says Kurt Krautscheid, President of the Koblenz Chamber of Crafts. The master roofer is familiar with many – sometimes paradoxical – examples of bureaucracy.

Photo: © Dominik Kruchen

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

Dental technicians: Bureaucracy endangers company succession

Dental technicians suffer from enormous bureaucracy. The documentation requirements for dentures alone are immense. This could discourage the younger generation from taking up the profession, master dental technician Dominik Kruchen knows from personal experience.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2024

Federal Council calls for bureaucracy reduction for small and medium-sized businesses

The Federal Council has taken a position on the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV and is proposing further measures to specifically ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses. The skilled trades sector recognizes "important impetus" but calls for "more political courage" to reduce bureaucracy.

Photo: © Sergiy Tryapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2024

Brandenburg: Catalogue for reducing bureaucracy

Associations and chambers are calling on the state government to take action: the effort and costs for companies should be significantly reduced.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2024

Bureaucracy in the skilled trades: ZDH calls for more comprehensive relief

The ZDH has submitted a statement on the draft of the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV. The law does not provide any noticeable relief for businesses. Therefore, the association proposes ten additional measures.

Photo: © Michael Jordan

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2024

Crafts in Rhineland-Palatinate for reducing bureaucracy and promoting diversity

Topics such as the energy transition, European elections, and the shortage of skilled workers were on the agenda at the summit of the Rhineland-Palatinate skilled trades. In two resolutions, representatives advocated for reducing bureaucracy and promoting a cosmopolitan skilled trades sector.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2024

Federal Cabinet passes bureaucracy relief law

The Bureaucracy Relief Act IV, passed by the federal government, is intended to reduce the burden on businesses by almost one billion euros annually. The ZDH welcomes this but calls for further measures.

Photo: © holz-lippe.de

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2024

Bureaucracy: GEG demands free consultation

The Building Energy Act (GEG) only permits the installation of heating, new windows, or insulation after a free consultation. The bureaucratic burden for tradespeople is enormous, says entrepreneur Frederik Lippe.

Photo: © DHB / Kirsten Freund

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2024

Top-level business meeting: "Bureaucracy reduction needs speed"

The mood in companies is poor, bureaucratic burdens are overwhelming: At the top-level business meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the associations presented a ten-point paper to strengthen Germany as a business location.

Photo: © Quint

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2024

Bureaucracy: Quint butcher shop closes after 96 years

The Quint butcher shop will cease production on March 31. It wasn't planned at all. Company CEO Theresia Quint wanted to invest five million euros. But bureaucracy thwarted her plans.

Photo: © sergeyback/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2024

Painters and varnishers demand reduction of bureaucracy

The painting and decorating trade is criticizing the plans for the Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV, arguing that the law bypasses SMEs. In a letter to members of the Bundestag, the state parliaments, and the European Parliament, it is now calling for the "reduction of senseless bureaucracy."

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2024

Reducing bureaucracy: higher thresholds for accounting and financial reporting

The German federal government has passed a draft law to raise the thresholds for financial reporting and accounting. This is intended to reduce bureaucratic costs for SMEs by €650 million.

Photo: © HWK Koblenz

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2024

Kurt Krautscheid: Rapid reduction of bureaucracy!

The current economic survey conducted by the "German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses" describes Germany's unattractiveness due to excessive bureaucracy.

Photo: © Paul Schneider / Handwerk.NRW

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2024

Reduce bureaucracy, restart the economic engine

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann was a guest at the Handwerk.NRW Epiphany gathering. His keynote speech focused on reducing bureaucracy and building trust in responsible entrepreneurship.

Photo: © Elnur Amikishiyev/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2024

Draft for the Bureaucracy Relief Act IV is available

The Ministry of Justice has published the draft bill for the fourth bill to ease bureaucracy for citizens, businesses, and the administration. The skilled trades sector is disappointed, saying the bill will not bring about any noticeable reduction in bureaucracy.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | January 2024

Ten rules to avoid bureaucracy

Both the CDU and Green Party factions, as well as the FDP, in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament have submitted a motion calling for bureaucracy reduction. The skilled trades sector has commented on this, putting forward ten theses for avoiding bureaucracy.

Photo: © ZDH / Schuerring

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2023

Crafts criticize pending cabinet decision on bureaucracy relief law

The federal government had announced another bureaucracy reduction bill for this year. Now, the cabinet has once again failed to pass it. The skilled trades sector is disappointed.

Photo: © markus-pieper.eu

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2023

EU SME policy: "We demand a halt to bureaucracy"

MEP Markus Pieper talks about EU SME policy in recent years and needs for the future.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2023

Bureaucratic burden at record high

The ongoing compliance costs have never been as high as they are today. The National Regulatory Control Council notes this in its annual report on reducing bureaucracy and calls for a reversal. Politicians must finally act, say the skilled trades.

Photo: © Marina Strizhak/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2023

EU work programme: Reducing bureaucracy should be the focus

In its work programme for the coming year, the EU Commission is focusing particularly on reducing bureaucracy and improving the competitiveness of the economy.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2023

Reducing bureaucracy: Ministry of Justice takes stock

The Federal Cabinet has approved the Federal Ministry of Justice's special report on the progress made in reducing bureaucracy. Despite the lengthy document, the results are rather sobering, according to the trade association.

Photo: © Ledda Maria Rita/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2023

Health trades do not believe in reducing bureaucracy

According to a survey by the alliance "We provide Germany," to which the Federal Guild Association for Orthopaedic Technology belongs, companies expect more rather than less bureaucracy.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | August 2023

Federal Cabinet approves key points for bureaucracy relief law

The Bureaucracy Reduction and Growth Opportunities Acts are intended to reduce the bureaucracy burden on businesses by €2,3 billion. The skilled trades sector is disappointed by the key provisions adopted. They fall far short of their potential.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2023

Bureaucracy burdens Brandenburg's crafts

The results of a recent survey show worrying effects of bureaucratic burdens on the skilled trades in Brandenburg.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2023

"Bureaucratic burden is alarming"

According to a recent ZDH survey, bureaucracy is the biggest burden for more than three-quarters of craft businesses. The association calls for "urgently needed relief for craft businesses."

Photo: © Elnur Amikishiyev/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2023

Bureaucracy slows down companies

Datev survey among tax consultants: Bureaucracy and overregulation are burdening small and medium-sized businesses. However, the biggest problem remains the shortage of skilled workers.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2023

Bureaucracy reduces the desire for entrepreneurship

Craft businesses in the Münster Chamber of Commerce district are seeing more and more administrative tasks – which is making self-employment in the craft sector increasingly unattractive.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2023

Reducing bureaucracy: ZDH welcomes proposals from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group

The CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag is calling on the federal government to "finally switch to action mode" when it comes to reducing bureaucracy and is putting forward 22 concrete proposals. The skilled trades sector agrees and also calls for more speed.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2023

Reducing bureaucracy: Bakers make concrete proposals

The bakery trade has repeatedly called on politicians to reduce excessive bureaucratic burdens. Now, it is presenting 32 proposals that it says can be implemented quickly.

Photo: © stylephotographs/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2023

Procurement law: Carpenters demand bureaucracy relief

Public procurement law is to be reformed. The carpentry trade fears additional bureaucratic burdens and demands more efficient, practical procedures.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2022

Reducing bureaucracy: "Germany still has a long way to go"

The National Regulatory Control Council (NRC) says politicians have had little success in reducing bureaucracy. The skilled trades sector is demanding that the federal government finally implement its bureaucracy-reducing plans from the coalition agreement.

Photo: © Andreas Schröder

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2022

Does bureaucracy endanger the climate transition in the skilled trades?

Policy: Association of Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Brussels – The pioneering role of skilled crafts must not be jeopardized by excessive regulations. Small businesses, in particular, suffer from the bureaucratic burden.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2022

Further criticism of the implementation of the Working Conditions Directive

The Bundestag is about to decide on the implementation of the EU Working Conditions Directive. The skilled trades sector continues to criticize the federal government's draft legislation. Bakers are demanding improvements.

Photo: © Andrea de Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2022

Regulatory Control Council: Crafts demand consistent reduction of bureaucracy

The Federal Cabinet has approved amendments to the National Regulatory Control Council Act. Responsibility for the National Regulatory Control Council thus shifts to the Ministry of Justice. The skilled trades sector is now calling for rapid steps to reduce bureaucracy.

Photo: © Elnur/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2022

Working Conditions Directive: new bureaucratic burdens threaten

The Ministry of Labor has presented a draft bill to implement the EU Working Conditions Directive. The ZDH fears additional bureaucratic burdens for small and medium-sized businesses.

Photo: © Sergey Triapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2021

"Demanding bureaucracy reduction is not enough, we must show solutions!"

The coronavirus crisis, sustainability, healthcare-related trades, and expectations for a new federal government were the topics of the second "Forum on Crafts Law." Practitioners and academics shared experiences and took a look at upcoming legislation.

Photo: © BKV-Nord

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2021

Bakers demand bureaucracy reduction after the federal election

The North German guild bakers have launched a poster campaign to promote the reduction of bureaucracy. "We want to bake, not files," is one of the slogans.

Photo: © andreykuzmin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2021

Reducing bureaucracy: New basic register for companies

In the future, every company will receive a uniform federal business number in a new register containing all master data. This will facilitate cooperation with all German authorities.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2021

Bureaucracy: two further unleashing packages for NRW

The North Rhine-Westphalian state government has adopted the Unleashing Packages VII and VIII to remove bureaucratic hurdles. The aim is to stimulate innovation and investment activity in companies.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2021

Relieve companies holistically

The North Rhine-Westphalian skilled trades sector is calling on the state government to further develop the existing measures to reduce bureaucracy and is presenting a 6-point plan to ease the burden on companies.

Photo: © Bartolomiej Pietrzyk/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2021

Automotive trade fears new bureaucratic monster

According to the German Automobile Industry Association (ZDK), the automotive trade is facing new bureaucratic burdens. As of July 1, warranty commitments made by car dealers to vehicle buyers will be treated differently than before. The association fears devastating consequences.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2021

Better regulation should reduce bureaucracy

The European Commission aims to improve legislation and has proposed various measures to this end. The skilled trades sector welcomes this and hopes for swift action from the Commission.

Photo: © andreykuzmin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2021

Reducing bureaucracy: Federal Cabinet approves basic register

With a central register and standardized national business numbers, the federal government aims to further reduce bureaucracy for companies. Businesses should benefit by eliminating the need to submit data multiple times.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2021

Federal Cabinet approves bureaucracy reduction package

The Federal Cabinet has approved a 22-point package to ease bureaucracy. The skilled trades sector expects this to provide significant relief for businesses.

Photo: © Elnur Amikishiyev/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2021

Reducing bureaucracy: "The federal government must step on the gas"

The bakery trade welcomes the fact that the Federal Government is working on the fourth Bureaucracy Reduction Act, makes additional suggestions and calls for rapid implementation.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2021

Federal government prepares new bureaucracy relief law

Another bureaucracy reduction law is expected to be passed before the end of this legislative period. A federal government working group has now presented 22 proposals for reducing bureaucracy.

Photo: © Andrea De Martin/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2021

Campaign against excessive bureaucracy

The Steinfurt-Warendorf Chamber of Crafts and the local banks say "No, thank you!" to the mass of forms.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2021

Administration: the burden of bureaucracy

Companies have to invest a lot of time and money in dealing with bureaucratic work. But the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the importance of efficient bureaucracy. Let's take stock.

Photo: © Sergiy Tryapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2021

The bakery trade demands: "Tackle bureaucracy reduction now"

The Central Association of the German Bakers' Trade is calling on the federal government to implement the promised fourth Bureaucracy Reduction Act. The association reiterates its proposals for a new law presented in autumn 2020.

Photo: © Sergey Triapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2020

Bureaucracy: NKR calls for relief for the economy

The National Regulatory Control Council (NKR) has presented its annual report, calling for greater efforts to reduce bureaucracy and modernize the administration. The skilled trades sector is demanding swift action from the federal government.

Photo: © Chamber of Crafts Rheinhessen

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2020

Less bureaucracy could help right now

As a master hairdresser, Hans-Jörg Friese, President of the Rheinhessen Chamber of Crafts, is one of the business owners severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Even during a pandemic, he experienced how important bureaucracy is to government agencies.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2020

ZDH makes 52 suggestions for reducing bureaucracy

The skilled trades industry's patience is running out. In light of the ever-increasing bureaucratic burden on businesses, the ZDH has put forward 52 proposals for effective bureaucracy reduction and submitted them to State Minister Hendrik Hoppenstedt.

Photo: © ximagination/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2019

CO₂ pricing: Federal Council warns of more bureaucracy

The Federal Council sees a need for adjustments to the federal government's planned CO₂ pricing. It calls for simpler rules to avoid increased bureaucracy.

Photo: © ZDH / Schuerring

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2019

Relieve craft businesses of noticeable bureaucracy

The National Regulatory Control Council (NKR) has presented its report for 2019. Holger Schwannecke, Secretary General of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), misses any noticeable relief for small and medium-sized businesses in this context.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | October 2019

Get rid of the bureaucratic monster A1 certificate!

Lower Saxony intends to launch an initiative in the Bundesrat to advocate for the abolition of the posting certificate required for work and business trips in other European countries.

Photo: © clickandphoto/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2019

Bakery trade: No bureaucratic relief!

The new bureaucracy reduction law is disappointing the business community. The bakery trade is also sharply criticizing the bill. "This won't have any noticeable impact on a baker's everyday life."

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2019

Reducing bureaucracy: Much still to be done

DIHK President Eric Schweizer describes the current draft of the Bureaucracy Relief Act III as "a start to urgently needed relief." However, in his view, much remains to be done.

Photo: © Wilfried Meyer / HWK Düsseldorf

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2019

FDP advocates for reducing bureaucracy

The FDP parliamentary group presented a short study on reducing bureaucracy at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades and proposed ten measures to ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses.

Photo: © Elnur Amikishiyev/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2019

Bureaucracy: Poor marks from the skilled trades

The federal government is patting itself on the back for reducing bureaucracy. However, businesses are barely aware of these "successes." Due to constantly new laws, they have less and less time for customers.

Photo: © nomadsoul1/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2019

Corporate burnout due to bureaucracy

The oft-promised reduction in bureaucracy isn't happening. At a ZDH panel, the skilled trades sector is demanding that the government keep its promise.

Photo: © ZDH / Schuering

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2019

"There is still room for improvement in reducing bureaucracy"

Legislative proposals from Europe are impacting everyday business life, says Holger Schwannecke. He discusses successes in advocacy and important issues for the future.

Photo: © Elnur/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2019

FDP parliamentary group wants to reduce bureaucracy regarding the minimum wage

The FDP parliamentary group has submitted a motion to the Bundestag to reduce the bureaucracy of minimum wage documentation. The requirements for employers are to be reduced.

Photo: © Peter Leßmann

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | February 2019

"Everything remains with the small craftsman"

The Nienkempers are at their limit. Everyone wants something from them, but no one can or wants to make any decisions anymore. So they have to write, write, write. The bureaucracy never ends.

Photo: © grafvision/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | December 2018

Crafts disappointed by government plans

The Federal Cabinet has approved a program for better regulation and bureaucracy reduction. The skilled trades community says the government is treading water with this.

Photo: © Lars Otten

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2018

Todtenhausen, FDP: Reducing bureaucracy is a permanent project

For Manfred Todtenhausen (FDP, spokesman for craft policy), member of the Bundestag, reducing bureaucracy is a long-term project.

Photo: © Kevin Schneider

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | November 2018

Ten points for reducing bureaucracy

Member of the Bundestag and master electrician Manfred Todtenhausen is campaigning for the reduction of bureaucracy with ten demands.

Photo: © Iryna Denysova/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | September 2018

Working in France: Probably no relief from bureaucracy

German companies that temporarily send employees to France for specific activities must continue to expect considerable administrative costs in the future.

Photo: © Handwerksblatt

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2018

Reducing bureaucracy: Crafts make mobility possible

The South Westphalia Chamber of Crafts and the Hochsauerland District Crafts Association hosted a discussion event on the topic of reducing bureaucracy.

Photo: © nomadsoul1/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2018

Less bureaucracy for businesses

The Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts is collecting suggestions from companies: Where would reducing bureaucracy be beneficial? Where are the problems caused by overly complicated forms or slow administrative processes?

Photo: © Baloncici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | June 2018

More bureaucracy, less mobility

The trade fears bureaucratic burdens due to an extension of the tachograph requirement to vehicles with a permissible total weight between 2,4 and 3,5 tonnes.

Photo: © stylephotographs/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | March 2018

Succession: Bureaucracy hinders the craft industry

Tens of thousands of skilled tradesmen are currently intensively considering succession planning. Bureaucracy is a major annoyance for many.

Photo: © KH Steinfurt-Warendorf

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | August 2017

Advance in the fight against bureaucracy

With an unusual campaign, the Steinfurt-Warendorf Chamber of Crafts, Volksbanken and Sparkassen in the region are drawing the attention of the public and politicians to the over-regulation.

Photo: © bacho12345/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2017

From now on: Less bureaucracy

The second Bureaucracy Reduction Act is in effect. Most of the new regulations have been in effect since July 6, with the tax law changes retroactive to January 1, 2017.

Photo: © Sergey Triapitsyn/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | May 2017

A little less bureaucracy for small businesses

Less bureaucracy in tax law and a modernized Crafts Code: The second Bureaucracy Relief Act is intended to relieve the burden on micro-enterprises in particular.

Photo: © qwasyx/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | April 2017

Finally: less bureaucracy!

The Bundestag has passed the second Bureaucracy Relief Act. The skilled trades sector welcomes the relief for businesses.

Photo: © lsaloni/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | August 2016

Bureaucracy: Small businesses should be relieved

The draft law to reduce bureaucracy promises fewer obligations for small businesses. It has now been passed by the Federal Cabinet.

Photo: © pogonici/123RF.com

Bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades - Special features | July 2016

Less bureaucracy for craft businesses?

No longer keeping all delivery notes, small-value invoices up to 200 euros and a small business limit of up to 20.000 euros: The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy wants to relieve smaller businesses of bureaucracy.

Trainee test: How fit are your applicants?

Current editions