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.

This article is part of the special feature on bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades.

The baking industry hopes that the federal government will finally implement the announced fourth law to reduce bureaucracy . "The burden of bureaucracy for small and medium-sized enterprises has reached a level in recent years that is no longer manageable and even threatens the existence of many businesses ," explains Michael Wippler , President of the Central Association of the German Baking Trade.

Michael Wippler Photo: © Central Association of the German Bakery Trade / Darius Ramazani

The previous bureaucracy law has brought " no noticeable relief for small and medium-sized enterprises" (SMEs). On the contrary, the association argues that the situation has now reached the point where businesses are closing down due to the numerous bureaucratic requirements or cannot find a successor . Wippler stated: "Entrepreneurial spirit in this country is steadily declining , and this weakens Germany's economic position."

Dissatisfaction among companies

There is " enormous discontent " in the industry, says Daniel Schneider , Managing Director of the Bakers' Association. Therefore, a fourth tax relief law is needed. Back in autumn 2020, the baking trade submitted 48 proposals on this matter. These must be taken into consideration.

Schneider is disappointed: "The grand coalition promised German businesses that the law would be passed during this legislative period . So far, however, Economics Minister Peter Altmaier hasn't even presented a draft." Time is of the essence, especially given the current strain caused by the coronavirus pandemic , which is putting enormous pressure on businesses.

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Moratorium on burdens demanded

Daniel Schneider Photo: © ZV Bäckerhandwerk

To cope with the consequences of the crisis, bakers need, according to the German Bakers' Association, a short- and long-term economic environment that places as little strain on businesses as possible and enables a rapid recovery. "We therefore urgently need a moratorium on new regulations for the duration of the coronavirus crisis and the period thereafter, so that businesses can breathe again and have room to invest ," demands Schneider.

The association argues that excessive bureaucratic requirements, such as numerous documentation obligations or the mandatory issuance of receipts, should be suspended at least for the duration of the coronavirus crisis to provide businesses with much-needed relief . There are plenty of proposals for reducing bureaucracy: the Baden-Württemberg Regulatory Control Council and the bakers' association recently submitted recommendations.

Suggestions for reducing bureaucracy:

• Make statistical obligations more efficient and less burdensome.
• In order to facilitate business succession, the protection of existing rights should be extended in the short term.
• For SMEs, exceptions should be made to the labelling requirements for baked goods in specialty stores and special regulations for self-service packaging should be abolished.
• A small business clause should be reintroduced in the risk assessment in occupational health and safety.
• The obligation to appoint a data protection officer, which is not required under European law, should be deleted.
• The permissible working hours in the production of baked goods on Sundays and public holidays should be extended to eight hours.
• The earnings limit for mini-jobbers should be raised quickly and in the short term.

Source: Central Association of the German Bakery Trade