(updated on 13 March 2024)

The "Fourth Bureaucracy Relief Act" (BEG IV) is underway: On 13 March 2024, the Federal Government adopted the draft of the "Fourth Bureaucracy Relief Act". Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) had published a draft for consultation in mid-January. This was preceded by an online inquiry conducted a year earlier on the topic of "reducing bureaucracy", which invited more than 70 organisations to propose ten specific measures for the Federal Government to implement in order to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. The headquarters had announced that these suggestions would be used in formulating the Act.

The BEG IV must lead to tangible reliefs

In January 2023, the DIHK participated in the inquiry and submitted the ten required specific proposals whose implementation, according to the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), should take priority. Considering the size and comprehensive involvement of the IHK organisation in the inquiry, the DIHK seized the opportunity to present numerous additional suggestions from diverse sectors of the economy. In total, nearly 100 measures were submitted (please see downloads below).

The significant response of businesses to the inquiry yet again underscores how much companies suffer under the burden of endless regulations, requirements for reporting, and proof submissions. Reducing bureaucracy and, above all, halting the seemingly unstoppable flow of new regulations is of utmost priority for businesses.

Positive reaction by BMJ: In late October 2023, the Ministry published a "Monitoring Report" based on its inquiry, offering transparency. For each of the 442 proposals submitted by the organisations, the report outlines whether and to what extent the proposal has been considered in the draft of the BEG IV. Additionally, it explains the actions for the proposals that were not considered, including redirection to other departments or the EU level.

The Monitoring Report reveals:

• 115 proposals will be implemented, of which 34 will be fully adopted and 55 partially so. For 26 proposals, alternative solutions to reduce burdens have been announced.
• For 61 proposals, further assessments/analyses are required, each accompanied by explanations/discussions.
• 210 topics will not be pursued. Explanations are provided for each.
• 56 suggestions remain that, according to the BMJ, serve "better regulation" and should mainly be discussed with the National Regulatory Control Council. These proposals are excluded from the Monitoring Report discussion.