Legal update 2025: Essential novelties for your company

Changed liability rules since January 1, 2025

• There is no longer a limitation on who can be held liable. External executors are no longer protected.
• Subcontractors, (independent) service providers, representatives, and in some cases even employees can be held directly liable by injured parties/creditors.
• Adjustments to contracts and general terms and conditions are strongly recommended.

Discover all the details in our full article.

Ban on financial subcontracting since January 1, 2025

• For construction, meat, and moving sectors.
• Subcontractors may not pass on a full assignment 100%.
• Mere coordination is not sufficient, partial outsourcing of the assignment is still possible.
• Check if your contracts and working methods comply.

Discover all the details in our full article.

Duty of care for foreign contractors

From January, the rules for contractors who engage foreign subcontractors will be further tightened.

• Contractors must request essential information about foreign subcontractors, such as data on employment and social obligations.
• When the information is not provided after repeated requests, a new application must be submitted. In case of persistent refusal, the social inspection can even be involved.
• Compliance with this duty of care is crucial to avoid liability and fines.

B2C debt collection – the importance of up-to-date general terms and conditions

The legislation for debt collection from consumers (B2C) has been tightened. Companies must adapt to the new rules to avoid legal complications and collect payments on time. It is important to document communication well and update general terms and conditions.

• First, send a free payment reminder and clearly inform the consumer about the debt.
• There is a mandatory waiting period of 14 days without interest or compensation.
• Only after the waiting period can default interest and compensation be charged.
• Carefully document all communication with consumers about payments.
• Update general terms and conditions and consult legal advice to comply with the new legislation.

Our PKF BOFIDI Legal experts are happy to help

Do you have questions about these legislative changes? Feel free to contact our Legal experts.