Expertenthemenbeschreibung GTC-Reform

GTC reform

The German economy needs a reform of GTC law

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Companies depend on legally secure contractual regulations. The restrictive application of German law on general terms and conditions (GTC) prevents this - resulting in great legal uncertainty and liability risks.

This renders German law rather unattractive. Not only does this place a burden on export-oriented SMEs, but also on new business models, for example start-up companies. Therefore, a reform (business to business, B2B) is urgently needed.

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VDMA and ZVEI present the current reform proposal for discussion as part of the "Frankfurt Initiative for the Further Development of the Law on General Terms and Conditions".

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What is the situation regarding general terms and conditions in business transactions?

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The economy urgently needs a reform of general terms and conditions

The control of general terms and conditions in business transactions has long been considered far too restrictive and rigid by the business community.

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat GTC

"The economy urgently needs a reform of the GTC - also to enable the digitalization of industry!"

Jan Paul Marschollek, Head of VDMA Legal Services

Auf den Punkt Zahl GTC

40

years since its enactment

German GTC law has been preventing a robust contractual framework through the rampant application of GTC-law restrictions in the B2B sector. 

Source: VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung AGB

Summary
VDMA-demands in the coalition agreement
  • The German federal government has incorporated two important demands made by the VDMA in its coalition agreement
  • They intend to reform the GTC law
  • The government promotes the creation of a European Private Company (SPE)

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