Munich — April will see an unusually high concentration of new ordinances taking effect across the Federal Republic. Whether in medicine, family law, employment, or international travel, hardly an area remains untouched. While some measures are the result of years of political debate, others have been adopted as swift legislative responses to current societal challenges. One thing is certain: as of this month, these rules become a reality for everyone, regardless of their level of awareness.
Ban on Nitrous Oxide and New Youth Protection Measures
As of April 2026, a strict ban on the sale and possession of nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for recreational purposes is in effect in Germany. This step is primarily designed to ensure the safety of children and adolescents, among whom the substance has become a dangerous trend. The New Psychoactive Substances Act has expanded the list of prohibited substances to include dinitrogen monoxide, as well as 1,4-butanediol and gamma-butyrolactone—chemicals classified as components for manufacturing “date rape drugs.”
The sale of these compounds via online retail and specialised vending machines has also been declared illegal. Exemptions remain for industrial and technical needs, as these chemicals are widely used in legal sectors of the economy. Legislators have intentionally focused on targeted regulation to avoid hindering legitimate production.
New Diagnostic Programme for At-Risk Groups
A potentially life-saving innovation is being introduced in the healthcare sector. As of April, heavy smokers are entitled to an annual free lung screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The costs for this procedure will be fully covered by statutory health insurance funds. Insured individuals aged 50 to 75 who have a smoking history of at least 25 years with an intensity of 15 pack-years are eligible.
The programme does not guarantee immediate appointments with radiologists; rather, it involves a complex service chain. First, a GP or internist must confirm eligibility and conduct an information session. Only then will the patient receive a referral to a specialised radiological practice. It is expected that securing appointments may take considerable time as clinical capacities are scaled up gradually.
USB-C: A Universal Standard for Laptops and Portable Tech
From 28 April 2026, EU-wide regulations regarding the universal USB-C charging port officially extend to all laptops, ultrabooks, and hybrid devices. Buyers of new hardware will now be able to power their devices using the same cable used for mobile phones.
In practice, this rule also means manufacturers are obliged to offer laptops in configurations without a power adapter. Those who can continue using an old charger should not be forced into purchasing a new one. The presence or absence of a power adapter must be indicated by a specific pictogram in online shops immediately next to the price. Apple has already begun selling new models in Europe in compliance with these requirements.
Airport Delays and the New EES Control System
Starting 10 April 2026, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will be fully launched at Germany’s external borders. Travellers from non-EU countries (such as the US, the UK, or Australia) will face a fundamental shift: the system will record biometric data, including fingerprints and digital facial images. In the future, authorities will automatically calculate overstays within the Schengen Area.
Previous experiences in other EU countries suggest a significant slowdown in border control procedures. In some cases, waiting times could increase by 70%. Major aviation associations have already issued a warning in a joint letter to the EU Commission regarding a potential collapse of summer passenger traffic. Those planning flights in the coming weeks should allow significantly more time for airport formalities.
Wage Increases and the East-West Equalisation
In the public sector, the first stage of a new collective agreement takes effect on 1 April. The increase provides for a 2.8% raise, incorporating a social mechanism with a guaranteed minimum of €100 per month. This base amount primarily benefits employees in schools, kindergartens, and municipal administrations. Trainees will also receive €60 more per month.
In Germany’s construction industry, a historic process will be finalised on 1 April: the full equalisation of pay levels between the East and West of the country. While wages in the West will rise by a planned 3.9%, workers in the East will receive a higher adjustment to finally close the remaining gap. Training allowances will also be increased to €1,122 in the first year.
Credit Cards for Travellers and New Paternal Rights
In the financial sector, the partnership between Lufthansa Miles & More and DKB bank is officially ending. Deutsche Bank has become the new card issuer. Existing cards will lose their legal validity; obtaining successor models requires a completely new application, including a credit check. Cardholders may lose insurance coverage if the replacement procedure is not completed in a timely manner.
In family law, reform now provides biological fathers with a significantly stronger position to challenge the legal paternity of other men. This change follows years of mandates from the Federal Constitutional Court. Challenging paternity is deemed permissible provided the child’s best interests are upheld. Furthermore, adolescents aged 14 and over are granted the right to actively object to such intervention by a biological father to protect established family ties.
Reduced Payments in Psychotherapy
The healthcare sector also faces a troubling change this April: fees for psychotherapeutic treatment are being cut by 4.5%. Professional medical associations have already announced the preparation of legal countermeasures. Experts fear that private practitioners may respond by reducing appointments for patients with statutory insurance, which is seen as a step backward for outpatient care.
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