New German postal regulations: labeling requirements for heavy packages starting 2025

As we stride into the new year, the postal and shipment industry in Germany is bracing itself for a significant change – the introduction of the new Postal Law from 1 January 2025. This law, you’ll find, is not just another regulatory update but a major shift that will impact the entire industry, chiefly due to its mandatory labeling requirement for heavy packages.

Overview of the new German postal regulations

The new German postal regulations that came into effect from January 1, 2025, have brought some significant changes to the handling of heavy parcels. According to these regulations, a heavy parcel is classified as a package that weighs more than 10 kg or 20 kg. This change is primarily focused on enhancing the shipping process of these heavy parcels, ensuring their safe and efficient handling during transit.

In accordance with these laws, businesses and individual shippers now have to comply with specific labeling requirements for heavy parcels. This means that the weight of every package needs to be accurately stated on the label. Furthermore, packages exceeding the weight limits of 10 kg or 20 kg need to bear a specific symbol.

What constitutes a heavy package under the new rules?

According to the new rules, a heavy package is defined as any parcel that weighs over 10 kg or 20 kg. The purpose of this classification is straightforward; it is designed to ensure heavy packages are easily identifiable and receive the necessary care during handling. This is a strategic move aimed at reducing potential risks and enhancing safety within the logistics chain.

The implications of these regulations go beyond safety; they also have a significant impact on efficiency within the logistics process. By clearly defining what constitutes a heavy package and requiring specific labeling, the new regulations contribute to improving occupational safety and enhancing the efficiency of logistics processes. This is possible because the clear identification of heavy parcels allows for appropriate handling methods, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and streamlining operations.

Mandatory labeling requirements: what you need to know

Accurate weight information has become mandatory for all shipments. This requirement ensures that carriers correctly state the weight of each package, and it applies to all packages, irrespective of whether they are classified as heavy. Keep in mind that the weight information needs to be visibly displayed on the package label. This rule is designed to improve transparency and efficiency in the logistics chain, as well as to prevent potential mishandling of packages.

In addition, the new regulations introduce specific symbols for heavy packages. Any package that exceeds the 10 kg or 20 kg thresholds must bear a special symbol that indicates its weight category. This visual cue is meant to alert logistics personnel, enabling them to handle the package with the necessary precautions. 

Implications for businesses: adapting to the new standards

Adapting to these new standards will require a revision of your current shipping processes. The inclusion of mandatory weight fields is now a part of the logistics process. You may need to alter your logistics software or provide additional training for your staff to effectively weigh and label packages.

Non-compliance with these regulations carries the risk of shipping delays and financial penalties. Therefore, it’s important that you are aware of these potential implications and take the necessary measures to avoid them.

In order to ensure compliance, these new standards must be integrated into your company’s systems. This could mean updating your existing software or investing in new technology capable of automatically generating the required labels based on weight input.

How Innoship can help streamline compliance?

In the face of the new German postal regulations, businesses may find themselves in a challenging situation to ensure compliance. However, with Innoship’s advanced logistics solution, the process of compliance is significantly simplified. The platform is designed with automated features that comply with the updated regulations, thereby taking the burden off your shoulders.

Innoship’s platform takes care of the integration of weight fields, as mandated by the new laws. This means that all your shipments will have accurate weight information, ensuring that you’re in alignment with the new regulations. This simplifies the process for you and saves you the time and effort of manual integration.

Continue reading this guide to optimizing last-mile deliveries: courier management tips! 

Don’t hesitate to count on Innoship to helps you ensure compliance and occupational safety on this new context!