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Check-list emergency plan and information on legal and insurance aspects
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The VDMA has compiled advice and experience from various companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry on how they can maintain production despite the pandemic.
Information about countries and travelling
Optimally informed - travel restrictions and national measures for work assignments by Corona
19.01.2021
Patchwork travel regulations:. Entry into Brazil via the UK or Northern Ireland is temporarily banned. Brazil is now considered a high risk area in Germany. (as of Jan. 19, 2021)
19.01.2021
Patchwork of travel regulations: Argentina seals itself off from Brazil and selected European countries. (Status from 01/19/2021)
15.01.2021
To address the cross-border spread of Covid-19, China had updated entry regulations into the country as of November 6, 2020.
15.01.2021
Coronavirus (Covid 19) advisories for Japan - Update January 11, 2021
14.01.2021
After Corona Lockdown, air travel to Colombia has resumed (as of 14.01.2021).
11.01.2021
New bilateral agreement since January 2021. Additional post-arrival testing remains mandatory.
15.01.2021
The new quarantine regulations are in force. Higher Administrative Court in Münster overturns NRW regulation with a ruling on 20 November
06.01.2021
As of June 11, 2020, persons from Germany, among other countries, will be allowed to re-enter Turkey. Since 30.12.2020 a negative PCR test is required upon entry.
Work assignment possible for up to 72 hours without quarantine (as of 12.01.2021)
The possibility of carrying out assembly and service work has been opened up. Further groups of persons qualify for special approval. VDMA members report on first experiences with travel to the USA. Updated on October 26, 2020.
17.08.2020
Quarantine required on return from several regions in Romania (as of 17.08.2020)
17.08.2020
Quarantine required on return from northern Spanish regions (status: 04.08.2020)
12.08.2020
Passenger form required for entry of more than 48 hours (update 12.08.2020)
04.08.2020
PCR-Test before travelling to UAE is not mandatory, but recommended. (Status: January 18, 2021)
17.07.2020
Natives and foreigners with residence permits can re-enter Morocco according to the Africa Association. (Status: 17.07.2020)
11.01.2021
Uzbekistan stops entry from a number of countries, including Germany.
09.12.2020
Visa requirement extended until 1 May 2021. Entry still possible.
08.01.2021
Entry is generally permitted. Germany is currently on the "red list", i.e. quarantine conditions apply upon entry. A nationwide lockdown is in effect from January 8 to 24.
30.06.2020
Thanks to tough shutdowns in the past, the Covid situation in Tunisia is under control. (July 17, 2020)
26.06.2020
The Austrian Federal Government intends to implement further measures to support companies affected by corona. Margarete Schramböck, Federal Minister for Digitization and Business Location, announced an investment premium and the possibility of loss carryback.
23.06.2020
Presidential proclamation sees job opportunities of US-Americans threatened
Proof of valid reasons is required on entry (Status: 12.01.2021)
09.12.2020
The second wave of infection is also rolling in Russia. The hope for a resumption of normal travel is moving into 2021.
In principle: exemption option from quarantine for certain assembler assignments (as of 14/01/2021).
25.05.2020
The air and ferry connections have been discontinued and the borders closed. Only goods traffic is possible (status 16.07.2020).
25.05.2020
Deployment of employees to Egypt is possible. Covid tests needs to be presented when enterring the country. (Status: 01.09.2020)
04.01.2021
Saudi Arabia reopened its borders. (Status: January 4, 2021)
30.04.2020
The Austrian federal government has decided on an aid package of 38 billion euros to support the country's economy in the Corona crisis. An adapted short-time working scheme, emergency aid, liquidity guarantees, loans, guarantee programmes and fiscal measures are intended to help overcome emergencies and bottlenecks. In addition, numerous other initiatives have been launched to support companies in this difficult phase. The VDMA Austria provides an overview here (as of April 30, 2020):
14.04.2020
Travel conditions to Southeast Asia, including business trips, are becoming increasingly restricted. The situation varies from country to country, here is a short overview (status: 01.04.2020).
06.04.2020
The number of Covid19 cases continues to rise in Africa as well. The ongoing training and education courses of the VDMA initiative are therefore currently being continued via "distance learning". Further training courses have been paused for the time being until further notice. Many African countries have already introduced relevant measures, which also affect the international economy and international trade partnerships with African countries. Below is an overview of helpful sources of information on the developments of Covid 19 in Africa.
30.03.2020
Trump is not yet easing the measures against the spread of the coronavirus. The relevant decisions will be made by the Governors anyway.
23.03.2020
Measure to stem the spread of coronavirus
12.03.2020
For residents of the Schengen States, entry into the USA is temporarily excluded. Installation and service assignments are affected.
19.03.2020
Foreign travelers are denied entry and the border with the USA is partially closed.
13.03.2020
After Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Emilia-Romagna and the other regions in northern Italy are top locations for European mechanical engineering.
12.03.2020
Flight connections to Germany and other European countries are also affected.
05.03.2020
Measure is intended to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
28.01.2020
Since 2012, the MERS flu virus has already claimed over 800 lives. Infections are mainly related to the Gulf region.
Medical Technology
Mechanical engineering is there when you need it. In the Corona pandemic, mechanical engineering companies are launching many initiatives to help people in need worldwide.
Business topics
19.01.2021
Surprisingly, the legislator has decided at short notice to extend the suspension of the insolvency filing obligation under certain new conditions until 31.01.2021.
18.01.2021
Companies may unilaterally order short-time work if necessary, even by giving notice of termination without notice, e.g. in order to avert an otherwise threatening insolvency.
11.01.2021
Even in times of Corona, machine manufacturers have to fulfill their social responsibility and to maintain production. A legal home office requirement with fines would therefore be absurd.
10.12.2020
On 3 December 2020, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) extended its special regulation on determining incapacity to work until 31 March 2021.
11.11.2020
In a court ruling dated 25 September 2020, file number 3 O 261/20 (BeckRS 2020, 27363), the Regional Court of Paderborn, to VDMA’s knowledge as the first German court, expressly qualified the corona pandemic as a case of "force majeure" in the light of a so-called force majeure clause.
12.11.2020
In spring 2020, special regulations were introduced for the first time with regard to the receipt of short-time working benefits and the reimbursement of social security contributions in order to cushion the consequences of the corona pandemic.
28.09.2020
Ventilating rooms in a way that protects against infection will become increasingly important in the coming season, which is why the BAuA has published information on this subject.
15.09.2020
The new SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety rule has been published as a preliminary version on the website of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
11.08.2020
The preservation of production is vital for companies. What protective measures must the employer take and can the presumed effect be assumed?
09.07.2020
On 7 July, the Recommendation for Wearing Time Limitations when Wearing Mouth Nose Cover (MNB) or Mouth Nose Protector (MNS) was published, which employers can use in risk assessment.
01.07.2020
It is expected that the Corona bridging allowance can be applied for on July 8 via the funding portals. For companies that have experienced a significant downturn in their business activities in recent months, there is only a short window of time until the end of September to apply. A calculation tool for the bridging allowance is available for download.
23.06.2020
It is not yet clear which rules will soon apply to exhibition stands. Unfortunately, there will not be nationwide uniform regulations. But there are recommendations for action by the FAMAB. Exhibitors should not let themselves be unsettled now and should wait with decisions until the concrete conditions for their trade fairs have been established.
20.05.2020
Biggest challenge: lack of digitization strategy and postponement of digitization projects; mechanical engineering well positioned in production-related digitization; portfolio adjustments: Establishment of new business models
18.05.2020
On May 14, 2020, the Bundestag decided, among other things, to gradually increase the short-time working allowance.
08.05.2020
The English edition is available for download.
Corona continues to have a firm grip on us, the effects on personnel recruitment and the need for young people are uncertain. Your help is therefore required - please let us know our assessments by 8 May 2020.
04.05.2020
Short-time work, home office, sick leave and the opportunities of the crisis. Here you can read an overview of the assessments of the HR managers in our industry. In the download you will find the complete presentation of the results.
04.11.2020
In the current situation on-site assessments are cancelled or replaced by remote audits where possible. For example, the DAkkS is currently no longer carrying out on-site assessments and the conformity assessment bodies are currently examining how they can maintain certification operations.
17.04.2020
Special occupational health and safety standards have been issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for the period of the Covid19 pandemic.
20.04.2020
The loan conditions of KfW Corona Aid were adjusted and improved at short notice.
16.04.2020
At the end of March, the European Competition Network (ECN) published a joint statement in which the continued validity of antitrust law was pointed out, but also the flexibility of antitrust law in view of the current Covid 19 crisis.
16.04.2020
Many VDMA members are currently being asked to provide their business partners with declarations that they operate an "essential production". This raises questions as to why the VDMA has prepared a memo on this topic.
IHK examinations postponed. Vocational schools closed. What companies can do.
14.04.2020
Many workers commute from their place of residence to another country to work. Home office work and border closures, which are currently ordered in many cases, can have tax disadvantages for cross-border commuters.
02.04.2020
With its resolution of March 25, 2020, the Bundestag passed the law to mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in civil, insolvency and criminal procedure law.
07.04.2020
The new KfW quick loan is intended to ensure that those companies that have only run into difficulties as a result of the Corona pandemic can obtain a loan quickly by means of a 100 percent release from liability and by waiving the usual risk assessment.
01.04.2020
The preservation of production is vital for companies. What protective measures must the employer take? How are they to be seen organizationally?
31.03.2020
On 30 March 2020, the Commission published Guidelines for maintaining the free movement of workers during the COVID 19 pandemic.
30.03.2020
In the Corona crisis, companies have the possibility to apply for the deferral of social security contributions.
30.03.2020
Exporters now need cover and financing for their exports. The VDMA welcomes the fact that Hermes cover is available. Measures to secure export credits by banks must follow.
The currently spreading "coronavirus" is leading to considerable uncertainty in the personal and professional sphere.
27.03.2020
In case your company is already affected by Corona or you expect to be affected in the future, we would like to support you in crisis management with the attached checklist.
25.03.2020
The GKV-Spitzenverband has agreed measures to support employers affected by the corona virus after consultation with the German Pension Insurance Association and the Federal Employment Agency.
17.03.2020
The application for short-time work compensation, for example in the event of order bottlenecks or production restrictions due to the "coronavirus", is in principle already possible when the original legal regulations are applied
23.03.2020
The German government has adopted a wide range of catalogues of measures for the economy to support companies in the crisis. Initially, the existing programmes for liquidity support will be considerably expanded to facilitate access to cheap loans for companies. The Federal Government will enable KfW to equip all programmes.
26.03.2020
We also support you in the current situation with your questions about software topics, which are now more important than ever.
20.03.2020
The current situation represents a major challenge for many companies. Digital solutions and modern technologies are more important than ever. We support you in the best possible way to maintain operations and value creation in your company
24.03.2020
In the course of the tax measures to secure liquidity, the instruments of deferral and adjustment of advance payments are in the foreground of the tax protection shield, in addition to the protection granted against enforcement. For this reason, we would like to provide more detailed information on these two instruments in the following.
19.03.2020
The BMF had already announced various tax measures to secure liquidity under the heading "Tax liquidity assistance".
18.03.2020
As already announced in the media, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Economics last Friday published the plan of measures to support German companies in case of negative consequences of the corona virus.
17.03.2020
The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) has issued a current press release on the subject of home offices.
News from politics
VDMA strongly advocates within politicians for cushioning the temporary and severe shock for the mechanical engineering industry as best as possible.
08.01.2021
Companies and research institutions can apply for funding for research and technology projects for the production of innovative personal and medical protective equipment.
15.07.2020
The Federal Statistical Office is registering rising unemployment in the manufacturing industry - from the point of view of the VDMA, the Federal Government must draw the consequence from this to facilitate employment.
02.07.2020
On 29 June 2020, the EU Commission amended and extended the Temporary Framework for a third time to enable Member States to safeguard jobs and support the economy in the Corona crisis. VDMA summarises the Temporary Framework for State aid.
27.05.2020
The German mechanical and plant engineering industry is severely affected by the consequences of the Corona pandemic. The national solo efforts and border closures of the EU member states have further exacerbated the economic difficulties. Disrupted supply chains, slumps in incoming orders and liquidity bottlenecks are just some of the direct consequences. The economy needs a fresh start, based on improved competitive conditions, investment and innovation.
27.05.2020
The EU Commission has adapted its work programme and presented a plan for economic recovery after the Corona crisis.
18.05.2020
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research wants to support the production sector in adapting and digitising production lines. To this end, the EU Commission has announced two calls for proposals for this week (week 21).
14.05.2020
The EU-Commission published on 13 May 2020 a so-called tourism and transport package. One aim is to help the EU Member States in gradually lifting the travel restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
08.05.2020
The outbreak of the corona pandemic has also affected the mechanical engineering industry. In the new 5-point plan, VDMA summarises its main demands for a solid, stable and secure European future.
24.04.2020
The adjustment of the tax loss carry-forward gives companies some breathing space, but only provides limited help to medium-sized mechanical engineering companies.
20.04.2020
The extension of the short-time working benefits meets an important requirement of the VDMA, which will provide noticeable relief and planning security for small and medium-sized companies.
20.04.2020
In cooperation with the EU member states, the EU Commission is organising a pan-European hackathon during the weekend (24-26.4.) on the occasion of the coronavirus crisis.
15.04.2020
The measures to combat the corona pandemic must be implemented with consistence. This applies in particular to quarantine rules for persons entering Germany for professional reasons. There must be a smooth, uniform European procedure in this field.
14.04.2020
The Grand Coalition wants to extend the period for which employees can receive short-time work benefits beyond 12 months. Many mechanical engineering companies could benefit from this. The government is thus fulfilling an important demand of the VDMA.
31.03.2020
The EU Commission has published recommendations on cross-border activities to ensure the free movement of workers during the Corona crisis.
01.04.2020
What the VDMA is doing in the political arena
02.04.2020
COVID-19 is a burden on mechanical and plant engineering, as well as other branches of industry. Companies acutely need liquidity to cope with the consequences of the pandemic and to bridge the time until demand resumes. In order to ensure basic supplies and keep the damage to a minimum, economic life must be maintained - where this is justifiable in terms of health policy. The recovery after the crisis must be accompanied by economic policy.
27.03.2020
After numerous Member States have closed their national borders in recent weeks, the EU Commission is now launching an initiative to protect the Internal Market.
26.03.2020
The Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) serves to cushion the economic effects of the corona pandemic on companies in the real economy. The VDMA makes a classification for this.
26.03.2020
VDMA demands that State credit insurers must be allowed to resume operations if the private market fails. Private export credit insurances are in particular relevant for the European business of the mechanical engineering industry.
VDMA State Associations
From contact persons to support programmes: In connection with the corona virus, the federal states have compiled regionally specific information and assistance for companies.
06.07.2020
The federal and state governments support the companies with support measures - for example, bridging aid, liquidity assistance or guarantees. Here you will find an updated overview of these offers.
For your information and convenience, we have compiled an overview and the corresponding contact details and web addresses below. We hope that this will help you in your work. If you have any questions or general queries or concerns during this difficult period, please do not hesitate to contact us.
21.07.2020
All information specific to the state of Hesse has been compiled on a single Internet site for all departments. Among other things, all ordinances and general ordinances on combating the corona virus are available here at a glance and as downloads.
25.03.2020
Liquidity assistance, information, contact persons, support programmes and much more: in connection with the corona virus, each federal state has compiled regionally specific information and contact points for companies - partly with its own funds, partly for the implementation and design of the programmes set up by the federal government.
Various information portals are available to member companies for dealing with the corona pandemic: in addition to a central VDMA website, the North Rhine-Westphalia regional association also offers a constantly updated website with NRW-specific information.
VDMA Nordrhein-Westfalen & Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner GmbH offer VDMA member companies consulting services for securing liquidity in the crisis.
The "Procurement" task force of the NRW ministries coordinates inquiries and offers via a central e-mail address.
10.07.2020
The worldwide spread of the corona virus (2019-nCoV) also leads to numerous questions for companies. The Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture publishes important information and contact persons for affected companies.
28.07.2020
The Saarland state government is expanding its package of measures to help Saarland companies in the Corona crisis.
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Comprehensive lockdowns are the greatest risk for economic recovery in the mechanical engineering industry
Development of production capacities for infection control equipment
Helpful Informations
Federal Foreign Office
Corona crisis: short time allowance
KfW Corona support for companies
Government support for industry
Überbrückungshilfe Mittelstand
Government support "go-digital"
Corona: world market impact
Robert Koch Institut
Corporate pandemic planning
Operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems
Trade Fair Association AUMA
Data protection in the Corona crisis context
Information given by DAkkS
Frank Brückner
VDMA Communications, Deputy Spokesperson
+49 69 66 03-11 56
+49 69 66 03-21 56
frank.brueckner@vdma.org
Oliver Richtberg
Assistant to the Executive Director
+49 69 6603-1633
+49 69 6603-2633
oliver.richtberg@vdma.org