The BGA (Bundesverband des deutschen Groß- und Außenhandels e.V.), the Federation of German Wholesale and Foreign Trade, is the leading organisation for the wholesale, foreign trade and service sector in the Federal Republic of Germany. It was originally founded in 1916, and re-founded after the Second World War (1949).

Structure of the BGA

Currently the BGA consists of 28 regional employers‘ associations, primarily responsible for wage policy. In addition, there are 51 branch associations covering the entire spectrum of wholesale and foreign trade. The BGA itself is a member of various economic associations at the German and European levels.

Since membership of the BGA is absolutely voluntary, it is completely service-oriented. Furthermore, the BGA is entirely independent of the government. The BGA head office in Berlin is managed by a Secretary General who nurtures good relations with policy-makers, other leading associations and international organisations, and co-ordinates the activities of the following eight main departments: Department for Fundamental Decisions, Public Relations, Foreign Trade, Collective Bargaining and Social Policy, Law and Competition, Taxes and Finance, Agriculture and the Environment, Transport, Logistics and Communications.

Main goals and tasks

In collaboration with its members the BGA in its capacity as the leading organisation in its sector exercises influence on legislation by working with the German Bundestag, government and relevant ministries. Another main task of the BGA is to inform members in a timely manner about new developments as well as about legal and regulatory changes. Representation and information activities on behalf of our members range from the foreign trade area – for example changes of tariffs, import quotas, foreign trade law etc. – to collective bargaining and social policy. The BGA often comments on laws or draft legislative bills in order to help members to manage difficulties which may arise.