For public contracts above the EU thresholds, the Act against Restraints of Competition requires that they be divided by trade: Leistungen sind in der Menge aufgeteilt (Teillose) und getrennt nach Art oder Fachgebiet (Fachlose) zu vergeben. When a town builds a large school, for example, the shell, the roof, the electrical work and the painting would normally be awarded as separate lots. Each Gewerk, each trade, owns its part. Combining them is allowed only when economic or technical reasons require it. Since 1 July 2026, the law has had a new exception. For large infrastructure projects paid from the special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality, and for transport infrastructure, contracts may now also be combined when time requires it.