Politics · Germany · 2 hrs ago
German lawmakers back phased tobacco tax increases
Germany’s Bundestag finance committee backed a plan to raise tobacco taxes on Wednesday.
The increases would start in 2027 and rise in stages through 2030, affecting cigarettes, rolling tobacco, shisha tobacco and e-cigarette liquids.
A 20-cigarette pack could cost nearly €4 more by 2030, with the average price projected to rise from €8.05 to €11.78.
The government says higher taxes would help balance the budget and protect public health.
The tobacco industry warns higher prices could push buyers to illegal products, while supporters say stronger customs enforcement can counter smuggling.
The bill is due for a Bundestag vote next, where approval is considered likely, and the Bundesrat could still object.
The Bundestag’s Finance Committee backed a plan to raise tobacco taxes in stages from 2027 to 2030.
Under the proposal, a 20-cigarette pack could cost nearly four euros more by 2030.
The German government says the increase would support budget consolidation and protect public health.
Tobacco industry representatives warn that higher prices could push consumers toward illegal products and reduce expected tax revenue.
The bill is due to go before the Bundestag plenary, where approval is considered likely.
- Who
- The Bundestag’s Finance Committee backed the proposal; the German government is promoting it.
- What
- The plan would raise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products in stages. A 20-cigarette pack could cost nearly four euros more by 2030.
- When
- The committee voted on 14 October 2026. The proposed increases would take effect from 2027 through 2030.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The government cites budget consolidation and public health protection.
German government and supporters
Tobacco industry representatives
Purpose
German government and supporters
The government says higher taxes would help consolidate the budget and protect public health.
Tobacco industry representatives
Industry representatives say the proposed increases are excessive and could drive consumers to illegal products.
Expected revenue
German government and supporters
The Finance Ministry forecasts higher tax revenue, including 1.5 billion euros in additional revenue in 2027.
Tobacco industry representatives
Industry representatives call the revenue forecasts unrealistic and warn that consumers may move to the black market.
The Bundestag’s Finance Committee backed the tobacco tax increase proposal.
The bill was due to be considered by the Bundestag plenary, where approval was considered likely.
The proposal would raise tobacco tax rates in stages.
A pack of 20 cigarettes could cost nearly four euros more than at present.
- Proposed tax increases
- Staged from 2027 to 2030
- Projected 2030 price
- €11.78 average for a 20-cigarette pack
- Current average price
- €8.05 in the summer, according to the German Finance Ministry
- Additional revenue in 2027
- €1.5 billion
- Estimated additional revenue in 2030
- €4.5 billion
3 sources
What people are saying
Rauchen tötet und das effektivste Mittel gegen das Rauchen ist der Preis
Den Schwarzmarkt bekämpft man nicht mit niedrigen Steuern, sondern mit einem starken Zoll
Luftschlösser
Wenn klassische Zigarettenpackungen teurer werden, weichen viele Raucher auf Feinschnitt aus, um ihren Geldbeutel zu schonen.