Politics · Germany · 11 hrs ago
German customs reviews requests to end vape and liquid taxes
German customs is reviewing industry requests to stop taxing vapes and liquids.
The requests concern vapes and e-cigarette liquids, which German law classifies as tobacco substitutes.
A tax-law change appears to exempt these products from tobacco tax until the end of the year.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has instructed customs to keep applying the old rate of €3.20 per 10 millilitres.
Some legal experts consider that instruction unlawful.
If the tax is not collected, buyers could pay less, including €3.80 less for a liquid bottle, according to the figures given.
Customs is processing the industry's requests, but no decision on them is stated.
German Customs is reviewing industry requests to end tobacco taxes on vapes and e-cigarette liquids, Bild reported.
The requests follow a tax-law error that, according to Bild, leaves the products exempt from tobacco tax until the end of the year.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has instructed Customs to continue applying the previous tax rates, the report said.
The previous rate was €3.20 per 10 millilitres of liquid.
Legal experts cited by Bild consider continuing to apply the rates unlawful.
- Who
- German Customs is reviewing requests from the industry. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has instructed it to keep applying the previous rates.
- What
- The requests seek to end tobacco taxes on vapes and e-cigarette liquids.
- When
- Bild reported this on October 31, 2026. The reported exemption applies until the end of the year.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- A tax-law error reportedly leaves the products exempt until year-end, while the finance minister wants the previous rates to continue.
Industry applicants
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil
Tax treatment
Industry applicants
The industry has asked for tobacco tax on vapes and liquids to be ended.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil
Klingbeil has instructed Customs to continue applying the previous rates.
Legality
Industry applicants
Legal experts cited by Bild consider applying the previous rates unlawful.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil
Klingbeil’s position is described as wanting the old rates applied despite the reported exemption.
Bild reported that a tax-law error leaves vapes and e-cigarette liquids exempt from tobacco tax until the end of the year.
Bild reported that Customs was already processing industry requests to end the tax.
- Previous liquid tax rate
- €3.20 per 10 millilitres
- Reported exemption ends
- End of the year
- Customs
- Reviewing requests from the industry
- Finance minister
- Lars Klingbeil