Bundestag Passes Higher Tobacco Tax – Smoking Will Become Progressively More Expensive Through 2030

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Bundestag Passes Higher Tobacco Tax – Smoking Will Become Progressively More Expensive Through 2030.

Cigarettes are likely to become significantly more expensive in Germany in the coming years: On Wednesday, the Bundestag voted – with the support of the coalition factions of the Union and SPD – in favor of a legislative amendment that will gradually raise the tobacco tax. Prices will rise continuously through 2030, beginning in 2027.

For smokers, this means concretely: anyone who regularly reaches for a pack should expect noticeable price hikes in the coming years. Millions of people smoke in Germany – the higher taxes are expected to bring the federal government additional billions in revenue.

What exactly did the Bundestag pass?

The Union-SPD coalition has passed a phased increase in the tobacco tax. The Finance Committee had previously approved the draft introduced by the federal government. Now the plenary voted in a roll-call vote in favor of the amendment – with the votes of the governing factions. The increase takes effect on January 1, 2027, and extends in several stages through 2030.

Vapes also affected

The increase does not only affect traditional cigarettes: According to ZDFheute, the amendment also explicitly covers vapes. The legislature is responding to the growing market for e-cigarettes and disposable products, which has so far been treated more favorably for tax purposes than conventional tobacco products.

What this means for you

Anyone who still smokes should expect to pay several euros more per pack – depending on the pace of the stages and the brand. Those considering quitting get an additional argument from the price increases. For those thinking of switching: vapes are also getting more expensive, so the e-cigarette escape route is over.

Status: October 15, further details to follow.