Taxes: Coalition: No sugar tax on sugar-free drinks
The Federal Government is preparing a tax on highly sugary drinks. The declared goal is a healthier diet. But which products should it apply to? After one day, there is clarification.
Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has ruled out introducing a tax on sugar-free and low-calorie drinks, saying it would not happen. The clarification comes after a leaked internal paper from his ministry suggested extending the planned sugar tax to zero and light drinks, among others. The tax on sugary drinks, such as colas and lemonades, is set to be introduced in 2027 as part of a law to stabilize health insurance contributions.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Klingbeil's statement, saying there is no disagreement on the issue within the coalition.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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