Finanzen: Kabinett bringt Zuckersteuer auf den Weg

The German government, in a move by the coalition's cabinet, is set to introduce an extra sugar tax on beverages with added sugar. This proposal for the Bundestag factions aims to make soft drinks more expensive for consumers. The final decision in the Bundestag has yet to be made. The tax will apply to sweetened beverages containing at least five grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, which includes items such as lemonades, iced teas, energy drinks, and fruit juice concentrates with added sugar.

Alcoholic drinks, as well as non-alcoholic beers, wines, cocktails, pure fruit and vegetable juices, and unsweetened mineral waters are exempt from this additional tax. The revenue generated from the tax is intended to stabilize health insurance contributions. Two tax levels are proposed based on the sugar content, with exemptions for small manufacturers, although precise boundaries are still unclear.

The federal government aims to grant a reduction for all businesses producing up to one million liters annually, but this requires approval from the EU Commission. The new tax is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, and could bring in 690 million euros for the following year, with revenue estimates of 925 million for 2028 and between 875 and 890 million for subsequent years.

These funds are to be used for stabilizing statutory health insurance contributions, while the tax is also intended to encourage beverage manufacturers to reduce the sugar content in their products.