Fehler im Gesetz: Finanzministerium will Fehler zur Tabaksteuer beheben

Berlin - The Federal Ministry of Finance aims to clear up legal doubts surrounding a mistake made in the Tobacco Tax Act. According to insiders, a legislative amendment to the tax law is to be initiated. The correction of the law could be published as early as November in the Federal Law Gazette. The goal is to clarify that higher tax rates only take effect from January 1, 2027.

The ministry plans to send a so-called wording aid to the government factions of CDU/CSU and SPD, which are to be attached to the "Finance Compensation Act". This is supposed to be discussed and decided on quickly in the Bundestag. The Federal Council could finally endorse the regulation on November 20. The amendment to the Tobacco Tax Act was published in the Federal Law Gazette last week - with the note that it would take effect the following day.

That was last Wednesday. It was planned, but the higher tax rates were to take effect from January 1, 2027. The ministry spoke of a technical error regarding the date of entry into force. They have initiated a correction. The General Customs Directorate, which administers the tax, has been informed. Factories are to continue supplying despite the error in the law according to the ministry.

For smokers, the impact of the mistake and the subsequent correction should be none, according to industry observers. As a result of the legislative changes, cigarettes will become significantly more expensive in the coming years. Currently costing around eight euros for a 20-cigarette pack, they are expected to be nearly twelve euros in 2030.

This is intended to bring the federal government additional billion-euro revenues and strengthen health protection. More: Why E-cigarettes might suddenly become tax-free.