Smoking in Germany
In Germany, smoking is allowed but regulated under national tobacco control laws. Cigarettes can be legally sold with a license, purchased online, and bought from vending machines. Importation for trade is also permitted with a lincense. Health warnings on packaging are compulsory, and the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 years. Nonetheless, a fully comprehensive smoke-free ban in all public places is not in place. Cigarettes are taxed at an overall rate of 64.44% and an excise rate of 29%. Despite this regulatory framework, Germany recorded approximately 13.9 million current adult smokers in 2024, corresponding to an adult smoking prevalence of 19.3%, while in 2022, this was 18.8%. Smoking prevalence was higher among men (22.1%) than among women (16.5%) in 2024. The adult daily smoking prevalence was 21.6% in 2023. In terms of health impact, smoking caused 98,991 deaths in 2021, including 70,315 among men and 28,676 among women. Overall, smoking resulted in 9.82% of all deaths in Germany in 2021, comprising 13.84% of all male deaths and 5.73% of all female deaths.
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March 30, 2026 by stratcann.com
German high court rules against medicinal cannabis advertisements
Germany’s Federal Court of Justice has ruled that advertising medical cannabis treatments violates national laws governing the promotion of medicinal products. The case focused on online platforms connecting patients with doctors, with the court determining that even general promotion of cannabis therapies can constitute prohibited advertising. The decision reinforces the classification of medical cannabis as a prescription-only medicine subject to strict pharmaceutical advertising rules. Industry representatives argue that the ruling may limit patients’ access to information about treatment options, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital healthcare environment. At the same time, the judgment highlights the tension between emerging cannabis business models and existing regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers from misleading medical claims. The outcome could have broader implications for how medical cannabis services are marketed across Europe as regulators respond to the sector’s continued growth.
March 18, 2026 by gfn.tv
GFN News #183 | GERMANY'S VAPE FLAVOUR CRACKDOWN?
In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak speaks with Will Godfrey of Filter about Germany’s proposed regulation to ban flavoured e-liquids containing cooling agents. The draft measure would prohibit menthol and other “iced” vape products that rely on cooling additives. Supporters of the proposal, including Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, argue that cooling effects may make vaping easier to inhale and potentially increase nicotine intake - particularly among young and inexperienced users.
February 24, 2026 by filtermag.org
“Disguised” Vape Flavor Ban Threatens Harm Reduction in Germany
Germany plans to ban menthol vapes and cooling-flavored e-liquids to deter vaping appeal despite a high smoking rate. The ban aims to curb nicotine intake and dependence among young users. Critics argue insufficient evidence supports the ban and fear it will lead to increased smoking rates and youth access to unregulated products. Similar flavor bans have backfired in other countries, pushing consumers back to combustible cigarettes. Experts urge a harm reduction approach to nicotine to save lives effectively. The ban is deemed unrealistic in achieving Germany's smoking rate reduction goal.
February 02, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Germany Moves to Ban Menthol Vapes in Sweeping Crackdown on “Cooling” Additives
Germany plans a strict ban on menthol and other cooling additives in e-cigarettes to deter young users. The government cites health risks such as increased nicotine uptake. Critics argue about the lack of evidence on menthol's effects, as it is used in medicines. Manufacturers would need to adjust products or leave the market, facing compliance costs. Tighter rules on labeling and product testing are also included. The ban aims to be in effect within six months, aligning with EU discussions on similar bans. The impact of these measures on harm reduction versus limiting choices for smokers is uncertain.
January 27, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Germany Moves to Ban Menthol Vapes in Sweeping Crackdown on “Cooling” Additives
Germany is set to ban menthol and cooling additives in e-cigarettes to curb their appeal, especially to young users. The decision is based on the belief that these additives make vaping more attractive and potentially more addictive. Critics argue that evidence supporting increased nicotine uptake is lacking, but the government cites the precautionary principle. The ban would impact both e-cigarettes and refill containers, with estimated compliance costs for the industry.
November 25, 2025 by heise.de
Disposable product: Federal government announces ban on disposable e-cigarettes
The German federal government is responding to pressure by considering a ban on disposable e-cigarettes due to environmental and safety concerns. The Bundesrat has passed an amendment to address the issue despite opposition. The ban aims to reduce the 60 million e-cigarettes discarded annually in Germany, which pose environmental and fire risks. The government is urged to act quickly following calls from various associations and citizens for a ban, aligning with actions taken in other European countries. The revised Electrical Equipment Act also targets better management of electronic waste and increased manufacturer responsibility. The ban on disposable e-cigarettes is seen as a long-overdue step towards protecting public health.
April 17, 2025 by cureus.com
A Survey of Current Tobacco and Nicotine Product Users to Identify Barriers to Quitting Smoking in Germany
Smoking rates remain high in Germany despite the well-known serious health risks. This survey assessed motivation to stop smoking in Germany and barriers to quitting smoking or switching to two types of smoke-free products (SFPs): e-cigarettes (E-cigs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
January 31, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #133 | CAN CONSUMERS HELP SOLVE GERMANY'S FLAVOUR DILEMMA? | Featuring Michael Landl
Germany's lawmakers have recently proposed a new ban on menthol flavours in safer nicotine products, but given that menthol is a key ingredient in over 80% of the flavours currently available on the market, could this proposed ban negatively impact the availability of safer nicotine products for people looking to quit smoking? Joining us today is Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, to unpack Germany's proposals and the actions consumers are taking to make their voices heard in this debate.
August 02, 2024 by medicalxpress.com
EVape helps improve consumer safety in the e-cigarette segment
Scientists at Fraunhofer ITEM developed EVape, a device to test e-liquids' vaporization under controlled conditions, vital for toxicological assessments. E-cigarettes lack consistent temperature regulation, leading to varied emissions. EVape analyzes these emissions for toxicity, addressing unknown risks of heated ingredients and aiding in regulatory oversight. The system allows manufacturers to enhance e-liquid safety by identifying harmful substances pre-production, setting temperature limits, and monitoring emissions in real-time. The team aims to license EVape for broader use in labs and by regulatory bodies to ensure thorough testing of e-liquids before market circulation.
July 23, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
More German Teenagers Smoke Than Vape, New Research Reveals
In Germany, 14.9 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds now smoke while just 2.3 per cent vape, new research reveals. While most countries have seen a decline in smoking with more people turning to vaping to quit the more dangerous habit, Germany has seen the opposite trend.
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