Overview

• Germany’s tobacco tax rate of 61.4% ranks among the lowest in the WHO-Europe region, well below the 75% threshold the WHO deems necessary to curb consumption
• The WHO report faults Germany for inadequate smoking bans in public spaces, limited cessation support and insufficient advertising restrictions
• A draft EU proposal expected in July would more than double Germany’s tobacco duties, boosting the cigarette tax by about 83% and fine-cut tobacco by 277%
• The WHO calls for a comprehensive ban on flavored e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to prevent youth initiation
• Germany receives WHO praise for its regular tobacco use surveys, prominent health warnings and mass-media anti-smoking campaigns