Ingo Vogel

Rule Changes

Spoke in tobacco tax debate

The higher tobacco duty is on the statute book and, as published, took effect on October 21, 2026, more than two months before the government meant it to start. The Finance Ministry calls the date a drafting error and says the increase belongs on January 1, 2027. A formal correction of the Federal Law Gazette is under way but not yet complete, and customs has been told not to apply the higher rate for now.

Updated Oct 27