A new proposed tax imposed for tobacco and nicotine alternative products was introduced by the German Government last month. The draft measure was first released last February by the German Finance Ministry. The amendment would go into effect on July 1st, 2022, and would have updated tobacco taxes for the first time in a decade.
Sadly, the tax would result in safer alternatives being taxed in the same way as regular tobacco products. Starting in 2022 and carrying on to 2023, nicotine-containing products will be taxed at 0.02 euros per milligram of nicotine alkaloids, and this will be raised to 0.04 euros per milligram in 2024.
Harsh vape laws are a threat to public health
To this effect a Covid-friendly demo was organised by the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) giving vapers in Germany and Europe, the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions. “These laws are a major threat to the more than two million vapers in Germany, who have already switched from cigarettes,” said the WVA in a press release.
Referring also to recent measures being considered by the EU Commission, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, Michael Landl, said that it is imperative that legislators change course and recognize the benefits of Tobacco Harm Reduction.
“Vaping has already saved millions of lives. Yet policymakers and tobacco control advocates refuse to see reality and would rather put their own ideology ahead of saving lives. These proposed new laws will be a major set-back for vapers and for smokers who want to quit. That’s why our members felt obliged to act, and to bring the Vape Army to the streets of Berlin in this covid-friendly demo.”
The Netherlands: Light Show in Protest of Proposed Flavour Ban
