EU cigarette travel allowance reduction, Digi Mart USA News (European Union): Smokers may soon be allowed to bring far fewer cigarettes from other European countries than they currently can. According to a paper from the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, only one carton of cigarettes, meaning 200 cigarettes, would be permitted for personal use.
Currently the limit is four cartons. EU finance ministers could approve the rule on Monday afternoon.
Some EU member states had argued for a limit of two cartons (400 cigarettes), while others favored one. According to the document, the figure of 200 is now being set.
However, each EU country can soften the requirement and raise the allowance.
The change is part of the EU directive on tobacco taxes, whose provisions are to be transposed into national law by member states next year. The rules are to apply from the beginning of 2028.
The stricter rule could reduce the number of cigarettes brought into Germany from Luxembourg, Austria, Poland or the Czech Republic, at least in theory. Many smokers stock up just across the border, where cigarettes are cheaper.
However, it is unclear whether the tighter rule would increase legal domestic consumption. Representatives of the tobacco industry fear such a rule could further boost the black market, as smokers might be more willing to buy illegal cigarettes.
The EU directive also introduces new minimum tax rates for cigarettes. This would have no consequences for Germany, however, because German rates already exceed the new EU minimums and therefore do not need to be raised.
The rulebook also includes provisions for e-cigarettes. European minimum taxation on these products is also rising.
Again, this would have no impact on Germany, since the tax level there is already quite high.
For vapers who often shop in other EU countries, however, the new rules would have an effect. The amount of liquids that may be brought into Germany from elsewhere in the EU is set to drop significantly, from the current 100 milliliters to 40 milliliters.
The German vaping industry has welcomed the change. Dustin Dahlmann, chairman of the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG), said: “40 milliliters is a fair travel allowance.” He added that “a lower guideline amount can help curb tax-driven bulk purchases in neighboring countries,” and spoke of fair competitive conditions.
