There have been no further tobacco tax increases since 2015, so it was only a matter of time that it would rise again. However, no one would have expected such a big jump.
In addition to a higher tax for cigarettes, hookah tobacco now receives its very own additional tax.
This important source of revenue brought around 14.7 billion euros into the state coffers in 2020. Apparently too little, because in 2022 there will be a hefty surcharge. The plan is for 15 euros in additional tax per kilo of hookah tobacco. In 2023, this will rise to 19 euros, in 2025 it is expected to reach 21 euros, and from 2026 it will rise to a whopping 23 euros.
Hookah tobacco was previously only slightly taxed as pipe tobacco. However, since politicians from various parties regard shisha as a gateway product for cigarette smoking among young people, this has now been changed. The aim is to make shisha smoking as unattractive as possible for younger people.
This means in reverse, of course, that our shisha bar visit in the coming year will also be significantly more expensive and we will have to dig deeper into our pockets.
The only thing that remains is to equip ourselves with plenty of tobacco. Pay attention to the shelf life and check out our blog "Hookah tobacco properly store". There you will learn essential tips on how to store your supply correctly, so that you have something from it for as long as possible.
