WHO urges Germany to raise tobacco tax to curb consumption

Key Points:

·The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging Germany to significantly increase tobacco taxes in order to curb consumption. 

·The European Union (EU) is planning to reform tobacco taxes, and Germany's tax rates may rise as a result. 

·Germany's smoking bans are limited, and there is an urgent need to strengthen smoke-free regulations in public places. 

·Concerns have also been raised about e-cigarettes and their additives, with the WHO recommending a comprehensive ban on their sale. 

According to a report from Merkur.de on June 25th, the WHO strongly advises Germany to raise tobacco taxes to address the growing health risks associated with smoking. Germany's tobacco tax levels are relatively low compared to other EU countries, and the WHO is calling for at least a 75% increase in taxes to be levied on tobacco products. Currently, the average tax level in Germany is 61.4%.

The World Health Organization has pointed out that despite having an efficient healthcare system, Germany is putting a large number of lives at risk due to its lenient tobacco control measures. Globally, approximately 8 million people die each year from smoking-related illnesses, making the issue of active and passive smoking an urgent concern. As part of the European Union's planned tobacco tax reform, Germany's tobacco tax could increase significantly, with the tax on cigarettes potentially rising to 215 euros (230 dollars) per 1,000 cigarettes.

Germany's current tobacco tax rates are as follows: 11.71 euro cents (12.5 US cents) per cigarette, 57.85 euros (61.9 US dollars) per kilogram of loose tobacco, and 26 euro cents (27.8 US cents) per milliliter of e-liquid. If the EU proposal is approved, cigarette taxes will increase by 83%, loose tobacco taxes by 277%, and e-liquid taxes by 38%.

In addition, the WHO believes that Germany's efforts in smoking cessation programs and advertising bans are insufficient, and that the restrictions on smoking in public places are not strict enough. Globally, 1.3 million people die each year from passive smoking, and the WHO recommends expanding smoke-free areas.

In addition, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have also raised concerns for the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite e-cigarettes not containing traditional tobacco, the e-liquid they vaporize contains nicotine, which can be addictive. Because these products are often marketed in child-friendly candy flavors, WHO recommends implementing a comprehensive ban on sales. Currently, 42 countries have already banned the sale of e-cigarettes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that the tobacco and e-cigarette industries are attracting young consumers by adding flavors, in order to cultivate long-term users. Therefore, WHO urges countries to strengthen regulations on flavored products to protect public health.