The Impact of Germany's E-Cigarette Tax Policy

On May 7th, 2FIRSTS interviewed Simon Bauer, Chairman of the German Vaping Association, at the Hall of Vape electronic cigarette exhibition in Germany. Bauer stated that due to the implementation of electronic cigarette taxation policies in Germany, nearly half of the electronic cigarette stores in the country have closed. He also suggested that Chinese manufacturers abandon disposable products.

Simon Bauer told 2FIRSTS that the government's relentless pursuit of electronic cigarette taxation not only promotes black and grey markets, but also stifles retail development. "Currently, nearly half of Germany's electronic cigarette retailers have closed," he said. In addition, he also noted that heavy taxes on electronic cigarettes have led many smokers to revert back to traditional cigarettes, making Germany the country with the highest smoking rate in Europe.

Due to the fact that disposable e-cigarette products are a main target of regulatory authorities and also pose environmental and youth vaping concerns, Simon Bauer recommends that Chinese manufacturers abandon disposable e-cigarette products. Bauer stresses that if brands do not take these issues seriously, disposable e-cigarettes could potentially destroy the entire market.

Regarding the reasons why teenagers start using electronic cigarettes, Simon Bauer stated that curiosity and rebellion are the main reasons, followed by social influence, and taste as a distant third.