Because an extra tax will soon make the use of e-cigarettes significantly more expensive, the demand for so-called liquids is currently going through the roof. “Consumers are stockpiling large amounts to avoid higher prices for as long as possible,” said Dustin Dahlmann, chairman of the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG), the German Press Agency. The alliance speaks for wholesalers and retailers. Another spokesman for the industry is the Association of E-cigarette Trade (VdEH), which also confirms booming business because of “stockpiling purchases”.
From July 1st, the tobacco tax will also apply for the first time to liquids that are vaporized in e-cigarette devices and then inhaled. 16 cents per milliliter is due, by 2026 the value will gradually increase to 32 cents. A 10-milliliter bottle, which has previously cost 4.95 euros in stores, could increase in price to 6.85 euros including tobacco tax and VAT – assuming that manufacturers and retailers are counting on constant net income. It is possible that they take a slightly lower retail price at the expense of their margin.