Germany

The law only permits the sale of cigarettes in packs containing at least 20 cigarette sticks. This effectively prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

The Youth Protection Act restricts the use and placement of tobacco vending machines. Tobacco products can only be sold by vending machines if (1) the location is not accessible to children or adolescents or (2) the vending machine is under constant supervision or has some sort of technical/mechanical device that ensures children and adolescents cannot make a purchase.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that it prohibits vending machine sales to minors. To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit all vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales. The law does provide that a retailer who engages in cross-border distance sales must use an age verification system and register with the competent authority. Absent an explicit ban on the sale of tobacco products through the internet, however, this requirement is not interpreted as prohibiting internet tobacco product sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

The sale of tobacco products for oral use is prohibited. Other types of smokeless tobacco products are allowed. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

The sale of waterpipe tobacco is allowed.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

The law prohibits the sale of roll-your-own tobacco in packs or bags containing fewer than 30 grams of tobacco.

The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.

To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.