Germany became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on March 16, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Under federal law, smoking is restricted in indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking areas may be permitted on means of transport where it is possible to have “physically separate units” (e.g., rail or passenger ships); however, smoking is prohibited on transport such as streetcars, trolleys, buses, and taxis. Sub-national laws apply at the Länder (state) level, and all 16 states have enacted laws restricting or banning smoking in places where states have authority. Sub-national laws may be more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Tobacco advertising is prohibited on TV, radio, internet, in most print publications, and in most outdoor places. Other types of print advertising, such as flyers, posters, signs, are not covered under the law. Point of sale advertising and promotion and product display are also allowed. Other types of promotional activity - such as brand stretching, promotional discounts, gifts and prizes, and retailer incentive programs - are not addressed in the law and therefore allowed. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: For cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco, rotating, combined picture and text health warnings must occupy 65 percent of the front and back of the package. For smokeless tobacco products, one text warning must occupy 30 percent of the front and back of the package. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Germany are well below these recommendations.