German Tobacco Association: Youth Smoking Decline Continues Long-Term
The German Tobacco and Novel Products Association (BVTE) states that youth smoking and nicotine product consumption are long-term declining, referencing recent official statistics. The association opposes new bans and tax increases for these products.
Berlin, June 2, 2026 – The German Tobacco and Novel Products Association (BVTE) has asserted that youth consumption of tobacco and nicotine products is on a long-term decline, citing data from the Federal Statistical Office and the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG). The industry group is pushing back against recent calls from politicians and associations for further tax hikes and new prohibitions on tobacco and nicotine items.
"Instead of an escalation of prohibition advocates, there is a need for a factual debate," stated BVTE Managing Director Jan Mücke. "The figures from the Federal Institute and the microcensus must be assessed objectively and without bias to truly strengthen youth protection."
According to the Federal Statistical Office's microcensus data, the proportion of smokers among minors aged 15 to 17 decreased to 5.0 percent in 2025. The BIÖG's drug affinity study reports a similar trend, with 7.9 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds indicating they had smoked in the past 30 days. The BIÖG study also notes a long-term decline in the consumption of tobacco cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine-containing products for both minors and young adults.
The BVTE proposes targeted controls and strict penalties for repeat offenses to effectively prevent sales to minors. The association argues that regulating products like nicotine pouches would help curb the black market and offer adults a legal, less harmful alternative for smoking cessation.