Is vaping legal in Germany?

Yes. Vaping is legal in Germany for adults 18+. E-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco-related products under the Tobacco Products Act (Tabakerzeugnisgesetz). Germany follows EU TPD regulations with 20mg/mL nicotine limits and 10mL bottle sizes.

What's the legal vaping age in Germany?

You must be 18 or older to purchase vaping products in Germany. The Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz) prohibits selling e-cigarettes and e-liquids to minors, with significant penalties for retailers who violate this.

Can you vape on trains in Germany?

No. Vaping is prohibited on all public transport in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams. Train stations (Bahnhöfe) under federal jurisdiction also prohibit vaping. Fines can reach up to €8,000.

What's the nicotine limit in Germany?

The maximum nicotine concentration is 20mg/mL, following EU TPD regulations. E-liquid bottles containing nicotine are limited to 10mL, and tank capacity is limited to 2mL.

Are disposable vapes banned in Germany?

Disposable vapes are currently legal but a ban is in legislative progress. Germany is moving toward implementing an EU-wide ban on single-use vapes expected in 2025-2026. Check current status before traveling.

Can tourists bring vapes to Germany?

Yes. Tourists can bring vaping devices and e-liquids for personal use. From EU countries, there are no restrictions. From non-EU countries, bring reasonable personal quantities. Higher nicotine products (above 20mg/mL) are technically non-compliant but tolerated for personal use.

Can You Vape in Germany? 2026 Laws, Taxes & Traveler's Guide

Can You Vape in Germany? The Short Answer

Yes, vaping is legal in Germany under EU TPD regulations:

18+ age requirement (Jugendschutzgesetz)
20mg/mL nicotine limit (EU TPD)
10mL bottle size limit for nicotine e-liquid
2mL tank capacity maximum
All flavors legal - No flavor restrictions
High taxes - EUR 0.32/mL in 2026 (highest in EU)

Germany is one of Europe's largest vaping markets, but strict indoor bans and rising taxes are changing the landscape. Here's what you need to know for 2026.

Germany Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework

EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)

As an EU member, Germany follows the Tobacco Products Directive:

Regulation	Limit
Nicotine concentration	20mg/mL maximum
E-liquid bottle size	10mL (nicotine-containing)
Tank capacity	2mL maximum
Health warnings	Required on packaging
Advertising	Heavily restricted

German-Specific Laws

Law	Effect
Tabakerzeugnisgesetz (Tobacco Products Act)	Regulates e-cigarettes as tobacco-related products
Jugendschutzgesetz (Youth Protection Act)	18+ age requirement for purchase
Bundesnichtraucherschutzgesetz	Federal non-smoking protection in public buildings
State smoking laws (16 Länder)	Indoor vaping restrictions vary by state

Regulatory Bodies

Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) - Product regulation
Federal Office of Consumer Protection (BVL) - Market surveillance
Customs (Zoll) - Import enforcement
State health authorities - Local enforcement

Vaping Taxes in Germany

Germany has implemented the highest vaping taxes in the EU:

Year	Tax Rate
2022	EUR 0.16/mL
2023	EUR 0.20/mL
2024	EUR 0.26/mL
2025	EUR 0.26/mL
2026	EUR 0.32/mL

Key Tax Facts

Applies to all e-liquids - Including nicotine-free
Highest in EU - Significantly higher than neighboring countries
Shortfills affected - Large bottles taxed at full rate
Impact on prices - Expect higher prices than other EU countries

Tax Example

A 10mL bottle of e-liquid in Germany:

Component	2026
Base price	~EUR 4-5
Tax (10mL × 0.32)	EUR 3.20
VAT (19%)	~EUR 1.50
Total	EUR 8-10

What Can You Buy in Germany?

Available Products

Devices:

Pod systems
Disposable vapes (while still legal)
Box mods and tanks
All-in-one devices
Starter kits

E-Liquids:

10mL bottles (nicotine)
Shortfills available (0mg, larger bottles)
Nic shots (20mg/mL)
All flavors (tobacco, fruit, dessert, menthol)
Up to 20mg/mL nicotine

Disposable Vape Status

Germany is implementing an EU-wide ban on disposable vapes:

Status	Details
Current (early 2026)	Still available but ban expected
Ban timeline	Expected mid-2026
Reason	Environmental concerns
Alternative	Refillable pod systems

Pricing (2026)

Product	Price (EUR)
Disposable vape	€8-15
Pod system	€25-45
E-liquid 10mL	€7-10
Shortfill 50mL (0mg)	€15-22
Nic shots	€3-4 each
Box mod	€45-90

Prices are higher than other EU countries due to taxes.

Where to Buy

Berlin:

Vape shops in Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte
Shopping centers (Alexa, Mall of Berlin)
Tobacco shops (Tabakläden) - limited selection

Munich:

City center vape shops
Hauptbahnhof area
Olympiazentrum shopping area

Hamburg:

St. Pauli area shops
City center locations

Frankfurt:

City center
Near Hauptbahnhof

Online:

Many German vape shops offer delivery
Must verify 18+ age
Subject to German tax rates

Where Can You Vape in Germany?

Where Vaping Is Prohibited

Germany has extensive vaping bans:

Federal Buildings and Offices:

Bundestag and government buildings
Constitutional offices
Federal courts
Military installations

Public Transport:

Deutsche Bahn trains (all classes)
S-Bahn and U-Bahn
Buses and trams
Train stations (federal stations)
Airports (inside terminals)

Indoor Public Spaces:

Restaurants and cafes (varies by state)
Bars and nightclubs (varies by state)
Shopping centers
Cinemas and theaters
Museums
Hospitals and clinics
Schools and universities

State-by-State Variations

Germany's 16 states (Länder) have their own smoking laws:

State	Indoor Vaping
Bavaria (Bayern)	Strict ban - all indoor public spaces
Berlin	Banned in most indoor venues
Hamburg	Banned indoors, some exceptions
North Rhine-Westphalia	Generally banned indoors
Baden-Württemberg	Strict indoor ban
Saxony	Banned in public indoor spaces

Most states treat vaping the same as smoking for indoor bans.

Where Vaping Is Usually Permitted

Outdoor areas (away from building entrances)
Private residences
Some outdoor beer gardens (ask first)
Designated smoking areas (where they exist)
Personal vehicles (your own car)
Hotel balconies (check hotel policy)

City Vaping Tips

Berlin:

Very strict about indoor vaping
Outdoor café culture allows more flexibility
Parks generally okay (use discretion)
U-Bahn/S-Bahn stations - prohibited

Munich:

Bavaria has Germany's strictest smoking laws
Indoor vaping banned everywhere
Beer gardens - varies, ask first
Marienplatz area - very crowded, be considerate

Hamburg:

Reeperbahn area - outdoor okay
Indoor venues strict
Port area - open spaces available

Penalties and Enforcement

Consumer Fines

Violation	Fine
Vaping on public transport	Up to EUR 8,000
Vaping in federal buildings	Up to EUR 8,000
Vaping in prohibited indoor areas	EUR 50-1,000
Repeat offenses	Higher fines possible

Selling to Minors

Violation	Penalty
First offense	EUR 1,000-5,000
Repeat offenses	Higher fines
Serious violations	Up to EUR 50,000

Enforcement Reality

Train stations - Deutsche Bahn staff actively enforce
Public transport - Controllers check and fine
Restaurants/bars - Staff will ask you to stop
Federal buildings - Security strictly enforces
Street enforcement - Rare in outdoor areas

For Tourists

Bringing Vapes to Germany

From EU countries:

No restrictions on personal quantities
Stay within TPD limits (20mg/mL)
No duty on personal supplies

From non-EU countries:

Personal use quantities allowed
Reasonable amount (1-2 months supply)
Keep original packaging
Higher nicotine (above 20mg/mL) technically non-compliant but tolerated for personal use
Large quantities may be questioned by customs

Airport Information

Frankfurt International (FRA):

No vaping inside terminals
Designated smoking lounges (some allow vaping)
Duty-free shops have limited vape options
Outdoor areas accessible landside

Munich Airport (MUC):

No vaping in terminals
Smoking areas in some zones
Check terminal maps for options

Berlin Brandenburg (BER):

No vaping inside
Outdoor areas outside terminals

Train Travel

If you're using Deutsche Bahn:

No vaping on any trains (ICE, IC, RE, S-Bahn)
No vaping on platforms at major stations
Long journeys (e.g., Berlin-Munich: 4 hours) - Plan ahead
Use station stops - Some stations have outdoor areas
Smoking areas at some stations (check before lighting up)

Accommodation

Hotels:

Most prohibit vaping in rooms
Balconies usually permitted
Ask at check-in
Cleaning fees may apply if violated

Hostels:

Generally strict no-smoking/vaping policies
Outdoor common areas may allow
Check individual hostel rules

Airbnb:

Owner discretion
Check listing details
Often more flexible than hotels

Germany vs. Other European Countries

Country	Nicotine Limit	Tax	Indoor Ban	Flavors
Germany	20mg/mL	EUR 0.32/mL	Yes	All legal
France	20mg/mL	EUR 0.15/mL	Yes	All legal
Netherlands	20mg/mL	None	Yes	Restricted
Poland	20mg/mL	Minimal	Yes	All legal
Czech Republic	20mg/mL	Minimal	Partial	All legal
Austria	20mg/mL	EUR 0.18/mL	Yes	All legal
Switzerland	Varies	Low	Partial	All legal

Why Germany Has Higher Prices

Highest taxes in EU (EUR 0.32/mL)
Strict TPD enforcement
Premium retail costs

If traveling through multiple countries, consider stocking up elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Vapers in Germany

Vocabulary

Useful German terms:

German	English
E-Zigarette	E-cigarette
Dampfen	Vaping
Liquid / E-Liquid	E-liquid
Verdampfer	Vaporizer/atomizer
Nikotingehalt	Nicotine content
Rauchverbot	Smoking ban
Dampfen verboten	Vaping prohibited

Best Practices

Always ask before vaping at outdoor venues
Check for signs - "Rauchen/Dampfen verboten"
Don't vape on platforms - Even if outdoors, stations prohibit it
Respect indoor bans - They're strictly enforced
Bring enough supplies - Prices are higher than neighbors
Keep receipts - For customs if entering from non-EU

If You Run Out

dm or Rossmann - Drugstores sometimes carry basics
Tobacco shops - May have limited vape supplies
Vape shops - Search "Dampfshop" or "E-Zigaretten" + city name
Online - Many German shops offer fast delivery

Germany Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways

Vaping is legal for adults 18+ under EU TPD rules
20mg/mL nicotine limit and 10mL bottle maximum
Highest taxes in EU - EUR 0.32/mL in 2026
Indoor vaping banned in most public spaces
Public transport prohibited - Including trains and stations
16 states, varying rules - Check local regulations
Disposable ban coming - Stock up on refillables
All flavors legal - No restrictions
Penalties up to EUR 8,000 for serious violations
Higher prices - Budget accordingly or stock up elsewhere

References

Looking for vaping laws in other countries? Check our guides for Greece, United Kingdom, or browse our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.