Tobacco and nicotine age limits in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Federal law sets 18 for tobacco and for e-cigarettes. Federal law bans smoking on public transport; other premises are regulated by the Länder.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy tobaccoTobacco and nicotine products | 18 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products | 18 years [1] |
| Nicotine pouchesTobacco and nicotine products | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Smoking ban in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine products | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Smoking ban on public transportTobacco and nicotine products | Yes [2] |
Notes
- The rule applies to nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-cigarettes and e-shishas. It also forbids letting under-18s smoke or consume such products in public.
- The youth protection law covers tobacco and 'other nicotine-containing products' without defining them or naming nicotine pouches.
- Federal law covers only federal facilities, constitutional bodies and public transport. Bars, restaurants and other premises are regulated by each Land.
- Federal law. The ban also covers e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Applies in buildings and fully enclosed spaces, including railway platforms where stated. Separate smoking rooms are allowed except for some transport types.
Sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 10 JuSchG - Einzelnorm (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 1 BNichtrSchG - Einzelnorm (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.