New Regulation of the Tobacco Monopoly Decided

It is part of a tax amendment law that includes a total of 17 measures and changes in more than 20 federal laws. This also includes the gradual increase in tobacco tax from 2026, and from April, the tobacco tax will also apply to nicotine pouches and e-liquids for e-cigarettes.

The omnibus amendment was passed with the votes of the ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens. The FPÖ voted against the legislative package. They support strengthening the tobacconists, explained the FPÖ representative Peter Wurm in the debate, but reject the additional tax burden on the population. The expansion of the tobacco monopoly is primarily a health policy measure, emphasized SPÖ representative Selma Yildirim. Because everywhere the sale takes place outside the monopoly, abuse occurs. ÖVP representative Andreas Hanger spoke of a flagship project in which different interests - from industry, budget consolidation, non-smoker and youth protection - had to be balanced. It was possible to create long transition regulations for the new shops to also protect the entrepreneurs, emphasized NEOS representative Markus Hofer. The Greens spoke of sensible tax law changes but criticized the removal of the "Social Third" of the otherwise abolished cold progression.

Transition Period for CBD Shops Until End of 2028

For hemp and/or CBD shops, there is a transition period until the end of 2028, after which cannabis products with low THC content will fall under the tobacco monopoly and may only be sourced from approved wholesalers and sold in tobacco shops. The Austrian Cannabis Association (ÖCB) has announced its intention to challenge the ban before the Constitutional Court (VfGH).

Other points of the legislative package concern various adjustments in tax law, including relief for securities transfers from foreign to domestic depots or the fully digital processing of real estate transfer tax, insurance tax, and fees.

Receipts Can Also Be Issued Digitally in the Future

By means of an amendment motion, further measures were added and passed to the legislative package in the plenary session on Wednesday: The turnover limit for the cash register obligation for outdoor sales - such as Christmas tree or chestnut sales - or in wine taverns will be increased from 30,000 to 45,000 euros from January 1, 2026. In addition, receipts no longer have to be printed but can also be issued electronically or digitally. These digital receipts can be sent directly to customers by companies via email or app, or they can be given the option to read the electronic receipt with a device - such as a screen display. If customers request a paper receipt, they should still receive one in the future, emphasized ÖVP representative Kurt Egger. The FPÖ also voted for the amendment motion, while the Greens rejected it, citing the short-term introduction they criticized.

(APA/Red)

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