Germany
Meat Tax Proposal
Summary Description
Increases tax on sales on animal source food products.
Species
Farmed animals
Jurisdiction
Germany
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislative Proposal
Status
Bill proposal
Legal Value
N/A
Date Enacted
N/A
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Empfehlungen des Kompetenznetzwerks Nutztierhaltung, the "Borchert report" (2020) (Ger.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Proposes to increase the value added tax (VAT) on meat from 7% to the standard rate of 19%.
- Proposes using funds to support animal welfare standards and/or the restructuring of livestock farmers.
Weaknesses
- The small price rise in meat products are unlikely to be great enough to reduce meat consumption.
- The additional revenues would be included in the general federal budget in line with the principle of "total coverage". Therefore, the revenues could not be reserved for animal husbandry.
- In addition, the planned animal welfare label is being introduced only on a voluntary basis.
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