Levy on stollen packaging off the table for the time being

The controversial levy on the packaging of Christmas stollen has been suspended for the time being. The Federal Ministry for the Environment has announced that it will not enforce the levy until appeals have been resolved, according to Saxony's Minister for Economic Affairs Dirk Panter (SPD). He spoke of an "unbureaucratic concession".

"We want to protect our environment, but with regulations that are realistic and practical to implement," said Panter. "To classify a 750-gram Striezel as a to-go product is absurd in my eyes."

"This levy is bureaucratic madness"

The Managing Director of the Dresden Chamber of Crafts, Andreas Brzezinski, spoke of a positive signal. "But it can only be an interim step, because this levy is bureaucratic madness." A practical, long-term solution is needed in the interests of stollen bakers.

The Federal Environment Agency had decided that the 750-gram stollen, which is usually packaged in a film, falls under the Disposable Plastics Act. A levy would therefore be due. This had caused displeasure in Saxony, where the Stollen - also known as Striezel - is an integral part of the Christmas season.