New government tax imposed on stolen bread: bakers face turmoil
In a recent development, Master Craftsman Stefan Richter has voiced his disapproval of a new regulation issued by the Environmental Agency on August 6, 2025. The regulation, effective immediately, imposes a fee for wrapping Christmas stollen in plastic.
According to Richter, the new rule downgrades stollen from a symbolic gift and centrepiece to a quick snack on the go. He believes that this regulation is impractical, burdens small businesses, and harms a world-renowned cultural tradition.
Richter, who represents 12 guilds with 436 businesses, referred to the regulation as the "final straw of bureaucracy". He also labelled it as a "ridiculous regulation". Saxony's bakers' guild "Saxonia" shares his outrage.
Interestingly, the Single-Use Plastic Commission had recommended against including stollen wrappings in the law back in June 2024. However, the Federal Environmental Agency chose to ignore this recommendation.
The new rule applies to stollen up to 750 grams. Affected businesses must register with the UBA, submit reports, and pay fees. This imposition is justified by the Single-Use Plastic Fund Act.
Despite the controversy, there is no available information indicating that Master Craftsman Stefan Richter belongs to a specific baker's guild or association. Richter emphasises that stollen is not a grab-and-go product, but a traditional treat that deserves respect and care in its presentation.
This news has sparked a heated debate among the public, with many expressing their support for Richter and the bakers' guild. The future of Christmas stollen packaging remains uncertain, as the industry grapples with the implications of this new regulation.
