Germany Moves to Cap Prices for Resale of Concert and Match Tickets

Germany is preparing to tighten regulation on the secondary market for concert and match tickets, in a move aimed at curbing speculation that turns low-priced tickets into goods sold at exorbitant prices.

German Justice and Consumer Protection Minister Steffi Lemke unveiled a draft law that would cap resale price increases at no more than 20% of the original price, with an absolute ceiling of 20 euros regardless of the ticket’s original value.

According to the German website The Local, the move comes after some original tickets priced at 14 euros reached around 250 euros on the secondary market, raising questions about consumer protection against exploitation.

The legislation targets intermediaries who buy large quantities of tickets with the aim of reselling them for high profits, while preserving the right of individuals to sell their tickets if they cannot attend events, within the proposed limits.

Lemke confirmed that the draft law is complete and is currently undergoing government review, with hopes to implement it before the summer of 2027.

Authorities face challenges related to international platforms, while experts emphasize the need to strengthen oversight of automated purchasing software and develop reliable resale platforms to ensure the effectiveness of the measures and protect the public.