The 1999 IIHF World U18 Championships was the first of its kind.

It was held between April 8 and 18, 1999, in Füssen and Kaufbeuren, Germany.

It replaced the European Under 18 Championship at the top two levels (which had run since 1977), by including one nation, the United States.

Spain was promoted to the European Division I for 2000.

North Korea was promoted to Asia-Oceania Division I for 2000.