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EU Laws (Overview)

Understanding EU CBD laws helps consumers and brands navigate a patchwork of rules while respecting the single market. This overview focuses on THC-free CBD products and the high-level EU framework, with links to in-depth pages where national or topic-specific detail is required.

Across the European Union, “CBD” is not scheduled as a narcotic at the EU level, but rules differ by product type (ingestibles, cosmetics, vapes) and by Member State. For a country-by-country breakdown, see EU Laws by Country. For broader global context, see Legality and our US overviews (USA State Laws (Overview), US State-by-State THC-Free CBD Laws).

What “THC‑Free” Means in the EU Context

  • THC-free typically means non-detectable THC on a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA). “Non-detect” means below the lab’s limit of quantification (LOQ), which can vary by laboratory and test method.
  • Look for batch-specific COAs covering cannabinoids and contaminants. A clearly stated LOQ (for example, “THC < LOQ 0.002%”) helps you understand what “non-detect” means in practice.
  • Drug testing awareness: Even when THC is below LOQ, trace exposure from diet or cross-contamination is theoretically possible. Risk is generally low with verified THC-free products, but not zero. When stakes are high, prefer products with very low LOQs and transparent testing.

EU-Level Framework at a Glance

  • Single market and free movement: The Court of Justice of the EU has held that CBD, when lawfully produced and not a narcotic, benefits from free movement. Member States may restrict products only if justified and proportionate for public health. National specifics still apply in practice.
  • Hemp cultivation: EU agricultural rules allow approved hemp varieties up to 0.3% THC in the field (variety threshold). This is separate from THC in finished products, which is governed by Member State rules.
  • Novel Food (ingestibles): Cannabidiol used in foods and supplements is considered a Novel Food in the EU. Commercial sale generally requires pre-market authorization. Many Member States enforce this strictly; some apply interim approaches. Always check national practice.
  • Cosmetics: The EU Cosmetics Regulation prohibits cannabis resin and certain narcotic-derived materials. CBD not obtained from prohibited narcotic sources (e.g., certain leaves or synthetic CBD) may be used if the product complies with cosmetics safety, notification, and THC-free expectations. National enforcement varies.
  • No harmonized EU THC limits for finished foods: Some countries set maximum THC in food; others rely on general safety rules. For THC-free positioning, maintain non-detectable THC with a clear LOQ.

Product Categories and Typical Expectations

Ingestibles (oils, capsules, gummies)

  • Regulatory status: Typically Novel Food. Without authorization, products risk enforcement in many Member States.
  • THC-free expectation: Non-detect THC on COA; disclose LOQ and serving size. Avoid medical claims and therapeutic dosing language.

Topicals and Cosmetics

  • Regulatory status: Must comply with the EU Cosmetics Regulation, safety assessment, Product Information File, and CPNP notification. Source of CBD must not be from prohibited narcotic materials.
  • THC-free expectation: Non-detectable THC with a suitable LOQ; ingredient traceability.

Vapes and E-liquids

  • Regulatory status: Not harmonized EU-wide for CBD; national rules vary (age limits, advertising, product standards). Check the destination country.
  • THC-free expectation: Non-detect THC and contaminant screening (solvents, heavy metals). Consider emissions testing where required.

Pet Products

  • Regulatory status: Complex. In many EU markets, ingestible CBD for animals may be treated as veterinary feed/additive or medicine. Confirm the competent authority’s position before sale.
  • THC-free expectation: Non-detect THC; species-appropriate safety considerations.

Compliance Basics for THC-Free CBD in Europe

  • Proof of THC-free: Provide batch COAs from accredited labs, with cannabinoid profile, LOQ values, and contaminants testing. Ensure label batch codes match COAs.
  • Labeling: No medical or disease claims. Keep to cosmetic claims for topicals and general wellness language where permitted. For detailed labeling guidance, see Labeling & Claims Compliance.
  • Novel Food (ingestibles): Assess whether your product requires authorization before EU sale; monitor evolving guidance. See national specifics in EU Laws by Country.
  • Cosmetics: Ensure compliant CBD source, safety assessment, and CPNP notification. Maintain technical documentation.
  • Marketing: Many countries restrict advertising of CBD, especially near medicinal claims or youth audiences. Keep claims conservative and verifiable.
  • Supply chain: Use approved hemp varieties, document origin, and maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP/GHP) where applicable.

Travel and Cross-Border Sales

  • Personal travel: Carry products in original packaging with a recent COA showing non-detect THC. Laws differ by country and transport mode; when in doubt, avoid ingestibles and choose clearly labeled THC-free topicals.
  • Commercial cross-border: Free movement principles apply, but local enforcement can differ. Verify destination requirements (product category, THC expectations, claims, and registrations) before shipping.

Where National Rules Differ

Key divergences include enforcement of Novel Food rules, acceptable CBD sources for cosmetics, any maximum THC in foods, and advertising restrictions. For granular detail, consult EU Laws by Country.

Related Guides

FAQ

Are THC‑free CBD products legal across the EU?
There is no single EU-wide authorization for all product types. THC-free helps, but legality depends on category (e.g., Novel Food for ingestibles) and Member State rules. Check the destination country.

Is “0.0% THC” the same as “THC‑free”?
“THC‑free” generally means THC is below the laboratory’s LOQ. If a label says “0.0%,” confirm it with a COA and the LOQ value to understand the detection threshold.

Can I sell CBD gummies without Novel Food authorization?
In many EU markets, no. CBD in foods/supplements is usually considered Novel Food and requires authorization. Some countries may exercise discretion, but this varies and can change.

Is CBD allowed in EU cosmetics?
Often yes, if the CBD source is not from prohibited narcotic materials and the product meets cosmetics safety and notification rules. National interpretation and enforcement differ.

Can I travel with THC‑free CBD oil?
Possibly for personal use, but rules vary. Carry a recent COA showing non-detect THC and check local regulations before you go.

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies by country. Consult official sources or qualified counsel before buying, selling, or traveling with CBD.

If you want vetted THC‑free options with batch COAs, you can shop at Cannagea: https://www.cannagea.com/thc-free.

Summary

EU CBD laws are category- and country-dependent. THC-free status (non-detect with a stated LOQ) is helpful but not a substitute for compliance with Novel Food, cosmetics, and national rules. Rely on batch COAs, conservative claims, and country-specific checks—starting with our EU Laws by Country guide.

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