EU Laws by Country

The European Union provides a baseline for hemp and consumer protection, but CBD rules still vary by country. This page offers a practical, high-level snapshot of THC-free CBD status in each EU member state so you can identify where extra due diligence is needed.

We keep this page focused on country-by-country pointers. For the foundations and cross-cutting issues, see our Legality hub and EU Laws (Overview). If you operate outside the EU, see USA State Laws (Overview) and US State-by-State THC-Free CBD Laws. For compliance topics that apply everywhere, visit FDA Policy on CBD and Labeling & Claims Compliance.

THC-free context: In the EU, “THC-free” usually means non-detectable THC per the ISO-accredited lab’s limit of quantification (LOQ). Always confirm your lab’s LOQ on the certificate of analysis (COA) and understand that drug tests can vary; a conservative approach is recommended.

How EU framework interacts with national rules

EU-level instruments influence hemp cultivation, product safety, and cross-border trade, but member states implement and enforce their own rules on narcotics control, cosmetics, foods (including novel foods), vaping, and advertising. The result: similar principles with different practical outcomes. For deeper background, see EU Laws (Overview).

Country-by-country quick reference

Notes apply to hemp-derived, non-intoxicating CBD. “Novel food” refers to authorization requirements for ingestible products. Always verify the latest guidance with national authorities and consult counsel for commercial launches.

Austria

Ingestibles: Generally treated as novel food; authorization needed before marketing.
Cosmetics: Typically allowed if compliant with EU cosmetics rules and no narcotics.
Flower/vapes: Retail sale of flower is closely scrutinized; vaping products face product safety and e-cig rules.
Claims: Avoid medical/therapeutic claims.

Belgium

Ingestibles: Treated as novel food; premarket authorization expected.
Cosmetics: Commonly permitted within cosmetics framework.
Flower/vapes: Enforcement varies; raw flower retail faces tight controls.
Claims: Conservative enforcement; stick to non-medical language.

Bulgaria

Ingestibles: Aligns with EU novel food approach; authorization required.
Cosmetics: Generally allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower sales often limited; verify locally.
Claims: Keep to general, non-therapeutic statements.

Croatia

Ingestibles: Novel food rules apply.
Cosmetics: Typically permissible if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Retail sale of flower restricted; vaping regulated.
Claims: Avoid medicinal positioning.

Cyprus

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization needed.
Cosmetics: Permitted under EU cosmetics regime.
Flower/vapes: Restrictions on raw flower; check tobacco/e-cig rules for vapes.
Claims: No medical claims.

Czechia

Ingestibles: Subject to novel food; authorization typically required.
Cosmetics: Generally permitted.
Flower/vapes: Market for low-THC products exists; verify local retail rules.
Claims: Non-therapeutic only.

Denmark

Ingestibles: Often treated as medicine or novel food depending on presentation; strict pathway.
Cosmetics: Allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Tight controls; check national guidance.
Claims: Highly conservative advertising landscape.

Estonia

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization generally required.
Cosmetics: Usually allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower retail restricted; verify e-cig rules.
Claims: Avoid health/medical claims.

Finland

Ingestibles: Often considered medicinal or novel food; strict enforcement.
Cosmetics: Permissible within EU framework.
Flower/vapes: Retail sale of flower restricted; vaping regulated.
Claims: Very cautious approach encouraged.

France

Ingestibles: Novel food compliance expected before marketing.
Cosmetics: Allowed when compliant with EU cosmetics rules.
Flower/vapes: Policy on hemp flower has evolved; enforcement remains active—verify current stance before retail.
Claims: Non-medical, non-therapeutic only.

Germany

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization typically required; some products may be treated as medicinal if presented as such.
Cosmetics: Generally allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower retail is sensitive; confirm local enforcement and product classification.
Claims: Avoid therapeutic claims.

Greece

Ingestibles: Novel food rules apply.
Cosmetics: Usually permitted.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower restrictions common; check status for vaping products.
Claims: Conservative approach recommended.

Hungary

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization required; enforcement can be strict.
Cosmetics: Permissible when compliant.
Flower/vapes: Restrictions on raw flower; verify for vapes.
Claims: Avoid health claims.

Ireland

Ingestibles: Strong novel food enforcement; extraction method scrutiny possible.
Cosmetics: Generally allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower retail not permitted; vapes regulated.
Claims: Highly conservative; stick to factual, non-health statements.

Italy

Ingestibles: Novel food regime; check for additional national lists and guidance.
Cosmetics: Commonly permitted when compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower retail is contested; verify locally.
Claims: Non-medical, non-therapeutic only.

Latvia

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization needed.
Cosmetics: Allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower restrictions; check e-cig rules.
Claims: Avoid medicinal claims.

Lithuania

Ingestibles: Novel food applies; conservative stance.
Cosmetics: Typically permissible.
Flower/vapes: Restrictions on raw flower; regulated vaping.
Claims: Use non-therapeutic language only.

Luxembourg

Ingestibles: Novel food compliance expected.
Cosmetics: Allowed under EU regime.
Flower/vapes: Verify local retail rules; vaping regulated.
Claims: Stick to compliant, non-medical claims.

Malta

Ingestibles: Novel food pathway; medicinal framework exists for cannabis generally.
Cosmetics: Generally allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower sales restricted; verify.
Claims: Conservative positioning advised.

Netherlands

Ingestibles: Novel food applies; enforcement variable.
Cosmetics: Commonly permitted when compliant.
Flower/vapes: CBD flower retail is restricted despite broader cannabis context; check specifics.
Claims: No medical claims.

Poland

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization generally required.
Cosmetics: Allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower rules are tight; verify.
Claims: Keep language conservative.

Portugal

Ingestibles: Novel food regime; medicinal cannabis framework exists.
Cosmetics: Permissible if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Restrictions on raw flower; regulated vaping.
Claims: Avoid therapeutic claims.

Romania

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization typically needed.
Cosmetics: Generally allowed within EU framework.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower sales restricted; verify for vapes.
Claims: Non-medical only.

Slovakia

Ingestibles: Novel food applies; CBD removed from narcotics lists nationally, but food rules still apply.
Cosmetics: Allowed if compliant.
Flower/vapes: Restrictions on raw flower; check local positions.
Claims: Conservative approach advised.

Slovenia

Ingestibles: Novel food authorization required.
Cosmetics: Permitted when compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower and vaping rules restrictive; verify.
Claims: Avoid health/medical language.

Spain

Ingestibles: Authorities generally do not permit CBD foods/supplements without authorization; enforcement is active.
Cosmetics: Allowed when compliant.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower retail restricted; vaping regulated.
Claims: Highly conservative environment.

Sweden

Ingestibles: Often treated as medicinal or novel food; very strict.
Cosmetics: Permitted if compliant and THC is non-detect.
Flower/vapes: Raw flower not permitted; strict approach to vapes.
Claims: Extremely cautious, non-therapeutic language only.

THC-free, COAs, and LOQ: practical tips

Ask for batch-specific COAs from ISO-accredited labs covering cannabinoids, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiology where applicable.
Verify the LOQ for THC. “THC-free” should mean non-detectable at a suitably low LOQ; state this transparently.
Ingredients: CBD isolate minimizes THC risk; broad-spectrum extracts require tighter controls and frequent testing to stay non-detect.
Drug testing: Even THC-free products may pose a risk due to testing variability or cross-reactivity. Individuals subject to testing should consult their employer/program and consider abstaining.

Cross-border sales and travel

Mutual recognition can support EU trade, but member states can restrict products on safety, narcotics, or public health grounds. Keep documentation ready.
Carry products in original packaging with COAs when traveling. Check airline and destination rules before departure.

Disclaimer

This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and enforcement positions change. Confirm requirements with local authorities and qualified counsel before producing, selling, or carrying CBD products.

FAQ

Is CBD legal across the EU?

CBD itself is not scheduled at the EU level, but each country sets rules for specific product types. Ingestibles typically require novel food authorization; cosmetics and topicals are more commonly permitted, and raw flower retail is often restricted.

What does “THC-free” mean in Europe?

It usually means non-detectable THC at the testing lab’s LOQ. Sellers should disclose LOQ values and provide batch COAs.

Can I sell CBD gummies across the EU?

Not without addressing novel food authorization and national enforcement. Many countries will not permit CBD foods or supplements absent authorization.

Are CBD vapes allowed?

Vaping products are regulated under e-cigarette/tobacco laws and chemical safety rules. Permissibility varies—check national requirements, ingredient restrictions, and notification obligations.

Will THC-free CBD cause a positive drug test?

Risk is lower but not zero due to testing variability and cross-reactivity. Those subject to testing should exercise caution.

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Summary

Across the EU, CBD rules share common principles but differ in practice. Most countries permit compliant cosmetics and topicals; ingestibles face novel food hurdles; and raw flower retail is commonly restricted. Keep products clearly THC-free (non-detect at an appropriate LOQ), maintain robust COAs, avoid medical claims, and verify national requirements before selling or traveling. For broader context and related topics, see Legality, EU Laws (Overview), USA State Laws (Overview), US State-by-State THC-Free CBD Laws, FDA Policy on CBD, and Labeling & Claims Compliance.