No. Absinthe containing thujone exceeding 10 mg/kg is banned under Egypt’s 2023 amendments to the Executive Regulations of Law No. 182/2020, enforced by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). Importation requires EDA pre-approval, and domestic sales are restricted to licensed pharmacies.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Egypt
- Thujone Limit: Maximum 10 mg/kg, per EDA’s 2023 amendments aligning with Codex Alimentarius standards.
- Licensing: Only pharmacies with EDA-issued permits may sell absinthe; general retailers are prohibited.
- Import Controls: Prior EDA clearance mandatory; customs seizures occur without documentation proving compliance.
Local enforcement prioritizes thujone thresholds due to neurotoxicological concerns cited in the 2026 National Food Safety Strategy. Violations trigger fines up to EGP 500,000 or imprisonment under Law No. 182/2020.