Yes, Absinthe is legal in Germany, but its production, sale, and distribution are tightly controlled under the Branntweinmonopolgesetz (Spirits Monopoly Act) and EU spirits regulations. Only thujone-free absinthe (≤10 mg/kg) may be marketed, with strict labeling and licensing requirements enforced by the Bundesmonopolverwaltung für Branntwein and local food safety authorities.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Germany
- Thujone Limit: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg thujone, per EU Regulation 1334/2008, aligning with Germany’s Lebensmittelrecht (Food Law). Higher concentrations trigger seizure under the Chemikaliengesetz (Chemicals Act).
- Licensing & Production: Domestic distillation requires a Branntweinbrennereierlaubnis from the Federal Monopoly Administration. Imported absinthe must comply with EU spirits certification and German customs declarations.
- Labeling Mandates: Bottles must display alcohol content (min. 45% ABV for traditional absinthe), origin, and a health warning per EU Regulation 1169/2011. Misleading “natural” or “traditional” claims violate LFGB (Food and Feed Code) §11.
Post-2026, amendments to the Branntweinmonopolgesetz may tighten import quotas for non-EU absinthe, pending EU-wide harmonization of spirit classifications. Retailers distributing absinthe in Berlin or Bavaria must also adhere to local Gewerbeordnungen (Trade Regulations), which may impose additional zoning restrictions. Violations risk fines up to €50,000 or criminal liability under Strafgesetzbuch §267 (forgery of documents).