Yes, absinthe is legal in Greece, provided it complies with EU and national regulations governing thujone content and labeling. The Hellenic Food Authority (EFSA) enforces EU Directive 2001/15/EC, which limits thujone to 10 mg/kg in alcoholic beverages. Recent 2026 amendments to Greek food safety laws further align with EU harmonization, requiring importers to submit pre-market notifications to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Greece
- Thujone Limits: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg thujone, as mandated by EU Regulation 88/2014. Products exceeding this threshold are prohibited under Greek food safety laws.
- Labeling Requirements: Labels must display alcohol content (vol%), thujone concentration, and a health warning per EU Directive 2007/68/EC. Misleading claims (e.g., “hallucinogenic”) are banned.
- Licensing & Import: Distributors must register with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and obtain a health certificate from EFSA. Parallel imports require additional customs clearance under Greek excise duty frameworks.