Yes, Absinthe is legal in Iceland but subject to strict regulations under the Act on Alcohol and Tobacco (No. 98/1998) and Regulation No. 1003/2023. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) enforces limits on thujone content (≤10 mg/kg) and mandates licensing for importation or sale. Recent 2026 amendments require digital traceability for all alcoholic beverages, including absinthe, to combat counterfeit spirits.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Iceland
- Thujone Limit: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg of thujone, aligning with EU standards but stricter than historical thresholds.
- Licensing Requirement: Importers and retailers must obtain permits from MAST, which evaluates product compliance and origin.
- Traceability Mandate: From 2026, all absinthe sold in Iceland must integrate with the Digital Alcohol Tracking System (DATS), recording batch-level data for regulatory audits.
Non-compliant products face seizure, fines up to ISK 5 million (≈€35,000), or criminal charges for unlicensed distribution. MAST’s 2024 compliance guidelines emphasize transparency in labeling, including thujone content and production method verification. Travelers may import up to 1 liter for personal use without a license, provided it meets thujone limits.