No, absinthe is not explicitly banned in India, but its sale and production are severely restricted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, due to its thujone content. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates its import, requiring prior approval and strict labeling compliance. State excise policies often impose additional barriers, with some jurisdictions outright prohibiting its sale.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in India
- NDPS Act Compliance: Absinthe containing thujone exceeding 10 ppm is classified as a psychotropic substance, necessitating import authorization from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Unapproved possession or distribution may lead to penal consequences under Section 22 of the NDPS Act.
- FSSAI Licensing: Importers must secure an FSSAI license and adhere to food safety standards, including thujone content limits. Mislabeling or failure to declare ingredients can result in product seizure or legal action.
- State-Level Restrictions: Excise departments in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Kerala enforce additional prohibitions. Delhi’s 2024 excise policy, for instance, bans absinthe sales entirely, while Karnataka permits it only in licensed liquor stores.
Recent 2026 draft amendments to the NDPS Act propose stricter thujone thresholds, potentially reclassifying absinthe as a controlled substance. Importers and distributors must monitor NCB circulars for updated compliance directives. Violations may trigger investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), given the substance’s historical association with illicit trade.