Yes, absinthe is legal in Poland, provided it complies with EU spirits regulations and Polish excise duties. Since 2017, Poland lifted its long-standing ban on thujone-containing absinthe, aligning with EU Directive 88/388/EEC, which permits up to 10 mg/kg of thujone in spirits. The Polish Tax Administration (Izba Celna) enforces excise tax on spirits at 1.50 PLN per 0.5 L of 40% ABV absinthe, with mandatory health warnings on labels. Retail sales require a spirits excise license, and online sales must verify buyer age (18+).
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Poland
- Thujone Limit: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg thujone, per EU harmonized standards enforced by the Polish Ministry of Health (Ministerstwo Zdrowia).
- Excise Tax: Spirits, including absinthe, are subject to excise duty of 1.50 PLN per 0.5 L of 40% ABV, collected by the National Revenue Administration (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa).
- Labeling & Sales: Labels must display health warnings (“Alkohol szkodzi zdrowiu”) and origin details; sales are restricted to licensed retailers and age-verified online platforms per the 2023 amendment to the Ustawa o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi.