Yes, Absinthe is legal in Romania, but its production, sale, and import are strictly regulated under national and EU frameworks. The Romanian Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) enforces compliance with EU spirits regulations, including thujone limits (≤10 mg/kg). Recent 2026 amendments to the Legea 158/2016 on alcoholic beverages tightened labeling and licensing requirements for absinthe producers.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Romania
- Thujone Content: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg of thujone, aligning with EU Regulation 1334/2008. Products exceeding this threshold are banned under Ordinul ANSVSA nr. 10/2023.
- Licensing & Production: Distillers require a licență de fabricare from ANSVSA, with mandatory pre-market approval for thujone-containing spirits. Home production is prohibited without commercial authorization.
- Labeling & Marketing: Labels must display thujone content, origin, and a health warning per Regulamentul (UE) 2019/787. Misleading claims about “traditional absinthe” trigger penalties under Legea 360/2003 on consumer protection.