Yes, absinthe is legal in Vietnam but subject to stringent controls under the Ministry of Health’s 2023 circular on alcohol classification. The beverage, containing thujone above 10 mg/kg, requires import permits from the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) and compliance with national food safety standards. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter thujone limits, potentially reclassifying absinthe as a “high-risk” alcohol product.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Vietnam
- Thujone Threshold: Current regulations cap thujone at 10 mg/kg in alcoholic beverages, aligning with EU standards but exceeding U.S. limits. Violations trigger mandatory recalls under VFA Directive 01/2024.
- Import Licensing: Importers must secure pre-approval from the VFA and provincial customs, with mandatory lab testing for thujone content. Unlicensed imports face confiscation under Decree 100/2020/ND-CP.
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must display thujone content, origin, and a health warning per Circular 17/2023/MOH. Mislabeling constitutes a Class B administrative offense under the 2023 Penal Code.
Local enforcement prioritizes Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where 80% of absinthe seizures occur due to unregistered imports. The 2026 amendments may introduce batch-specific thujone testing, further complicating compliance for artisanal producers.