Can you bring CBD to Italy? Importing process and standards
Italy has historically maintained a relatively open market for hemp-derived products, especially for non-flower parts of the plant. Until 2025, CBD products with THC levels up to 0.6% were tolerated in certain contexts, higher than in many other European countries, making Italy an attractive destination for businesses and individuals interested in importing CBD products. From this, it was often assumed that you could easily bring CBD to Italy. However, since April 2025 Decree-Law 48/2025 has come into force, banning hemp flowers and derivatives (including flower-derived oils and extracts) regardless of THC content, and classifying them under the narcotics law.
This move has sparked significant concern among industry stakeholders, who argue that such restrictions could devastate the burgeoning hemp industry, which generated approximately €500 million in revenue in 2023. Because the decree is already in force (not merely pending), the industry is now in legal limbo rather than awaiting Senate approval.
Given these developments, while Italy still allows some hemp-derived products (such as compliant non-flower derivatives, seeds, or fibre), it is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to import CBD to stay informed about the evolving legal framework. Ensuring compliance with both existing regulations and the new restrictions will be essential for continued operation within Italy's CBD market.
For a full overview of the new legislation and its implications, see our dedicated report:
👉 Italy CBD Ban 2025: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and Why It Matters
Overview of Italian CBD Regulations and Laws
Italy combines EU-wide CBD policies with its own national regulations.
Historically, Italy tolerated the sale of some CBD products with THC levels up to 0.6%, higher than in many other European countries. Since April 2025, however, Decree-Law 48/2025 (“Security Decree”) bans hemp flowers/inflorescences and their derivatives (including flower-derived oils, resins, and extracts) regardless of THC level, treating them under the narcotics framework. This narrows the former flexibility in product formulation and marketing.
Update to the 2024 note: what was a proposed amendment in late 2024 has now entered into force (April 2025). The measure bans the sale of hemp flowers even below 0.3% THC, creating uncertainty for the industry while legal challenges and EU-level scrutiny continue.
Criteria & Policies for Importing CBD into Italy
Importing CBD into Italy requires strict compliance with both EU regulations and Italian national policies. As CBD remains classified as a novel food in the EU, any CBD product intended for ingestion must receive Novel Food authorization from the European Commission. Under current Italian rules, flower-derived oral CBD products are no longer allowed, regardless of THC level, so Novel Food authorization does not make them importable.
Each shipment must include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming cannabinoid content. Additional documents, such as an ingredient list, certificate of origin, and proof of compliance with EU safety standards, may also be required at customs.
While the Italian market is competitive, there remains strong demand for compliant, high-purity CBD products such as topicals or non-flower ingredients. Brands aiming to stand out can focus on premium quality, innovative delivery formats like water-soluble CBD, or private-label CBD products configured to fit the current legal pathways. Companies like Essentia Pura provide full-spectrum and isolate-based solutions, making it easier for new businesses to enter the Italian market with compliant, ready-to-sell offerings.
Importing CBD into Italy within the EU
Importing CBD into Italy from another EU member state is the simplest and most efficient route for entering the Italian market. Thanks to the EU’s single market rules, products that have been legally manufactured and commercialized in another EU country can generally circulate freely—provided they comply with EU-wide regulations, including the Novel Food Regulation, and are not in a category currently restricted in Italy (e.g., flower-derived oral CBD).
If the CBD product is already authorized or tolerated in its country of origin, it can often be imported into Italy with minimal paperwork. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited European lab confirming THC content below 0.2% is typically sufficient, but it will not make restricted categories importable. Since both the source and destination are within the EU, no customs duties or import taxes apply under the free movement of goods principle.
In short, if you're sourcing from an EU-based CBD manufacturer that meets Novel Food and THC compliance standards, your product can be legally and easily imported into Italy with far fewer administrative burdens than non-EU imports, provided it doesn’t fall under Italy’s current restrictions.
Importing CBD into Italy from other Countries
Importing CBD products into Italy from non-EU countries is possible but comes with stricter regulatory and procedural requirements. First and foremost, ingestible CBD products (like oils or edibles) must obtain Novel Food authorization from the European Commission. (Note: under current Italian rules, flower-derived oral CBD is not importable regardless of THC level, so Novel Food authorization does not make those products eligible for import.)
Before the product reaches Italy, importers must identify the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) code, which determines the applicable customs duties. Additionally, all non-EU imports are subject to Italian VAT (usually 22%). Each batch may also need to undergo local laboratory testing in Italy to verify cannabinoid content and overall product safety, but restricted categories will not clear customs even if THC is ≤0.2%.
It's also recommended to obtain a Certificate of Origin from the exporting country’s competent authority. This document can sometimes help reduce duties if the exporting country has a trade agreement with the EU.
So, to answer the common question: “Can I bring CBD to Italy from outside the EU?”. >Yes, for compliant, non-restricted categories; no for flower-derived oral CBD under the current rules. Be prepared for a more complex and tightly regulated process than for EU-based imports.
Importing CBD into Italy to Sell
Selling CBD in Italy is currently restricted and, compared to many other EU countries, only relatively straightforward for compliant, non-restricted categories (e.g., certain topicals within EU cosmetics rules or non-cannabinoid hemp ingredients). While the import process may require some documentation, Italy’s stance is no longer “relaxed” for oral or flower-based CBD; those categories face national restrictions once the product reaches the market.
The main challenge for new sellers remains obtaining Novel Food authorization for ingestible CBD products, whether produced inside or outside the EU. However, Novel Food authorization does not make flower-derived oral CBD marketable in Italy under current rules. Italy no longer permits the sale of CBD hemp flowers (even with “not for human consumption” labels).
For companies offering compliant oils, capsules, or isolate-based products, Italy remains a promising destination—with a large health supplement market and growing consumer interest in high-quality CBD products.
Importing Hemp into Italy
Italy legalized industrial hemp cultivation with Law No. 242/2016, and since then, it has become one of the leading hemp producers in the European Union. The law permits cultivation and import of hemp varieties registered in the EU Common Catalogue of Varieties, provided they contain less than 0.2% THC.
Importing hemp seeds for sowing is allowed as long as the seeds belong to certified low-THC strains. Italy also permits the import of hemp fiber, stalks, and other industrial parts, again on the condition that THC levels stay below 0.2%. These materials are widely used in textiles, bioplastics, construction, and animal feed, making Italy a supportive market for industrial hemp trade within EU regulations.
For companies offering compliant topicals or non-flower hemp inputs, Italy remains a promising destination with a large health supplement market and growing consumer interest in high-quality, legally configured CBD-adjacent products.
Summary: Can I bring CBD to Italy?
Yes, but only for compliant, non-restricted categories. Products must meet EU and Italian regulations. Italy’s former 0.6% tolerance was historical and does not apply to flower/flower-derived or oral CBD under current rules. For imported products, especially from outside the EU, Novel Food authorization is required for ingestible CBD, but this does not make flower-derived oral CBD importable. While the Italian market is partly open, documentation, lab testing, and product classification still matter.
✅ Important Info:
- Legal THC limit for imports: Do not rely on a blanket ≤0.2% rule; restricted categories (e.g., flower-derived oral CBD) won’t clear even at ≤0.2%.
- Novel Food authorization: Required for ingestible CBD products, but cannot override Italy’s current restrictions on flower-derived oral CBD.
- CBD from the EU: Easier logistics and no customs duties, provided the product isn’t in a restricted category.
- CBD from non-EU: Requires HS code, VAT, COA, and possible local testing; restricted categories won’t clear.
- CBD flowers: Not permitted for sale (labels like “not for human consumption” no longer make them marketable).
- Hemp products (seeds, fiber): Legal if THC <0.2% and EU-approved variety.
👉 In short: You can bring only compliant, non-restricted CBD products to Italy. Flower-derived oral CBD is not importable/marketable under current rules. Ensure alignment with both EU standards and Italy’s current enforcement practices.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
