Can you bring CBD to Italy? Importing process and standards
Italy has historically maintained a relatively open market for hemp-derived products, permitting CBD products with THC levels up to 0.6%, a threshold higher than many other European countries. This leniency has positioned Italy as an attractive destination for businesses and individuals interested in importing CBD products. From this it is assumed that you can bring CBD to Italy fairly easily. However, recent legislative developments have introduced potential changes that could impact this landscape.
In late 2024, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, proposed amendments to the Security Law aiming to ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU's permitted 0.3% threshold. 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. The proposed legislation is pending approval in the Senate, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
Given these developments, while Italy currently offers a relatively open market for hemp-derived products, 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 potential new laws will be essential for continued operation within Italy's CBD market.
Overview of Italian CBD Regulations and Laws
Italy combines EU-wide CBD policies with its own national regulations.
Nationally, Italy allows the sale of CBD products with up to 0.6% THC—much higher than the EU’s typical 0.2% threshold. This gives businesses more flexibility in product formulation and marketing.
However, a proposed amendment to the Security Law (late 2024) could ban the sale of hemp flowers, even if THC remains below 0.3%, creating uncertainty for the industry.
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. For imported products, the THC content must not exceed 0.2%, even though Italy permits up to 0.6% THC for locally produced items—this distinction gives local producers an edge in flexibility, but it does not apply to imports.
Each shipment must include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming cannabinoid content, especially to demonstrate that THC levels are below the 0.2% import threshold. 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—especially due to the widespread availability of hemp flowers—there remains strong demand for high-purity, lab-tested CBD oil among health-conscious consumers. Brands aiming to stand out can focus on premium quality, innovative delivery formats like water-soluble CBD, or private-label CBD products. 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.
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. 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.
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. This involves preparing a detailed dossier that proves the product’s safety, cannabinoid content, manufacturing process, and compliance with EU standards—along with declarations such as no animal testing.
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 THC content (must remain under 0.2% for imports) and overall product safety.
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?”—the answer is yes, but 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 legal and, compared to many other EU countries, relatively straightforward—especially once your product meets EU compliance standards. While the import process may require some documentation, Italy’s historically relaxed stance on CBD means fewer local restrictions once the product is cleared for sale.
The main challenge for new sellers remains obtaining Novel Food authorization for ingestible CBD products, whether produced inside or outside the EU. However, once this is in place, the actual commercialization of CBD products in Italy is relatively accessible. Italy even permits the sale of CBD hemp flowers, as long as they are labeled “not for human consumption.” In practice, many consumers still purchase these products for personal use, contributing to a thriving local market.
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.
Importers must ensure that all hemp shipments are properly documented with Certificates of Origin, Certificates of THC compliance, and in some cases, a declaration of use (e.g., for sowing or industrial processing).
Summary: Can I bring CBD to Italy?
Yes, you can bring CBD to Italy, but it must comply with EU and Italian regulations. Italy has one of the most permissive attitudes toward CBD in Europe, allowing domestic products with up to 0.6% THC. However, for imported products—especially from outside the EU—THC must remain below 0.2%, and Novel Food authorization is required for ingestible products like oils or edibles. While the Italian market is open, documentation, lab testing, and product classification still matter.
✅ Important Info:
- Legal THC limit for imports: Max 0.2%
- Novel Food authorization: Required for all ingestible CBD products
- CBD from EU: Easier import, minimal documentation, no customs duties
- CBD from non-EU: Requires customs code, VAT, COA, and possible local testing
- CBD flowers: Allowed for sale, but labeled not for human consumption
- Hemp products (seeds, fiber): Legal if THC <0.2% and EU-approved variety
👉 In short: Yes, you can bring CBD to Italy, but make sure it’s compliant with both EU standards and Italian 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.
