Can you bring CBD to Poland? Importing process and standards
Poland has emerged as one of the more structured yet cautiously open CBD markets in Eastern Europe. As a member of the European Union, it follows broad EU regulatory frameworks—particularly those concerning THC limits (up to 0.3%) and the Novel Food classification of ingestible CBD products. However, Poland also enforces its own national rules around product safety, labeling, advertising, and import procedures, making compliance essential for any business entering the market. So, can you bring CBD to Poland? Yes—but it depends heavily on the type of product, its cannabinoid content, and its intended use. Products like CBD oil, capsules, or edibles require Novel Food authorization, while hemp-based foods like seed oil or flour are easier to import.
Whether you're an EU-based manufacturer or an international exporter, understanding both EU law and Polish-specific requirements is crucial for a smooth and legal entry into this steadily growing CBD market. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about importing and selling CBD in Poland in 2025—from legal classifications and documentation to customs, product labeling, and compliance with Polish health authorities.
Overview of Polish CBD Regulations and Laws
Poland divides cannabis-related products into three distinct categories: medical cannabis, CBD, and hemp-derived foods. While medical cannabis has been legal since 2017, its import, sale, and use are strictly controlled through pharmacies and can only be accessed with a doctor’s prescription.
For CBD, the landscape is more accessible—but still regulated. In Poland, CBD is treated as a herbal product of non-animal origin, and any ingestible product (like oils, gummies, or capsules) must have Novel Food authorization from the European Commission to be legally sold. Polish authorities may also require a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch to confirm cannabinoid content, especially to ensure that THC does not exceed the 0.3% legal limit.
By contrast, hemp seed oil, flour, and defatted hemp seeds are not classified as novel foods, making them easier to import. These products, however, still fall under general food safety regulations, requiring approval from Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS).
Additionally, Poland enforces strict packaging and labeling laws. Labels must include the country of origin, expiration date, batch number, and must not feature any medical or health claims. It's strongly recommended to verify these local requirements before dispatching CBD products to Poland to avoid customs delays or product seizures.
Criteria & Policies for Importing CBD into Poland
Novel Food Authorization
Required for all ingestible CBD products (oils, edibles, supplements).
Not needed for hemp seed oil, hemp flour, or defatted hemp seeds.
Product Notification
Importers must notify Poland’s State Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) at least 2 weeks before import.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Strongly recommended for each batch to prove:
- THC content is below 0.3%
- Product is free from contaminants
Labeling Requirements
Products must comply with Polish law, including:
- No health or medical claims
- Clear display of country of origin, shelf life, and ingredient list
Import Simplicity for Hemp Foods
Products made from hemp seeds (oil, flour) are easier to import and not classified as novel food.
Importing CBD into Poland within the EU
Importing CBD into Poland from another EU member state is the simplest and most efficient pathway for entering the market. If a CBD product is already being legally sold in another EU country, it provides strong evidence that the product is safe and suitable for human use—especially if it already has Novel Food authorization. This streamlined process has helped fuel the steady growth of the CBD Poland market.
In general, no customs duties or import taxes apply, thanks to the EU's single market. A Certificate of Analysis issued in another EU country is typically accepted by Polish authorities, provided it clearly states cannabinoid content, confirms compliance with the <0.3% THC limit, and verifies product safety. This makes it much easier to position CBD oil Poland products competitively compared to non-EU imports.
That said, importers still need to ensure full compliance with Polish regulations, particularly by notifying the State Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) before distribution and following national labeling requirements. These include mandatory details like ingredient list, country of origin, and expiration date, and must not include any health or medical claims. Understanding and adapting to Poland CBD laws remains essential even when importing from within the European Union.
Importing CBD into Poland from other Countries
Bringing CBD into Poland from non-EU countries is entirely possible but comes with additional regulatory hurdles. First and foremost, all ingestible CBD products must have Novel Food authorization from the European Commission to be legally sold. This applies regardless of where the product is manufactured.
Before import, an application must be submitted to the State Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) to obtain clearance for the product. Upon arrival, each batch may be tested by an accredited local laboratory to verify CBD content, confirm THC levels below 0.3%, and ensure the absence of contaminants or illegal substances.
Because these imports originate outside the EU, the goods must undergo customs clearance and are subject to VAT. It's also necessary to include the correct Harmonized System (HS) code on the invoice to properly classify the goods and determine applicable duties or tax rates.
In short, while importing from non-EU countries is more complex, it’s manageable with the right documentation, compliance, and preparation.
Importing CBD into Poland to Sell
Can you import CBD oil to Poland? Yes—you absolutely can. It is legal to import and sell CBD products in Poland, provided they meet the country's regulatory requirements. This includes Novel Food authorization for ingestible products and compliance with THC limits (below 0.3%), safety testing, and labeling rules.
Poland is one of the fastest-growing markets for health supplements in Central and Eastern Europe. However, since 2020, the government has tightened laws around advertising such products—especially to restrict misleading health claims. While it is still legal to advertise CBD in Poland, sellers must be cautious not to suggest that products have medical benefits unless they are registered as medicinal.
CBD products in Poland are commonly sold through pharmacies, a legacy of the country’s supplement distribution model, but online sales and specialized CBD shops are rapidly expanding. This growing multi-channel retail environment offers strong potential for compliant and well-positioned CBD brands entering the Polish market.
Importing Hemp into Poland
Importing hemp-based products into Poland is generally more straightforward than importing CBD oil, but the requirements depend heavily on which part of the hemp plant is being imported.
Products such as processed hemp seeds, defatted hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour are not classified as novel foods by the European Commission or Polish authorities. This makes them relatively easy to import. Still, importers may be required to notify the State Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) and provide evidence that the products are safe, THC-free, and intended for food use.
On the other hand, if the product is derived from hemp flowers, leaves, or stalks or contains cannabinoids like CBD—even with THC below 0.2%—then Novel Food authorization is required before it can be legally imported and sold as a food product.
Hemp fiber, used for textiles, construction, or bioplastics, is considered an industrial raw material and not subject to food regulations. However, such products often fall under different HS codes and may be subject to higher VAT or customs duties, especially for non-EU imports, as a way to protect domestic agriculture and industry.
Summary: Can I Bring CBD to Poland?
Yes, you can bring CBD to Poland, but the product must meet strict regulatory conditions. Poland allows CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, and ingestible items must have Novel Food authorization. While importing within the EU is relatively smooth, products from outside the EU face more rigorous checks, including customs clearance, batch testing, and State Sanitary Inspectorate notification. Hemp-based foods like seed oil or flour are easier to import and not classified as novel foods.
✅ Critical Info:
- Legal THC limit: Max 0.3%
- Novel Food authorization: Required for ingestibles (e.g. oils, capsules)
- From EU: Minimal documentation, no customs or VAT
- From outside EU: Customs, VAT, COA, and GIS notification required
- Hemp foods (seeds, flour, oil): Easier to import, no novel food approval needed
- Packaging: No health/medical claims; must show origin, shelf life, and ingredients
- Lab testing: Required for imported CBD batches (especially non-EU)
- Selling CBD: Legal, but advertising is restricted—avoid health claims
👉 In short: Yes, you can bring CBD to Poland—as long as it complies with EU and Polish safety, THC, and labeling standards.
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.
