Can you bring CBD to Portugal? Importing process and standards
Portugal is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for CBD products in Europe. With its progressive drug policies and strict adherence to EU standards, many ask, “Is CBD legal in Portugal?” or “Can you bring CBD to Portugal?” The regulatory framework—anchored in key laws —ensures that only products containing less than 0.2% THC can be marketed. This means whether you’re a consumer searching for “CBD shop Portugal” or an importer looking into “CBD oil Portugal” opportunities, compliance is paramount.
Importers planning on bringing edibles to Portugal or looking to import cannabis to the EU must navigate detailed documentation and licensing requirements. These regulations ensure that all cannabis-derived products—including CBD—meet quality and safety standards, reinforcing that CBD's legal status is built on solid legal foundations. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and legal prerequisites for those aiming to import cannabis products, making it easier for you to tap into this thriving market.
Overview of Portuguese CBD Regulations and Laws
Despite Portugal’s reputation for its progressive drug policies—including decriminalizing personal drug use—CBD oil is not as freely available as one might expect. Since 2018, when the EU classified CBD as a novel food, Portugal has tightened its regulations considerably.
Only CBD products that have been authorized as novel foods by the European Commission are allowed for sale in Portugal. Moreover, even products that meet these criteria are subject to additional restrictions: they can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. This means that, unlike in some markets, consumers cannot simply walk into a store or order online; a valid medical indication is required.
In practice, physicians generally prescribe CBD oil only for specific conditions such as spasticity, nausea, appetite loss, chronic pain, epilepsy, and resistant glaucoma. CBD in Portugal is, therefore, largely confined to medically supervised use, significantly limiting the scope of the commercial CBD oil business and reducing the role of online CBD shops in favor of a market that relies on medical professionals.
These measures are governed by key legal instruments, including Law No. 33/2018, Decree-Law No. 8/2019, and Ordinance 83/2021, which collectively form the backbone of Portugal's CBD laws. These regulations ensure that all CBD products adhere to strict quality, safety, and usage standards, shaping a tightly controlled but growing market for CBD in the country.
Criteria & Policies for Importing CBD into Portugal
Before importing any CBD product into Portugal, you must obtain the necessary authorizations from INFARMED—the Portuguese National Authority for Medicines and Health Products—and comply with EU Novel Food Regulations. Since 2018, Portugal has required that only CBD products approved as novel foods by the European Commission can be marketed, and—if intended for medicinal use—a doctor’s prescription is mandatory.
Importers must apply, along with several key documents, to demonstrate compliance:
- Novel Food Approval Certificate:
This certificate confirms that your CBD product has been authorized by the European Commission for use as a novel food within the EU. - Certificate of Analysis (COA):
A comprehensive COA is essential to verify that the product’s THC content remains below the legal threshold (less than 0.2% THC) and that the CBD concentration meets the declared specifications. - Ingredient & Origin Certification:
Documentation that clearly lists all ingredients in the product and confirms its country of origin is required for traceability and quality assurance. - Doctor’s Prescription (for Medicinal Products):
In Portugal, even CBD oil must be dispensed only with a valid prescription when used for medicinal purposes. This ensures that the product is used under medical supervision for conditions such as chronic pain, spasticity, nausea, and epilepsy.
While detailed extraction process documentation is no longer mandatory, your product must strictly adhere to EU and national standards outlined in Law No. 33/2018, Decree-Law No. 8/2019, and Ordinance 83/2021. Given the strict enforcement by INFARMED, hiring a local consultant or legal expert is advisable to ensure that your import process is fully compliant with all current regulations.
Importing CBD into Portugal within the EU
First, obtain the necessary import permit from INFARMED (Portuguese National Authority for Medicines and Health Products) as required under Law No. 33/2018, Decree-Law No. 8/2019, and Ordinance 83/2021.
Prepare Required Documentation
- Novel Food Approval Certificate: Verify that your CBD product is approved as a novel food by the European Commission.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Ensure that the product’s THC content is below 0.2% and that the CBD concentration matches the label claims.
- Certificate of Origin and Ingredient List: Provide documentation that confirms the product's origin and details all ingredients.
Next up, ensure that your CBD products meet Portugal’s stricter THC standard (less than 0.2% THC), even though EU regulations may permit up to 0.2–0.3% THC, and file your application electronically via INFARMED’s designated portal, along with all the required documents. CBD in Portugal must strictly adhere to these national guidelines to be eligible for import and sale. Since the product is imported from within the EU, additional customs duties typically do not apply; however, be prepared to pay the applicable Portuguese VAT (around 23%).
After importation, maintain detailed records while complying with any periodic reporting requirements set by INFARMED to ensure ongoing compliance with Portuguese regulations.
Importing CBD into Portugal from other Countries
Even when produced outside the EU, CBD products must meet similar documentation requirements. Products from non-EU manufacturers need to secure Novel Food approval from the European Commission, ensuring the THC content remains below 0.2%.
Certificates from non-EU nations might not be accepted by Portuguese authorities. Instead, each batch typically undergoes local analysis and certification to verify compliance. Import permission from INFARMED is also mandatory.
Additionally, CBD products from non-EU countries face extra local duties, including customs charges and VAT. Meeting these strict standards is essential for successful importation into Portugal in 2025.
Importing CBD into Portugal to Sell
Importing CBD into Portugal is generally not very difficult, but selling it is highly challenging. Although Portugal decriminalized the possession of drugs for personal use, this leniency does not extend to the commercial sale of CBD products. In Portugal, even though recreational cannabis is decriminalized, any CBD oil intended for medicinal purposes must contain less than 0.2% THC and can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription. This means that consumers cannot simply purchase CBD oil over the counter or online; instead, all CBD products in Portugal are tightly controlled and depend on medical justification.
INFARMED closely monitors the sale and distribution of these products to ensure they are used appropriately and not abused. Portugal CBD laws impose a strict regulatory framework that severely limits the market for CBD products—even though other forms of cannabis with higher THC levels might be tolerated for personal use, their commercial sale remains illegal. As a result, while importing CBD into Portugal may be relatively straightforward, the requirements for selling CBD oil in Portugal make it a complex and tightly regulated business venture.
Importing Hemp into Portugal
When it comes to hemp, the process in Portugal is relatively straightforward. Hemp seed products—naturally free of THC or containing only trace amounts—do not require novel food approval and may be imported as food products. However, importers might need to provide evidence, such as a certificate of analysis and a declaration, to confirm that the product is derived solely from hemp seeds rather than other parts of the plant.
Hemp seeds from other EU nations can also be imported without major complications, though it’s important to note that only approved varieties are permitted for cultivation within the EU. In contrast, importing seeds from non-EU countries could involve additional regulatory hurdles.
Hemp fiber is classified as an industrial product, making its importation relatively uncomplicated, although higher duties might apply compared to food products.
Summary: Can you bring CBD to Portugal?
Importing CBD and hemp products into Portugal is possible but comes with strict regulatory requirements, especially for CBD intended for human consumption. While hemp seeds and fibers face fewer restrictions, CBD oil and related products must comply with EU Novel Food regulations and receive INFARMED’s approval. Medicinal CBD is only available by prescription, and commercial sales are tightly controlled, even though Portugal has decriminalized drug use for personal purposes. Importing from within the EU is easier than from third countries, but all products must meet Portugal’s specific THC limits and documentation standards.
Key Information from the Blog:
- Legal Framework:
- Governed by Law No. 33/2018, Decree-Law No. 8/2019, and Ordinance 83/2021.
- INFARMED regulates all medicinal cannabis and CBD sales in Portugal.
- CBD Legal Status in Portugal:
- CBD products with <0.2% THC are legal but can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription.
- Over-the-counter sales and online marketing are not allowed.
- Recreational cannabis is decriminalized but not legalized or freely sold.
- Importing CBD from the EU:
- Requires Novel Food approval, COA, ingredient list, and INFARMED authorization.
- No customs duties, but 23% VAT applies.
- Products must comply with Portugal’s stricter <0.2% THC limit.
- Importing CBD from Non-EU Countries:
- Same document requirements as EU imports.
- Must still have EU Novel Food approval.
- Batch testing in Portugal may be required.
- Subject to customs duties and VAT.
- Importing Hemp Products:
- Hemp seeds (food use): No novel food approval needed. Must show seed-only origin.
- Hemp seeds from EU: Allowed if variety is EU-approved.
- Hemp fiber: Considered industrial, easily importable but may incur higher tariffs.
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.