Yes, absinthe is legal in Argentina, but its production, sale, and importation are tightly controlled under national and municipal regulations. The National Food, Drug, and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT) classifies absinthe as an alcoholic beverage with thujone restrictions, while the National Customs Directorate enforces import quotas. Recent 2026 amendments to Resolution 147/2023 now require pre-approval for all absinthe imports, aligning with Mercosur harmonization efforts.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Argentina
- Thujone Limits: ANMAT enforces a maximum thujone content of 10 mg/kg in absinthe, aligning with EU standards under Mercosur Decision 12/2021. Products exceeding this threshold are seized at customs.
- Licensing Requirements: Distributors and importers must obtain a Certificado de Libre Venta (Certificate of Free Sale) from ANMAT, valid for 2 years, before commercializing absinthe.
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must display thujone content, alcohol by volume (ABV ≥45%), and a health warning in Spanish per ANMAT’s Código Alimentario Argentino (CAA) Article 1356. Mislabeling incurs fines up to ARS 5 million (≈USD 5,500).
Local jurisdictions, such as the City of Buenos Aires, impose additional municipal taxes on absinthe sales, with retailers requiring a Permiso de Venta de Bebidas Alcohólicas (Alcoholic Beverage Sales Permit). Non-compliance risks administrative sanctions or criminal liability under the Ley Nacional de Lucha contra el Alcoholismo (Law 24.788).