Yes, absinthe is legal in Australia, but its sale and production are tightly controlled under national and state regulations. The Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code (Standard 2.7.5) permits absinthe containing thujone below 10 mg/kg, aligning with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guidelines. State liquor licensing laws further restrict sales to licensed venues or liquor stores, with some jurisdictions imposing additional age verification.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Australia
- Thujone Limits: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg of thujone, per FSANZ Standard 2.7.5, to comply with food safety laws. Products exceeding this threshold are prohibited.
- Liquor Licensing: Retail sales require a liquor license under state-based schemes (e.g., NSW Liquor & Gaming, VIC Liquor Control). Unlicensed online sales are banned.
- Age Restrictions: Purchase and consumption are restricted to individuals aged 18+ nationwide, enforced under the National Alcohol Strategy 2026 and state liquor acts.
Note on Importation: Personal importation of absinthe via mail is permitted if compliant with thujone limits, but commercial imports require approval from the Australian Border Force and FSANZ. Failure to declare non-compliant products risks seizure and penalties under the Customs Act 1901.