Yes, Absinthe is legal in Belgium, provided it adheres to EU spirits regulations and Belgian excise duties. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) enforces compliance with EU spirit composition rules, including thujone limits (≤10 mg/kg). Retail sales require excise licensing, and online sales must comply with Belgian VAT and age verification laws.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Belgium
- Thujone Content: Must not exceed 10 mg/kg, aligning with EU Regulation 88/2014 on spirit composition.
- Excise Duties: Absinthe is classified as a spirit (≤45% ABV) under Belgian excise law, requiring payment of €15.50/L for products >15% ABV.
- Labeling Requirements: Mandatory display of alcohol content, origin, and FASFC approval number; misleading terms like “absinthe essence” are prohibited.
Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Belgian Excise Code propose stricter digital traceability for high-proof spirits, potentially impacting absinthe distribution. The FASFC conducts periodic market checks to verify compliance, with penalties for violations including fines up to €4,000 for unlicensed sales.