Yes, absinthe is legal in Portugal, but its production, sale, and distribution are tightly controlled under national and EU regulations. The beverage, historically linked to thujone toxicity concerns, must comply with EU spirits legislation and Portuguese food safety standards enforced by the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV).
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Portugal
- Thujone Limits: Absinthe must adhere to EU Regulation 884/2021, capping thujone at 10 mg/kg in finished products. DGAV conducts lab tests to verify compliance, particularly for artisanal producers.
- Alcohol Content & Labeling: Products exceeding 15% ABV require health warnings per Decreto-Lei n.º 15/2019. Labels must explicitly state “Absinto” (Portuguese term) and list botanical ingredients.
- Licensing & Distribution: Distillers must obtain a Licença de Estabelecimento de Bebidas Espirituosas from DGAV. Retailers need a Licença de Comércio de Bebidas (Portaria n.º 269/2020), with online sales restricted to licensed platforms.
Portuguese customs align with EU excise duties (Directive 2008/118/EC), imposing a €1.20/liter tax on spirits ≥15% ABV. The Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira monitors imports, particularly from non-EU producers. Recent 2026 EU harmonization efforts may tighten thujone enforcement, requiring Portuguese distillers to pre-register botanical sourcing with DGAV’s Sistema de Controlo de Bebidas Espirituosas.