Yes, Kava is legal in Portugal but classified as a novel food under EU Regulation 2015/2283. The Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) enforces compliance, requiring pre-market authorization for kava-containing products. Recent 2026 guidance aligns with EFSA’s safety assessments, limiting kava’s presence in beverages to 100 mg per serving.
Key Regulations for Kava in Portugal
- Novel Food Authorization: Kava requires EFSA-approved novel food status; unapproved forms (e.g., raw root, extracts) are prohibited.
- Maximum Dose Limits: Beverages may not exceed 100 mg kavalactones per serving; solid products are capped at 200 mg/kg.
- Labeling Mandates: Products must display “Not for pregnant women” and “May cause drowsiness” warnings per DGAV’s 2025 guidance.
The Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) monitors compliance, with penalties for unauthorized sales. Importers must submit safety dossiers to DGAV, including toxicological data. While traditional kava ceremonies remain unregulated, commercial distribution faces stringent controls under EU harmonized rules.