Is CBD Legal in Belgium?
May 29, 2026
CBD is legal in Belgium with restrictions. Cosmetics permitted, ingestibles require EU novel food authorization, finished products must stay below 0.3% THC.
CBD is legal in Belgium with restrictions. Cosmetics permitted, ingestibles require EU novel food authorization, finished products must stay below 0.3% THC.
CBD occupies a fragmented legal space in Belgium. The compound itself is not listed as a narcotic provided it is extracted from industrial hemp varieties registered in the EU Common Catalogue and the finished product contains no more than 0.3% THC (raised from 0.2% in 2023 to align with the revised EU Common Agricultural Policy). The Federal Public Service Economy and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA/FAVV) share oversight of CBD products depending on category.
For ingestible CBD, including oils, edibles, and food supplements, AFSCA applies Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. CBD extracts and isolates were confirmed as novel foods by the European Commission in January 2019, meaning any ingestible CBD product placed on the Belgian market requires pre-market authorization under the novel food procedure. Until such authorization is granted at EU level, AFSCA can order the withdrawal of unauthorized CBD foods and supplements. CBD cosmetics are permitted under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 provided they comply with the CosIng database entries. CBD e-liquids fall under the Royal Decree of 28 October 2016 on electronic cigarettes. CBD flower remains in a grey zone with retailers facing seizure risk despite the 0.3% THC ceiling.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Restricted
AFSCA/FAVV; SPF Economie; SPF Sante Publique; FAMHP/AFMPS/FAGG
0.3% THC in finished product
Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (Novel Food); Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (Cosmetics); Royal Decree of 6 September 2017; Royal Decree of 28 October 2016
Intra-EU movement of CBD products manufactured in another Member State benefits from the principle of mutual recognition, although AFSCA retains the right to block ingestible products lacking novel food authorization. Imports from outside the EU must clear customs, comply with the 0.3% THC ceiling, and meet category-specific rules: novel food authorization for ingestibles, CPNP notification for cosmetics, and tobacco-product notification for vape products. Hemp seed and seed-derived ingredients are exempt from novel food rules and circulate freely.
