What to know about importing CBD into Poland?

Poland is one of the largest markets for various natural health supplements. It is one of the countries in East Europe that has done pretty well after joining the EU. Its economy is booming, and so is its industry.

400;”>CBD oil is legal in Poland. It is among the moderately stringent nations. It means that it has some distinct local requirements, too. However, most of these requirements are not very challenging to fulfil. These requirements are primarily regarding the safety of the products.

Overview of Polish CBD Regulations and Laws

According to Polish law, there is medical cannabis, sales and import of which is strictly controlled. Then there is CBD and hemp. 

CBD products are seen as natural herbal products of non-animal origin in Poland. For any CBD product to be legally sold in Poland, it must get novel food authorization by the European Commission. One may also need to provide the certificate of analysis of each batch so that Polish authorities can see the content of each CBD product.

However, things are simpler when it comes to hemp seed oil, flour, or defatted hemp seeds. They are not regarded as novel food by the European Commission. It means that one may import them into Poland without much hassle. Nonetheless, it is a food product, and one may need to get certain approvals from The Chief Sanitary Inspector.

Additionally, Poland has some local requirements regarding product packaging. Like there should not be any health claims, the product should manufacture place of production, expiry date, and so on. It is good to enquire more about these local requirements before dispatching CBD products to Poland.

Criteria & Policies for Importing CBD into Poland

The primary criteria for CBD oil remain the novel food authorization from the EU. However, such approval is not needed if a product contains hemp seed oil or flour, as those are not novel foods.

Additionally, there is a need to submit an application to the State Sanitary Inspection at least two weeks before importing CBD into the country.

Generally, it is good to have a certificate of analysis of the product to prove that the product is safe and does not contain any impurities.

Additionally, one may need to understand more about local laws regarding the labelling of CBD products.

Importing CBD into Poland within the EU

It is perhaps the most straightforward way of doing CBD business in Poland. However, it would be relatively easy if that particular product is already in sale in other EU nations since it is evidence that the product is suitable for human use.

CBD oil or other products containing CBD would need novel food approval. It is because these products have not been traditionally consumed in the EU region.

Usually, there are no more documents needed. For example, a certificate of analysis from other EU nations would be acceptable in Poland. In addition, there are no customs or other duties on the movement of goods between various EU nations. 

However, one should be careful about the legal requirements of the State Sanitary department and additional local requirements regarding the labelling of the products.

Importing CBD into Poland from other Countries

Importing CBD into Poland from non-EU nations could be more challenging, especially if importing from certain Asian countries. In addition, it would still require novel food authorization to sell any CBD product in Poland.

One would also need to submit an application to The State Sanitary department to get their clearance. 

Additionally, on arrival, every batch would be certified by a local lab for its CBD content and content of other cannabinoids. THC levels would be strictly monitored along with other impurities.

Further, ass products imported from outside of Poland would go through the process of customs clearance and would need to pay VAT. Thus, it would also be essential to mention the Harmonized System code (HS code) on the invoice.

Importing CBD into Poland to Sell

Can I import CBD oil to Poland? The answer is yes. It is entirely legal to import and sell CBD oil or other CBD product in Poland. 

Poland is one of the fastest-growing markets for health supplements. However, in 2020, the Polish government made some changes to laws regarding the advertising of health supplements. It is because, earlier in Poland, laws were less stringent, and thus many sellers of health supplements could make even unproven claims.

Advertising CBD products are still legal in Poland, but one needs to be careful with health claims. In Poland, like in many other East European nations, considerable sales of health supplements occur via pharmacies. Although, it appears that online sales of these products are also rising. Further, many specialized CBD shops are also gradually emerging across the nation.

Importing Hemp into Poland

Importing hemp is more straightforward. However, it depends on the part of Hemp one is planning to import. 

Processed hemp seeds, defatted seeds, hemp seed oil, hemp seed flour are not regarded as novel food by European norms or by Polish authorities. It means that they can be pretty simple to import without many documents. Nonetheless, one may require to file an application with The State Sanitary department. It is to prove that the products are safe and THC free.

However, if the product was extracted from leaves for flower, or even stalk, or contains CBD and THC below 0.2%, it must get novel food approval.

Hemp fibre is an industrial product and not a food product. Thus, it would not require many documents. However, products for industrial use generally have different HS codes and higher customs duties and VAT. It is generally to protect local hemp growers and the industry.

To conclude, Poland is an attractive market for CBD oil or other CBD products. Importing and selling CBD oil is legal in Poland. Moreover, it generally follows most EU guidelines. Nonetheless, it may have specific local requirements like applying with The State Sanitary department. Nevertheless, the process is pretty straightforward.

However, it is worth understanding that the legal framework regarding CBD products is still evolving, going through significant changes every few years. Thus, it is always good to do more research before starting a CBD business in Poland. 

One may also consult Essentiapura, its specialists have good knowledge about various EU markets, and they can provide precious information about starting a CBD business in different EU markets.