Status of Hemp Extracts in Europe
In this press note, EIHA and its members, want to provide a clear and factual overview of the current legislative framework. To clarify: We are talking about “hemp” (Cannabis sativa L.), which is authorized under the EU’s Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant species (Reg. 1308/2013). Commonly hemp is known for its historic use as food and its use for rope, textiles and paper.
In this press note, EIHA and its members, want to provide a clear and factual overview of the current legislative framework. To clarify: We are talking about “hemp” (Cannabis sativa L.), which is authorized under the EU’s Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant species (Reg. 1308/2013). Commonly hemp is known for its historic use as food and its use for rope, textiles and paper. Most foods and food ingredients from the hemp plant were exempt from the scope of “Novel Food” Regulation (EC) No 258/97. Without further industry consultation, the wording of the NF catalogue was changed in January 2019. According to the newly phrased “entry”, which is not a legally-binding document for Member States:
- Only seed derived products are considered food,
- Leaves and flowers are now considered not explicitly exempt from the scope of Novel Food (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) which has moved them from previously foods into a ‘grey zone’, and
- A new entry, called Cannabinoids, was created which now states that all hemp extracts are novel food.
More in the pdf