EU Novel Food Regulation & CBD
Everything B2B retailers need to know about the Novel Food status of CBD
What is the Novel Food Regulation?
The EU Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 governs the placing on the market of novel foods in the European Union. CBD extracts fall under this regulation as they were not consumed to a significant degree as food in the EU before the cut-off date of May 15, 1997.
Without a valid authorization from the European Commission, CBD-containing products may not be marketed as food or dietary supplements in the EU.
Current Facts
No Approval: No CBD product has currently received EU Novel Food approval.
EFSA Assessment: The EFSA established a preliminary safe intake value of approx. 2 mg/day in February 2026.
UK FSA: First approvals in the UK are expected for Q2-Q3 2026.
How We Handle This
HempWholesales distributes all CBD products exclusively as aroma products or cosmetic raw materials. Our products are not intended for consumption and are not marketed as food or dietary supplements.
All products are delivered with complete Certificates of Analysis (COA) confirming CBD content, THC content and the absence of heavy metals, pesticides and solvents.
What This Means for B2B Buyers
Important: As a reseller or processor, you are responsible for compliance with local laws and regulations in your country. This includes in particular:
- •Correct labeling and categorization of products
- •Compliance with national THC limits
- •Prohibition of health claims
- •Compliance with the Novel Food Regulation when selling as food
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Novel Food mean for CBD?
The EU classifies CBD extracts as novel foods because they were not consumed to a significant degree as food in the EU before May 15, 1997. Without a valid Novel Food authorization, CBD products may not be sold as food.
Are there already approved CBD Novel Food products?
No, as of March 2026, no CBD product has received EU Novel Food approval. Several applications are under review at the EFSA. The UK FSA expects first approvals for Q2-Q3 2026.
How can we sell CBD products then?
Our products are distributed as aroma products or cosmetic raw materials. They are not intended for consumption. As a B2B supplier, we provide the raw material — compliance with local regulations during further processing and resale is the buyer's responsibility.
What is the EFSA safety value for CBD?
The EFSA established a preliminary safe intake value of approx. 2 mg CBD per day for adults in February 2026. This value is preliminary and may change as further assessments are made.
Does regulation differ in Switzerland and the UK?
Yes. Switzerland is not an EU member and has its own regulations with a THC limit of 1.0%. The UK established its own Novel Food register after Brexit, through which the FSA reviews applications.
Do you need individual compliance consulting?