Thinking about sending CBD products abroad? One misstep can lead to delays, seizures, or fines. This guide breaks down the essential CBD export rules so you can ship with confidence, avoid costly surprises, and keep your customers happy.

Quick Answer: Can You Export CBD?

In many cases, yes—but only if your product, paperwork, and destination all align. You must prove the product is hemp-derived, meets THC thresholds for the destination, and complies with local labeling and product standards. Some countries ban CBD entirely. Always confirm requirements before you ship.

What Are CBD Export Rules?

CBD export rules describe the laws and procedures that control how hemp-derived cannabidiol products move across borders. They cover product classification (is it hemp or cannabis?), THC limits, paperwork, labeling, licenses, carrier policies, customs filings, taxes, and sanctions checks.

Understand hemp shipping laws in your target market

Every country treats CBD differently. Some allow CBD oils and topicals, but not edibles. Others require zero THC. A few ban CBD outright. Know the rules before you quote or pack an order—local hemp shipping laws determine what’s possible.

Global Snapshot: Where CBD Is Typically Allowed, Restricted, or Prohibited

This overview is not legal advice. Always verify current laws with local counsel or a licensed customs broker.

Commonly allowed with strict conditions

  • European Union: Novel Food authorization required for ingestible CBD. THC in products must be at compliant trace levels; rules vary by member state.
  • United Kingdom: Novel Foods application for ingestibles; strict THC limits. Topicals may be easier if cosmetics rules are met.
  • Japan: CBD must be THC-free (0.00%) and sourced from permitted parts (e.g., mature stalk). Documentation is critical.
  • Switzerland: Generally tolerant; up to 1% THC in some categories, but import rules and product types still matter.

License-only or medical pathways

  • Canada: CBD is regulated under the Cannabis Act. Consumer imports/exports are not allowed. Only licensed entities can export with Health Canada authorization.
  • Australia: Tightly controlled by the TGA/ODC. Imports often need export permits on the sender side and import permits on the receiver side.

High-risk or prohibited destinations

  • United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore: Typically prohibited; penalties are severe.
  • China (mainland): Very restricted; CBD banned in cosmetics, and general imports are risky.
  • Russia and some Southeast Asian nations: Significant restrictions or bans.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Ship CBD Internationally

  1. Define your product precisely. Is it an oil, capsule, gummy, vape, cosmetic, pet product, or raw ingredient (isolate/distillate)? Product type drives rules.
  2. Confirm hemp origin and THC status. Obtain a recent Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing compliant THC. Many countries demand 0.00% THC for consumer goods.
  3. Classify the goods for customs. Work with a customs broker to determine the correct tariff code and duty/VAT implications.
  4. Check import requirements and export permits. Some routes need pre-approval, destination-specific registrations, or health ministry clearances. In license-only markets (e.g., Canada, Australia), you’ll need official permits and licensed counter-parties.
  5. Align labels and documentation. Include ingredients, net contents, origin, batch/lot, and THC statement where allowed. Translate labels if required by the destination.
  6. Prepare your paperwork. Typical sets include Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COA, product spec sheet, and possibly a Certificate of Origin. Keep digital copies handy.
  7. Screen for sanctions and restricted parties. Check OFAC and other sanctions lists. Avoid embargoed countries and barred buyers.
  8. File export data if required. From the U.S., you may need Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES when thresholds apply. Your broker or carrier can advise.
  9. Choose the right carrier. Not all carriers accept CBD internationally. Confirm policies for your product type and corridor before booking.
  10. Set Incoterms and insurance. Decide who pays duties/taxes and who bears risk (e.g., DAP vs. DDP). Insure high-value shipments.

Documentation you’ll likely need

  • Commercial Invoice and Packing List
  • Certificate of Analysis (batch-specific)
  • Product specification sheet and safety data where applicable
  • Certificates or letters required by the destination (e.g., THC-free declaration)
  • Any government licenses or permits tied to the route

CBD Export Rules by Region: Practical Notes

  • United States origin: Hemp-derived CBD (<=0.3% THC by dry weight) is federally lawful to produce under the 2018 Farm Bill, but FDA rules still limit ingestible marketing claims. Exports must meet importer-country law. EEI filing may be required based on value or control status. USPS and some postal networks restrict international CBD—use carriers with customs brokerage.
  • European Union: Ingestible CBD typically falls under Novel Food rules; many brands sell only topicals until approvals clear. Member-state enforcement varies.
  • United Kingdom: Requires Novel Foods validation for ingestibles; keep THC as low as technically possible and backed by a reputable COA.
  • Japan: Zero THC policy and strict documentation. Many exporters use isolate-based formulations and supply robust sourcing evidence.
  • Canada & Australia: Treat CBD as cannabis or a scheduled substance. Expect licensing plus import/export authorizations.

Carrier and Logistics Tips

  • Ask your carrier for a written policy confirmation for your product and route.
  • Use tamper-evident packaging and include a hard copy of the COA inside the box.
  • Pre-alert your consignee with copies of invoices, permits, and COAs to speed clearance.
  • Consider a trial shipment with a low declared value to validate the process before scaling.

Real Experience: How a Colorado Brand Entered Japan

A Colorado CBD company wanted to sell tinctures in Tokyo retail. Their first test shipment was detained for “THC uncertainty.” They regrouped and:

  • Reformulated with CBD isolate and validated non-detectable THC with a reputable ISO/IEC 17025 lab.
  • Added part-origin attestations to show compliance with Japan’s sourcing rules.
  • Worked with a Japanese importer to secure required notifications and label translations.
  • Shipped via an express carrier that confirmed acceptance for the route.

The second shipment cleared in 48 hours, and the brand now moves monthly pallets. The lesson: meticulous documentation and local partners beat assumptions.

Common Mistakes That Get CBD Shipments Stopped

  • Using a generic COA or one from a different batch.
  • Shipping ingestibles to countries that allow only cosmetics or topicals.
  • Assuming “hemp is legal” means “CBD imports are legal.”
  • Wrong tariff code, missing EEI, or skipped sanctions screening.
  • Carrier policy conflicts—booking first, asking later.

Compliance and Risk Management

Build an international compliance playbook for each destination. Capture rules, document templates, label specs, and points of contact. Review quarterly—CBD regulations change fast.

Who to consult

  • Customs broker experienced in hemp-derived goods
  • Local regulatory counsel in the destination market
  • Accredited labs for THC and contaminant testing
  • Your carrier’s regulatory/compliance desk

Regulatory References to Check (Before Every Shipment)

  • Customs authority of the destination country
  • Health/Food/Cosmetics regulator (e.g., FDA, European Commission, UK FSA, Japan MHLW, Health Canada, Australia TGA/ODC)
  • Sanctions lists (OFAC and UN)
  • Carrier service guides for CBD/hemp products

Conclusion

With the right plan, documents, and partners, you can navigate CBD export rules and open new markets. Start small, validate your process, and scale with confidence.

FAQs

Can I legally export CBD from the United States?

Generally yes, if it’s hemp-derived and compliant (<=0.3% THC by dry weight) and the destination country allows the product type. You still must follow federal export rules, carrier policies, and the importer’s regulations.

What documents do I need to ship CBD internationally?

Expect a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, recent COA, product specs, and sometimes a Certificate of Origin. Some routes require import or export permits and pre-approvals.

Which countries prohibit CBD imports?

Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore typically prohibit CBD. Mainland China and Russia present high risk. Always verify current law before shipping.

Do I need an export license or EEI filing?

CBD is usually not license-controlled for U.S. export, but you may need to file EEI in AES based on value or other factors. Your broker can advise based on the specific shipment.

How do THC limits affect my shipment?

Many destinations require non-detectable THC for consumer goods, especially ingestibles. A batch-specific COA proving THC compliance is often mandatory for clearance.