Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ), an ANAB-accredited certification program, has announced the publication of its new EU GMP Addendum, designed to assist cannabinoid producers in demonstrating EU GMP compliance for export into European markets. This development aligns with ongoing discussions regarding U.S. federal cannabis rescheduling and the potential for increased international trade opportunities.
The addendum is currently open for a public comment period, which concludes on June 1, 2026. It aims to provide a framework for producers worldwide to show adherence to EudraLex Volume 4, Parts 1 & 2, and Annex 7, which constitute the European Union’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulatory framework for medicinal herbal products.
Understanding the EU GMP Addendum’s Scope
The newly introduced EU GMP Addendum is not a standalone regulatory certification. Instead, it functions as a third-party validation that supplements a producer’s existing certification, which must be issued by a recognized Competent Authority. This layered approach provides producers with a documented compliance record, which can be presented to potential buyers within the European Union.
A key objective of this tool is to address what CSQ identifies as “greenwashing” within the cannabis supply chain. This practice involves imported products being falsely relabeled as EU GMP-certified before distribution across Europe. Darwin Millard, CSQ’s Technical Director, stated that pharmacists in Europe selling medical cannabinoid products should have certainty regarding product safety and GMP adherence, according to a report by Cannabis Industry Journal.
Facilitating Market Access and Mitigating Risk
The timing of the EU GMP Addendum’s release coincides with U.S. federal cannabis rescheduling efforts, which are expected to broaden access for American cannabis and hemp producers to international markets, including the expanding European medical cannabis sector. Securing entry into these markets requires not only product quality but also internationally recognized documentation of that quality.
CSQ’s broader certification program integrates various international standards, including ASTM, ISO, cGMP/cGACP, and HACCP. This comprehensive framework is designed to help companies establish robust Cannabis Safety & Quality Management Systems. The addendum specifically aims to bridge the documentation gap for producers targeting EU markets, ensuring that products meet the stringent regulatory requirements for medical cannabis.
Public Comment Period and Implementation Timeline
Industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and experts are invited to download the CSQ 2.0 EU GMP Addendum and submit feedback. The Public Comment Form is available at www.csqcertification.com/public-comment, with submissions due by the June 1st deadline. Following the integration of public comments, audits under the finalized addendum are anticipated to commence in Q4 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
