Essential Oils

ECHA Testing Proposal Consultation for Turpentine Oil (CAS 8006-64-2)

ECHA has launched a consultation on a testing proposal for Turpentine oil's reproductive toxicity, with a deadline of April 10, 2026. The resulting hazard data will inform future regulatory classifications, potentially impacting market access and compliance requirements for turpentine-containing formulations.

30 Mar 2026, 16:51echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Denmark Updates Danish Pharmaceutical Standards to DLS 2026.2 and Adopts European Pharmacopoeia 12.2

Denmark has updated its pharmaceutical standards to DLS 2026.2, mandating compliance with European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) 12.2 effective April 1, 2026. Manufacturers must align quality control specifications and batch-release criteria with new and revised monographs to ensure continued market access and regulatory compliance.

22 Mar 2026, 13:48retsinformation.dkDenmark

ECHA Publishes Draft Agenda For RAC-77 CLH WG Meeting (27–29 April 2026)

ECHA has advanced the harmonised classification process for several high-profile substances, including TFA and propylparaben, with technical reviews scheduled for April 2026. Resulting hazard reclassifications would mandate significant updates to product labelling and could trigger automatic use restrictions under downstream EU regulations.

19 Mar 2026, 19:20echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU EFSA Lists Spearmint Oil Pesticide Active Substance as in Peer Review Under AIR IV

EFSA has advanced the renewal assessment for spearmint oil and L-carvone to the peer review stage as of March 2026. This scientific review will directly influence the final renewal decision, determining long-term market access and potential application restrictions for spearmint-oil-based pesticides.

18 Mar 2026, 16:23open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Authorises Patchouli Essential Oil Feed Additive for All Animal Species Under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/528

EU Implementing Regulation 2026/528 authorises patchouli essential oil as a sensory feed additive for all animal species, effective April 2026. Operators must transition to new labeling and safety standards by October 2026, incorporating specific identification numbers and worker protection requirements.

12 Mar 2026, 17:29eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Corrigendum Corrects Thujone Limits in Spanish Sage Essential Oil Feed Additive

The EU has adopted a corrigendum to Regulation (EU) 2025/1403, correcting the permitted thujone concentration limits for Spanish sage essential oil in animal feed. Manufacturers must prepare to align technical specifications and quality controls with the revised limits once they are formally published in the Official Journal.

12 Mar 2026, 12:15ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Clarifies Omnibus VI Proposal on Cosmetics CMR Derogations and Transition Periods

The European Commission has clarified proposed Omnibus VI rules, establishing a 3-month derogation window and standardized 12/24-month transition periods for CMR substances in cosmetics. These measures provide much-needed predictability for reformulation and stock management, while specifically protecting complex natural ingredients from automatic bans.

10 Mar 2026, 10:55eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Proposes OLALA Annex 2 Feed Additive Amendments With 1 June 2026 Entry Into Force

Switzerland has proposed significant updates to its authorized feed additives list (OLALA Annex 2), effective June 1, 2026, including 69 withdrawals and 18 new authorizations. Businesses must review formulations and labeling immediately to manage the phase-out of withdrawn substances and ensure compliance with updated nutritional and sensory additive requirements.

4 Mar 2026, 13:03members.wto.orgSwitzerland

EU Parliament Notice: Petition 0218/2025 on Classification of Natural Versus Synthetic Essential Oils

The European Commission has confirmed that the revised CLP Regulation already differentiates natural essential oils from synthetic alternatives through specific classification exemptions for plant extracts. This clarification provides regulatory certainty for the natural ingredients sector, ensuring that synthetic substitutes remain subject to stricter mixture labeling requirements.

25 Feb 2026, 19:32europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Czech Republic: CARC Publishes Methodology on Testing Plant Essential Oils Against Parasitic Nematodes in Garlic Seed

Czechia has published a new technical methodology for testing plant essential oils as bio-based alternatives to synthetic nematicides. This development supports the transition to sustainable agricultural inputs and provides a standardized framework for validating the efficacy of biopesticide substitutes.

23 Feb 2026, 18:55bezpecnostpotravin.czCzechia

Canada PMRA Opens Consultation On Cold Pressed Orange Oil And Appeal (PRD2026-01)

Health Canada is consulting on the proposed registration of cold-pressed orange oil as a botanical active ingredient for agricultural pest control through February 2026. This move supports the expansion of biopesticide options in Canada, providing a clear regulatory pathway for lower-risk, citrus-based crop protection products.

29 Jan 2026, 19:36canada.caCanada

HEAL Warns EU Cosmetics Simplification Plan Risks Prolonging Exposure to Carcinogens

The European Parliament is debating a "Chemicals Omnibus" proposal that could significantly extend transition periods for removing carcinogenic substances from the EU cosmetics market. This signals a potential shift in the pace of CMR restrictions and increased scrutiny of plant-based ingredients, requiring firms to monitor evolving compliance timelines for product portfolios.

29 Jan 2026, 15:06env-health.orgEuropean Union

Canada PMRA Grants Registration For Rectified Clove Leaf Oil And DECCO 070 EC (RD2026-02)

Health Canada has granted registration for rectified clove leaf oil and DECCO 070 EC for potato sprout control, effective January 2026. This approval establishes a clear regulatory pathway for botanical-based pesticides, offering manufacturers new compliant options for post-harvest crop protection.

26 Jan 2026, 10:41canada.caCanada

EEA Joint Committee Decision 189/2025 Amends Annex I of the EEA Agreement for Feed Additive Authorisations

The EEA has integrated several 2025 EU regulations into the EEA Agreement, harmonizing the authorization and use conditions for various feed additives across Norway and Iceland. Manufacturers must verify that feed formulations and labels meet these updated specifications to maintain seamless market access and compliance within the European Economic Area.

20 Jan 2026, 07:54eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic Area

Switzerland Sets 1 Ppm Limit For Selected Furocoumarins In Leave-On Cosmetics

Switzerland has implemented a 1 ppm limit for eight high-risk furocoumarins in leave-on cosmetic products exposed to sunlight, effective 1 January 2026. Companies using citrus or essential oils must tighten raw material specifications and update product safety files to align with this Swiss-specific derogation.

8 Jan 2026, 16:37fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

Netherlands CTGB Authorises Dog And Cat Repellent Gel Biocidal Product With Acetic Acid, Peppermint Oil And Lavender Oil

The Netherlands has authorized a biocidal repellent gel based on acetic acid and essential oils for both professional and consumer outdoor use. This approval reinforces the regulatory pathway for botanical-based biocides and expands compliant market options for pest control products in the Dutch market.

7 Jan 2026, 12:27ctgb.nlNetherlands

EU EFSA FEEDAP Panel Concludes on Safety and Efficacy of Thyme Oil Feed Additive for All Animal Species

EFSA has confirmed the safety of Thyme Oil as a feed additive, setting species-specific maximum inclusion levels and identifying significant worker sensitization risks. Businesses should anticipate new EU authorization requirements that will mandate strict concentration limits and enhanced protective measures for handling these botanical extracts.

23 Dec 2025, 14:12efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

EU EFSA Concludes Spearmint Oil Feed Additive Is Safe for All Animal Species

EFSA has confirmed the safety of spearmint oil as a feed additive for all animal species, recommending a maximum inclusion level of 10 mg/kg. Future authorisations will likely mandate stringent occupational safety controls and labeling due to identified skin and respiratory sensitisation risks for handlers.

22 Dec 2025, 20:44efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Australia (AICIS) Updates CAS Names For 89 AIIC Chemicals

Australia’s AICIS has corrected 89 chemical names on the national inventory to align with international CAS nomenclature standards. While chemical identities remain unchanged, companies should update internal records and labels to ensure administrative alignment with the official registry.

22 Dec 2025, 15:12industrialchemicals.gov.auAustralia

IFRA Opens Global Consultation On 52nd Amendment To IFRA Standards

IFRA has launched a six-month global consultation on the 52nd Amendment to its Standards, proposing updated safety requirements for fragrance ingredients across consumer product categories. Companies should evaluate the draft standards now to anticipate formula changes and ensure continued compliance with the industry's primary global risk management framework.

22 Dec 2025, 14:34ifrafragrance.orgGlobal