Scientific Program
We Need your Support to Defend the Future of Essential Oils.
The EFEO-IFEAT Scientific Program was launched in late 2023 to actively gather and generate data to support the EU Commission’s report, due in early 2029, on the derogation of Plant Extracts from the application of the MOCS rule (Art. 54a of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008): this work is to demonstrate the clear differences between essential oils and their individual isolated constituents, showing that MOCS approach is not scientifically appropriate for the classification of essential oils and plant extracts.
If the derogation is not confirmed, many essential oils and plant extracts can be classified as hazardous. Even where products remain legally marketable, the commercial implications could be immediate:
- Downstream users may reformulate to avoid CMR or other hazard classifications, which would have to be reflected in a product’s labelling
- Retailers may limit shelf space for products carrying hazard warnings
- Cosmetic, home‑care and aromatherapy brands may remove essential oils from sensitive product lines
- Natural flavours would drastically change their hazard classification
- Beverage and flavour companies may reformulate to avoid hazard classification on the label or use “less complex signature” flavours where specific molecules are removed, consequently losing their unique aroma, depth, and rounded taste profiles
- Essential oils (such as orange, lemon, lime, and mint) contain many volatile compounds that provide the complex, authentic flavour notes found in premium beverages, sodas, and juices. If the derogation expires, many natural extracts would be classified as hazardous, meaning that even simple citrus-flavoured sparkling waters could require hazard warnings on packaging
- Supply chain disruption for natural extracts and essential oils would increase due to higher cost, reduced use, and limited inventory levels
- Customer demand may be reduced resulting in alternative formulations
The most immediate risk is the expected reaction of the market, requests for product reformulation, and movement away from essential oils.
It represents a significant regulatory threat for the entire value chain and a detrimental effect to many businesses that depend on natural products as their core business portfolio.
Contributing to the EFEO–IFEAT Scientific Program is more than financial participation – it is a visible commitment to protecting the long-term future of essential oils and natural products.
Examine the support and recognition levels in the Annex II and get in touch at [email protected] if you’d like to discuss further.
Support the Scientific Program
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