ESSENTIAL OILS: MARKET AND LEGISLATION

This work provides an overview of the market for essential oils and describes the evolution of its regulation in both the European Union (EU). Both processes and trends in essential oil production, trade, and consumption are analysed. Growth of the market stems from consumer interest in “naturals” associated with health. The market is also attractive to subsistence farms of developing countries as raw materials (plants and plant parts) are generally obtained from small farms. In the EU, product categories operate under specific regulations to enhance product quality and to maintain market homogeneity and consumer protections. This work focuses on EU legislation of general interest to essential oils, and regulations inherent to flavourings for food, cosmetics, and additives for animal nutrition.