[PHOTOS] EFEO Sounds the Alarm: Essential Oils Industry Rallies Ahead of 2029 Regulatory Cliff

Europe's essential oils industry gathered in Grasse with a clear message: scientific evidence and coordinated advocacy will determine the sector's future. At the European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) Annual General Meeting and Conference, regulatory challenges—including the looming expiration of the current CLP derogation in 2029—dominated discussions alongside sustainability, the circular economy and the industry's growing engagement with European policymakers.

Leaders unveiled a €3 million research initiative to defend essential oils from broader CMR classifications, showcased the sector's circular economy credentials, and urged companies across the supply chain to unite behind a common scientific and regulatory strategy. 

The meeting also marked a leadership transition, with outgoing president Andrey Mitov reflecting on an unprecedented advocacy effort in Brussels and newly elected president Eric Angelini calling for collective action to protect the future of the industry.

Here, we present a rundown of the meeting from guest reporter, Laure Moutet Manheimer. -Editor

EFEO AGM and Conferences – Grasse, France – May 28, 2026

The conference was opened by the very supportive mayor of Grasse, Jerome Viaud, at left, pictured with Andrey Mitov, past president EFEO.EFEO

EFEO Business

• The activities of the European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) were reviewed by the chairs of its various committees, highlighting the federation’s achievements and ongoing initiatives. Members also unveiled EFEO’s new logo and presented a new directory, designed by Noted.
• Outgoing president Andrey Mitov delivered his final address, reflecting on his tenure and highlighting that, since 2025, he has held more than 100 personal meetings with key Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to advocate for the essential oils sector.

Key Issues

• Several critical regulatory issues were discussed. On the CLP/CLH legislation, the industry continues to navigate a significant shift from a risk-based to a hazard-based approach. Current classification cases include tea tree oil, para-cymene/p-cymene, acetophenone and spearmint oil.

From left: Jocelyne Kurtz and Jonathan Bonello of the EFEO-IFEAT scientific committee.EFEO

• The current derogation, which expires in 2029, requires urgent scientific support. EFEO and IFEAT have launched a €3 million research program to fund approximately 10 scientific studies. Without robust scientific evidence, more essential oils could be classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic) substances, making them unusable in many applications. It will affect everyone in the supply chain and should be supported by all. 

Conference Highlights

EFEO

The conference program focused on sustainability and the circular economy, bringing together representatives from the European institutions, the agricultural sector and industry.

• MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen encouraged industry representatives to maintain active engagement with policymakers.
• Gaëlle Marion, from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), highlighted that essential oils are already deeply embedded in the transition toward a bioeconomy, positioning the sector as an example for others to follow.

José Antonio García of Asociación Interprofesional de Limón y Pomelo (AILIMPO) provided a practical illustration of circular economy principles through the lemon industry.AILIMPO

• José Antonio García of Asociación Interprofesional de Limón y Pomelo (AILIMPO) provided a practical illustration of circular economy principles through the lemon industry, demonstrating how by-products can be successfully valorized.

Jean Mane, of Mane Investment, argued that circularity is not a new concept for the essential oils industry.EFEO

• Jean Mane, of Mane Investment, argued that circularity is not a new concept for the essential oils industry but has always been an intrinsic part of working with natural raw materials. He stressed that the circular economy is not a future ambition for the sector—it already exists in the fields, the distilleries, the boilers, and the materials themselves. What the industry needs now, he said, is a regulatory framework that supports this reality rather than undermines it.

Final Thoughts

In his closing address, the newly elected EFEO president, Eric Angelini, emphasized that EFEO’s strength lies in collective action, shared commitment and the exceptional dedication of its board members. 

His message was unequivocal: The sector must act together now, he warned, or risk losing everything when the current derogation expires in 2029.

Faces from the Event

From left: Veronique Agnel of SAS Distillerie Agnel and Andrey Mitov of Admes Ltd. (and outgoing EFEO president).EFEO

From left: Laure Moutet Manheimer, Steve Manheimer and Karen Manheimer.EFEO

From left: Eric Angelini of Mane and Alain Aubanel of Kerry.EFEO