EU Regulatory Update: Progress Continues as Industry Response Gains Momentum
The international response to the European Union’s proposed classification of Tea Tree Oil continues to make important progress.
While the proposed reproductive classifications remain a significant challenge for the global tea tree industry, recent developments have provided additional time to strengthen the industry’s scientific, regulatory and legal response.
ATTIA continues to lead the Australian tea tree industry’s contribution to this work, collaborating closely with the international Tea Tree Task Force and a growing network of scientific, legal, industry and government stakeholders.
ATP24 timeline delayed
The proposed ATP24 regulation has still not been published, meaning the proposed reproductive classifications for Tea Tree Oil have not yet been formally adopted.
Although the issue remains serious, the delay provides valuable additional time to continue strengthening the industry’s response before the process progresses further.
Direct engagement with the European Commission
On 26 June, representatives of the international Tea Tree Task Force presented directly to the European Commission’s Working Group on Cosmetic Products in Brussels.
The presentation addressed both the food safety criterion and the analysis of alternatives required to support an exemption that would allow Tea Tree Oil to continue being used in certain cosmetic product categories.
Following the presentation, the Commission thanked the Task Force for its work and described the presentation as comprehensive.
The Commission has since requested additional information to strengthen the alternatives analysis, particularly regarding the specific cosmetic applications of Tea Tree Oil and whether partial or combination alternatives may exist.
The Task Force has until October to complete this work, which is now underway.
Political engagement continues
Alongside the Commission process, a number of Members of the European Parliament have indicated their willingness to raise questions regarding Tea Tree Oil should ATP24 be formally adopted and referred to the Parliament and Council for scrutiny.
Scientific program progressing
The Tea Tree Research Roadmap continues to advance.
Study designs are being refined, laboratories and research partners are being engaged, and discussions continue with organisations that have expressed interest in supporting the research through funding.
Work is also progressing on a broader AgriFutures proposal to help coordinate the scientific, regulatory, legal and extension activities required over the coming period.
Legal preparations continue
Preparatory legal work is also progressing.
This includes continued assessment of the legal grounds available to challenge the proposed classifications and ensuring the industry is well positioned to pursue an annulment action should the classifications ultimately be adopted.
Public awareness campaign launched
A dedicated public campaign website, saveteatree.com, is now live.
The website has been developed to help explain the issue to consumers, businesses, media and government stakeholders while building broader awareness of the importance of maintaining access to Tea Tree Oil.
Looking ahead
While the position remains serious, the regulatory process is not yet complete and there remain important opportunities to influence the outcome.
ATTIA will continue working alongside the international Tea Tree Task Force and industry partners around the world to progress the scientific, regulatory and legal response, and will continue to provide updates as further developments occur.
To find out more or get involved, please contact ATTIA:
