Who’s Who in the EU Tea Tree Oil Regulatory Review
ATTIA’s guide to the agencies, committees, and industry bodies shaping the outcome
The European Union’s regulatory review of tea tree oil involves a multi-layered network of scientific committees, regulatory agencies, national authorities, and industry organisations. Each group plays a defined role — and understanding how they interact is key to following the process.
This overview has been prepared by ATTIA Ltd, representing the Australian Tea Tree Industry, as the producer organisation leading engagement with EU regulators alongside EFEO, IFEAT, and the Tea Tree Oil Consortium.
It reflects ATTIA’s direct involvement and understanding of how these groups contribute to the ongoing regulatory process.
Regulators and Scientific Committees
SCCS — Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
The SCCS is the European Commission’s independent scientific adviser on the safety of cosmetic ingredients and other non-food consumer products.
Its opinions directly inform Commission decisions on whether to amend the Annexes of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009).
The SCCS draft opinion on tea tree oil, published on 6 June 2025, concluded that tea tree oil conforming to ISO 4730:2017 can be considered safe in cosmetic products at specified concentrations — for example, up to 2% in shampoo and 1% in rinse-off products — provided the formulation remains stable and oxidation is prevented.
Consultation closed on 18 August 2025, and the SCCS is now reviewing stakeholder submissions before finalising its opinion for adoption by the European Commission.
ECHA — European Chemicals Agency (CLP / REACH)
The ECHA manages chemical registration and evaluation under REACH and oversees the Harmonised Classification and Labelling (CLH) process under the CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008).
For CLH, a Member State Competent Authority — or sometimes an industry consortium — submits a classification dossier.
The ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) evaluates the proposal and issues an opinion to the European Commission, which then decides whether to adopt an Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) updating Annex VI of CLP.
European Commission — DG SANTE & DG GROW
Two Directorates-General lead this area:
DG SANTE (Health and Food Safety) oversees consumer safety, including the implementation of the Cosmetics Regulation.
DG GROW (Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) manages industrial policy and chemical regulation affecting manufacturing and trade.
For cosmetics, DG SANTE coordinates with Member States through the Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products, while for chemical classification, DG GROW collaborates with DG ENV and the REACH Committee to implement CLP updates based on RAC opinions.
Member State Authorities
National regulators can initiate CLH proposals, raise safety concerns with the Commission, and participate in comitology procedures.
In both CLP and Cosmetics processes, Member State representatives vote on proposed amendments before adoption.
Industry Representation
IFEAT — International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades
A global trade association representing the full essential oils and aroma chemicals value chain.
IFEAT coordinates regulatory engagement, technical responses, and stakeholder alignment on issues affecting natural aromatic materials, including tea tree oil.
EFEO — European Federation of Essential Oils
EFEO represents European producers and traders of essential oils, working closely with IFEAT and national associations to align scientific evidence, safety data, and unified industry positions presented to EU regulators.
Tea Tree Oil Consortium
An industry-led working group addressing EU regulatory concerns specific to tea tree oil.
It brings together toxicologists, technical experts, and industry representatives (including ATTIA) to generate data, prepare submissions, and coordinate responses across the SCCS and ECHA processes.
ATTIA — Representing the Australian Tea Tree Industry
As the peak body for Australia’s tea tree sector, ATTIA has led engagement with EU regulators and partner organisations to ensure the industry’s voice is heard.
Through this work, ATTIA has:
✔️ Supplied robust scientific and technical data, including commissioning studies to address regulatory concerns
✔️ Advocated for proportionate, evidence-based regulation that reflects tea tree oil’s long history of safe use
✔️ Worked to protect and maintain EU market access for 100% pure Australian tea tree oil
Two Regulatory Pathways to Watch
Cosmetics Safety Pathway
→ SCCS → DG SANTE → Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products → Cosmetics Regulation Annex amendment
CLP Hazard Classification Pathway
→ Member State dossier → ECHA RAC → Commission → REACH Committee → CLP Annex VI ATP
ATTIA’s Commitment
ATTIA will continue to engage at every stage of the process to ensure that regulation of tea tree oil in the European Union is based on sound science and practical outcomes.
Members and partners are encouraged to stay informed and contribute to consultations where relevant.
For more information or to support ATTIA’s regulatory work, contact ceo@attia.org.au.
