History

The European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) was established in April 2002 by a group of 47 representatives from across the essential oils value chain—including producers, traders, and fragrance and flavour companies—spanning both European and international markets. The initiative was driven by shared concerns over the potential regulatory impact on essential oils, such as those proposed under the EU Cosmetic Directive regarding allergen labelling.

Since its founding, EFEO has served as a recognized point of reference in technical and regulatory discussions related to essential oils. The Federation engages constructively with European institutions —including the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and national authorities — on topics ranging from allergens and REACH, to CLP, CITES, and the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS).

REACH

EFEO has played a pivotal role in shaping a practical and scientifically grounded approach to the treatment of essential oils under the REACH regulation. It contributed to the classification of essential oils as Natural Complex Substances (NCS) and supported the development of specific guidelines, including those on substance identification and environmental assessment.

EFEO also contributed to the formation of essential oil consortia to support registration processes. Today, it continues to provide guidance and sector-specific expertise to help members navigate regulatory developments, including emerging proposals such as MOCS (More than One Constituent Substances) within the context of the EU Green Deal and CSS.

CHEMICALS STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY (CSS)

The EU’s CSS initiative—aiming for zero pollution and a toxic-free environment—is expected to bring changes to both REACH and the CLP regulation. EFEO collaborates with peer organisations and institutions to understand the implications for the essential oils sector and to support solutions that are scientifically sound and workable for industry.

ALLERGENS

From its inception, EFEO has worked closely with stakeholders across the supply chain and regulatory bodies to contribute to responsible allergen management. Its involvement following the 2012 SCCS opinion on fragrance allergens helped initiate long-term strategies focused on consumer safety, business continuity, and robust risk assessment practices tailored to the specific nature of essential oils.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Through direct collaboration and support via its membership, EFEO encourages producers worldwide to adopt sustainable and ethical practices, including the reduction or elimination of pesticide use. It also contributes to research on supply chain resilience, providing valuable input for regulatory impact assessments.

CITES AND TRADE

EFEO contributes expertise and technical insights in discussions around international trade and regulatory frameworks, including matters related to CITES listings for species such as guaiacwood, rosewood, spikenard and agarwood. The Federation also monitors trade-related issues affecting the essential oils sector between the EU and international partners.

PARTNERSHIPS & WORKING GROUPS

Since 2002, EFEO attended many conferences worldwide and held many meetings, presentations, workshops, webinars, and conference calls informing and updating members of our industry on the various current and upcoming key issues. A “road show” is organized every year, which brings the board members to different producing countries to inform the producers about relevant legislations affecting their products.

EFEO initiated relationships and working groups with all the associations directly or indirectly concerned with Essential Oils: AISE, BOTANICAL ALLIANCE, CIHEF, COSMETICS EUROPE, EFFA, EFFCI, EUROPAM, IFEAT, IFRA, IOFI, NATRUE, RIFM, UNITIS…

The “G5” (Global 5) was initiated in 2016/17. It gathers the heads of the 5 globally acting organisations dealing with naturals in the flavour and fragrance industry: EFEO, IFEAT, IFRA, IOFI, and RIFM.
The G5 acts as a think-tank in order to set priorities for our sector and to avoid overlapping work, and acts as a catalyst to ensure that the different associations or working groups recognize the priorities.

PRESIDENTS