Tea Tree Oil Ban Explained

The ECHA RAC (European Chemicals Agency Risk Assessment Committee) has adopted the opinion that Tea Tree oil should have a classification of REP 1B (H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child). This is one of the steps in the process of getting a harmonised classification for a substance within the EU.

Any substance with a harmonised classification of REP 1B will get an automatic ban for use in cosmetics within the EU. In our experience, the classification put forward at this stage is normally the one that carries through to the end of the process when the ATP (Adaptation to Technical Progress) is published.

Once the harmonised classification is published, tea tree oil must be removed from all cosmetic products on the marketplace within 15 months. Based on previous experience the harmonised classification is likely to be published in 18-24 months.

It could of course take longer than this but we believe that it is good practice to start looking at this now. This will allow at least 33 months to remove cosmetics containing tea tree oil from the EU marketplace and have any fragrances modified.

It is important to note that any ban is limited to cosmetic products within the EU. Household products within the EU are also affected, tea tree oil will be limited to below 0.3% in the final product. 

At Craft HQ, we will be working with our manufacturing team to ensure the product listings are updated to inform you of the percentage of Tea Tree oil in each fragrance oil. 

This will take some time but we are working on this to ensure you have the information as quickly as possible. Any fragrances that need to be modified will be done speedily and you will be informed of all changes. 

If you have any questions or concerns please let us know and we'll be happy to help.