Press

20th June 2006

NEW EU LEGISLATION PUTS THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT FOR UK INDUSTRY WARNS EOIF

From 1st September 2006 pet owners, gardeners and horse lovers will find themselves using harsh chemicals to repel flies, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects as an alternative to using essential oils, such as citronella and eucalyptus, because of EC legislation. According to the Essential Oils Industry Forum (EOIF) the European legislation, originally designed to protect consumers and the environment from harmful chemicals, will actually leave the public with no natural alternative to manufactured chemicals if the proposed regulations are implemented in the UK.

Natural insect repellents such as citronella, lavender and eucalyptus oils, which have a long history of use in various traditional formats, will be removed from sale in September 2006 if opposition to the EC regulations is unsuccessful. This ruling also covers those products containing the same essential oils which are used to deter pets from fouling in the home and garden.

The situation has arisen because strict EC rules governing the use of insecticides - designed to kill insects - have also been applied to insect repellents. This means that naturally derived plant essential oils, used in tiny amounts, must be tested in exactly the same way as the most toxic crop chemical insecticides, if they are to be sold as ‘repellents’.

Manufacturers estimate that the cost of complying with this legislation could be as much as £2.6 million; a cost which manufacturers of natural repellents say is prohibitive considering the small size of the market.

Fiorella Testa of the Essential Oils Industry Forum comments: “To bring natural insect repellents within the same classification as insecticides is unjustified. Testing our products to the same standard as insecticides is just not realistic. This is a tiny market which could not support this level of cost. The oils which we use in our products are the same as those used daily by millions across the world in numerous preparations; testing them would be expensive, and would add nothing to either consumer or environmental safety. Ultimately this legislation will not only expose animals and humans to harsh chemicals, but also impact significantly on some essential oil distributors. Furthermore, with existing uses in cosmetics, food flavouring and perfumery, independent assessments have already been completed and they will continue to be sold.

“Sadly, if these regulations are imposed, manufacturers will be forced to withdraw natural repellent products from sale. As a result, the only repellents that consumers will be able to buy will be chemical preparations, made by companies who operate in the insecticide market.”

The EOIF is lobbying the UK Health & Safety Executive to find a way to enable the continued sale of natural repellents. Initial support from trade customers who recognise the value of providing consumer choice in this sensitive area has been positive. The Forum has set up a website www.savecitronella.com which gives full details of its position and welcomes the views and support of both trade and consumers.

Ends

For further information contact Emma Hayes at Watermark PR on 07795 824 275 or David Bailey on 01827 53093.
The Essential Oils Industry Forum represents the interests of Claytek Limited, Flyaway Limited, Interpet Limited, Guaber UK Limited, Jeyes Limited, Kilco Limited, Bayer Garden, Johnsons Veterinary Products, Tangerine Group, Sogeval Laboratories, Killgerm Chemicals Ltd, Equinox Aromas Limited.