Code of practice
Our members uphold a strict Code of Practice to raise standards and protect the ongoing availability of aromatherapy products.
A major concern is consumer safety and ensuring that aromatherapy products are safe for the general public to use. Consequently, the importance of providing sufficient information on consumer products is greatly emphasised, ensuring consumers know how to use the products they have purchased safely.
Other areas of our Code of Practice address the importance of supplying good quality products, particularly in the case of single species essential oils. To address these, and other issues, the ATC Code of Practice includes the following categories:
Responsible Marketing
Promotional literature must give clear guidance as to how the aromatherapy products are to be used, with recommended dilutions where necessary.
The Human Medicines Regulation 2012 defines a “medicinal product” as: “Any substance or combination of substances presented as having properties for treating or preventing disease in human beings” [the first/presentational limb] and “Any substance or combination of substances which may be used in, or administered to, human beings, either with a view to restoring, correcting or modifying physiological functions by exerting a pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action, or to making a medical diagnosis” [the second/functional limb].
Consequently, the properties of essential oils and the benefits of aromatherapy products supplied or advertised for supply to the general public must not be described with medicinal claims of any kind on labels, packaging, advertising or promotional literature in print or on websites or social media.
For further information see MHRA guidance Note 8 ‘A guide to what is a medicinal product’
Product Labelling & Packaging
As well as detailed information regarding the use and dilution of essential oils being fully explained in leaflets, the following information and warnings must also be printed on the consumer product label:
- Instructions for use: e.g. add 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier/6 drops in a bath etc
- Keep away from children and eyes
- Do not take internally or apply undiluted to the skin
- The quantity supplied e.g. 5ml/10ml
- The company name and address or postcode
- Batch code number
- Use by date
- Botanical and common name of plants
Use of Integral Drippers
Integral single drop dispensers must be incorporated in all bottles of essential oils on sale to the general public. A bottle of essential oil with an integral dripper has a built-in safety factor, which prevents the contents being swallowed quickly by an unattended child.
Random Testing
The ATC has adopted a policy for the random testing of its members’ essential oils as a way of helping to maintain standards and confidence in our members.
Legislation, Regulation & General Conduct
Members are, at all times, required to comply with laws, regulations and guidance notes issued by Government or any other regulatory authority. Members must also conduct their business with customers and the general public at all times in a manner which upholds the good standing of ATC. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action that could result in expulsion from membership.
