The aim of the focus action was to examine pure essential oils with regard to their classification and food safety. 19 samples were examined. 14 samples were rejected:

• 13 samples were inadmissibly marketed as cosmetic products
• one sample was rejected as a cosmetic product due to a lack of labeling.
• None of the pure essential oils was classified as a cosmetic product.

Pure essential oils are often the subject of demarcation issues, particularly with regard to classification as cosmetic products or as chemicals. Cosmetic agents are exempt from chemical law labeling (hazard pictograms and hazard statements), which creates an incentive for many distributors of pure essential oils to market them as cosmetic agents.