The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its final opinion on tea tree oil under the GB CLP Regulation. The proposed mandatory classification of tea tree oil as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant (CMR 1B) has been removed following review of new data on exposure routes and additional toxicological studies.
This decision marks a divergence from the EU, where the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has supported the CMR 1B classification. Instead, HSE will reassess tea tree oil under Article 37A of GB CLP, allowing further evidence and socio-economic data to be considered before any future classification is decided.
This means Tea tree oil is not currently subject to mandatory CMR classification in Great Britain, but its regulatory status remains under review.
