WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3245/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. Aromatherapy
Date: 1998-10-28
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: alternative medicine, approval, aromatic plant, market approval, marketing, medical plant, plant health legislation, vegetable oil

C 142/110

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.5.1999

(1999/C 142/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3245/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(28 October 1998)

Subject: Aromatherapy

With regard to the ongoing discussions being held on herbal medicines with a view to establishing stricter
regulation of this industry, what consideration has the Commission given to the possible impact on the
aromatherapy industry? Is the Commission aware that the aromatherapy industry could suffer adversely
from measures such as the restriction of sales of essential oils solely to pharmacies and/or practitioners?
Will the Commission also ensure that the aromatherapy industry is represented on the relevant committees
so that it is not sidelined in the debate on stricter regulation?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 1998)

The Commission is not aware of any draft legislative measure or proposal which might directly affect the
aromatherapy industry. The regulation of the distribution of essential oils to the consumer falls within the
competence of Member States and it is therefore national law that regulates the sale of these products.

Some products used in aromatherapy may fall under the definition of ‘medicinal product’ as laid down in
Article 1 of Directive 65/65/EEC of 26 January 1965 on the approximation of provisions laid down by law,
regulation or administrative action relating to proprietary medicinal products (1). If these products are
industrially produced, they may only be placed on the market if a marketing authorisation has been
granted in accordance with Community pharmaceutical legislation. The ‘ongoing discussion on herbal
medicine’, to which the Honourable Member refers, essentially deals with the problem of whether the
requirements to prove quality, safety and efficacy of a medicinal product should apply to herbal medicines
in the same manner as to any other medicinal product.

Were the Commission − in the future − to decide to proceed with a specific proposal to address the above
issue, it would ensure broad consultation with all interested parties.

(1) OJ L 22, 9.2.1965.

(1999/C 142/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3246/98

by John McCartin (PPE) to the Commission

(28 October 1998)

Subject: 1998 Urban Renewal Act, Ireland

Can the Commission indicate which cities and towns are included in the 1998 Urban Renewal Act
submitted to the Commission in late September by the Irish Government and indicate whether any
regional airport zones (and, if so, which ones) have also been included? When does it expect a decision to
be taken on the scheme so that it can come into effect in Ireland?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(2 December 1998)

A preliminary study of the notified file indicates that the Irish government has not yet finalised the
selection process of the areas concerned by the scheme. These areas, to which one or more of the
incentives provided in the scheme may apply, will be small zones located in various cities and towns. The
final list will be sent to the Commission when the selection process is completed. It is also deduced from
the study of the file that no regional airport zones are covered by the scheme.