Key data
| Regulation | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358 of 21 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified standard | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 (olive oil marketing standards) |
| Reference framework | Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
| Publication | 23 October 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Affected parties | Producers, bottlers, distributors and exporters of olive oil in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Year | 2026 |
Companies that bottle, distribute or export olive oil in the European Union have new obligations to address. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358, published on 23 October 2026, modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 and updates the marketing standards applicable to the sector. This is not a minor change: it directly affects how olive oil is classified, labeled and quality-controlled before reaching the market.
The standard is part of the general framework of the Common Organization of Agricultural Markets (Regulation 1308/2013). Its objective is to keep olive oil quality and traceability standards up to date in the European internal market and in exports.
What does this regulation establish?
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358 modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, which has been the reference standard for olive oil marketing in the EU until now. The regulated aspects cover four major areas:
| Regulated area | Description |
|---|---|
| Product categories | Update of olive oil classification criteria according to its quality and production process |
| Labeling | New requirements on the information that must appear on the packaging for marketing in the EU |
| Organoleptic characteristics | Sensory parameters (taste, aroma, color) that determine the category of oil |
| Physicochemical characteristics | Analytical quality parameters required for each commercial category |
| Quality controls | Verification procedures and requirements applicable to sector operators |
The previous standard, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, will continue to be the base text, but with the modifications introduced by this new delegated regulation. Operators must read both texts together to understand the complete applicable regime.
Economic and operational impact
The impact of this regulation is not just documentary. It involves real revisions in production and marketing processes:
- Labeling review: Companies that do not adapt their labels to the new requirements will not be able to legally market their product in the EU. This can involve costs for redesign, reprinting and management of obsolete packaging stock.
- Product reclassification: If the category criteria change, some oils currently classified in one category may need to be reclassified, with the impact on selling price and commercial positioning that this entails.
- Quality controls: Operators must ensure that their internal control procedures comply with the new required parameters, which may require investment in analysis or updating of protocols.
- Risk of product withdrawal: Non-compliance can result in administrative sanctions and product withdrawal from the market, with the economic and reputational cost that this implies.
For olive oil cooperatives, mills and exporters to EU markets, this regulation is especially relevant given the volume of product they handle and the complexity of their distribution chains.
Who does it affect?
- Olive oil producers that market their product directly in the EU
- Bottling companies that prepare oil for retail or wholesale sale
- Olive oil cooperatives with bottling or own marketing activities
- Mills that sell oil under their own label or in bulk to third-party bottlers
- Distributors operating in the European internal market
- Exporters that direct their product to EU markets from third countries or from Spain to other Member States
- Importers of olive oil that market in the European market
Practical example
An Andalusian mill that bottles extra virgin olive oil under its own label and exports to Germany and France must do the following in response to this regulation:
- Review whether its current labels comply with the new labeling requirements of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358.
- Verify that the physicochemical and organoleptic parameters of its oil continue to be correctly classified in the "extra virgin" category according to the new criteria.
- Update its internal quality control protocols to reflect the new required parameters.
- Coordinate with its packaging supplier the possible update of labels before the current stock runs out, to avoid having to withdraw already bottled product from the market.
If it does not act in time and markets product with non-compliant labeling, it exposes itself to administrative sanctions and product withdrawal at destination, with the logistical and reputational cost that this entails in markets such as Germany or France.
What should companies do now?
- Read the complete text of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358 together with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 that it modifies, to identify exactly what has changed in each area (labeling, categories, parameters).
- Audit current labeling of all marketed products and verify compliance with the new requirements. Document the necessary changes.
- Review the classification by categories of oils in the portfolio, checking that the physicochemical and organoleptic parameters continue to be compliant with the declared category.
- Update internal quality control protocols to incorporate the new required parameters and maintain documentary traceability of compliance.
- Coordinate with the purchasing and logistics department the management of current packaging and label stock, to plan the transition without generating waste or non-compliance.
- Consult with a specialist advisor in food regulations if there are doubts about the interpretation of the new criteria or about the applicable adaptation period.
Frequently asked questions
What regulation does Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358 modify?
It modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, which is the standard that completes Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 regarding olive oil marketing standards. Both texts must be read together to understand the complete applicable regime.
What aspects of olive oil labeling and quality change with this regulation?
The regulation updates requirements in four areas: product categories, labeling, organoleptic (sensory) characteristics and physicochemical characteristics, as well as quality controls required of operators. The complete text of the regulation details the specific modified parameters.
When does Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2358 enter into force?
The entry into force date is not specified in the data published to date. Operators must consult the official text published in the EU Official Journal on 23 October 2026 to know the exact timeline for application and adaptation.
What happens if a company does not adapt its labeling in time?
Non-compliance with olive oil marketing standards can result in administrative sanctions and product withdrawal from the market. This involves direct costs (withdrawal logistics, destruction or re-labeling of product) and reputational costs, especially in export markets.
Does this regulation affect only Spain or the entire EU?
It affects all operators that produce, bottle, distribute or export olive oil in the European Union market, regardless of country of origin. It is especially relevant for olive oil cooperatives, mills and exporters operating in EU markets.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602358
