Thyme essential oil authorized in EU feed: what manufacturers and livestock farmers must do

Key data

EU feed and additive manufacturers have had a new authorized tool since 29 July 2026: thyme essential oil. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1865, published on 30 July 2026, formalizes this authorization following EFSA's positive evaluation on safety and efficacy. The novelty is not merely technical: it entails concrete compliance obligations for the entire feed production chain.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/1865 formally authorizes thyme essential oil as a feed additive intended for all animal species. The authorization specifically covers the botanical species Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L., which are the two thyme varieties recognized for this use.

The basis for the authorization is the positive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has concluded that the additive is safe and effective for the intended use. This means that the product has passed the scientific validation process required by European feed additive regulations.

The key elements regulated by the regulation are:

• Specific conditions of use: the additive may only be used under the technical parameters defined in the regulation.
• Maximum doses: incorporation limits are established that manufacturers must respect in their formulations.
• Labeling requirements: products containing this additive must comply with the labeling indications set out in the standard.
• Scope of application: the authorization is valid for all animal species, which broadens the potential for use in different livestock segments.

This authorization opens the door for manufacturers to legally incorporate thyme essential oil into their feed formulations, something that was not formally permitted under this regulatory framework until now.

Economic and operational impact

The authorization has a dual effect for the industry: it opens a market opportunity for those who want to incorporate this additive, and it generates compliance obligations for those who were already using it without the formal coverage of this standard.

From an operational perspective, the main impacts are:

• Product reformulation: manufacturers who want to incorporate thyme essential oil must review and update their technical sheets and formulations to comply with authorized maximum doses.
• Labeling update: products containing this additive must reflect on their label the statements required by the regulation. This may involve packaging redesign and technical documentation updates.
• Supplier review: manufacturers must ensure that the essential oil they purchase comes from Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L., the only authorized species.
• Non-compliance risk: use outside authorized conditions may result in administrative penalties and product withdrawal from the market.

For livestock farmers, the standard expands the range of additives available on the market, which may translate into greater variety of feeds with this component in the coming months.

Who does it affect?

• Feed additive manufacturers that produce or want to market thyme essential oil as an additive in the EU.
• Compound feed manufacturers that incorporate or will incorporate this additive in their formulations for any animal species.
• Feed and additive distributors that market products with this component and must verify regulatory compliance of the items they distribute.
• Livestock farmers and animal producers that use feed containing thyme essential oil, as they must ensure that the products they purchase comply with the authorization.
• Quality and regulatory managers in animal nutrition companies, who must update technical documentation and product records.

Practical example

A poultry feed manufacturer that wishes to incorporate thyme essential oil as a natural additive in its product range must follow this process under Regulation (EU) 2026/1865:

1. Verify that the essential oil it purchases from its supplier comes exclusively from Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L., as required by the standard.
2. Adjust the incorporation dose in the feed formulation to the maximum doses set out in the regulation for the corresponding animal species.
3. Update the product labeling to include the mandatory statements relating to this additive according to the conditions of the authorization.
4. Document the change in its quality management system and communicate it to livestock farmer customers who use that feed.

If this manufacturer were to market the product without complying with any of these conditions—for example, using an unauthorized thyme species or exceeding maximum doses—it would be exposed to administrative penalties and product withdrawal from the European market.

What should companies do now?

1. Review current formulations: if thyme essential oil is already used in feed, verify that the doses and conditions of use comply with those established in Regulation (EU) 2026/1865.
2. Validate the botanical origin of the additive: confirm with suppliers that the essential oil comes from Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L. and obtain documentation that proves it.
3. Update labeling: adapt the labels of products containing this additive to the labeling requirements of the regulation before commercialization.
4. Update technical documentation and records: incorporate the reference to Regulation (EU) 2026/1865 in technical sheets, product specifications and authorized additive records.
5. Inform the distribution chain: communicate to distributors and livestock farmer customers the changes in the product and the new conditions of use.
6. Consult a regulatory advisor if there are doubts about the application of maximum doses or specific labeling requirements for each animal species.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: 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_202601865