No. At this time there is no STATE regulation for aromatherapy in the United States.

No. At this time there is no STATE licensure or laws for aromatherapy. Most qualified aromatherapists incorporate their aromatherapy training with another profession that they are ‘licensed’ in, ie; Massage Therapist, Registered Nurse, Licensed Acupuncturist, Medical Doctor, Naturopath Physician etc.

Any topical application of essential oils would require one to have a professional license ie; massage therapy. Depending on the STATE that you reside and offer your services in, you would need to contact the STATE Board of the particular profession for more information.

NAHA Code of Ethics
NAHA Scope of Practice

Yes, as long as you follow within the scope and limits of your training, as well as the NAHA Code of Ethics and NAHA Scope of Practice
You can offer Aromatherapy Consultations, make aromatherapy blends and products for clients and for resale, teach aromatherapy classes, courses, lectures and workshops etc.

Please check with your local town hall or accountant for business licensure requirements if applicable.

Segment from the NAHA Code of Ethics
Provide services within the scope and the limits of my training. I will not employ techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly. I shall acknowledge the limitations of my skills and when necessary, refer clients to the appropriate qualified professionals.
NAHA Code of Ethics
NAHA Scope of Practice

Professional Liability Insurance Info.

Yes, please check the Please visit the NAHA Approved Schools and NAHA online Yellow Pages as well as NAHA Journals.

Does NAHA sell essential oils or aromatherapy products?

NAHA sells Aromatherapy books and educational materials via the NAHA bookstore. For essential oils and aromatherapy products visit the NAHA Online Yellow Pages and NAHA Journal issues for more information.

Somewhere I read that only 5% of the volume of product in a bottle of essential oil has to actually be essential oil in order for the label to read "Pure Essential Oil". Can you tell me if this is correct, and if not, what the law is in that regard?

Depending on the exact nature of the product & how it is described on the label, I think that there is a difference between "contains pure essential oil" with the emphasis on the word "contains", and being a "pure essential oil". If, say, the product was described as "Cedarwood Oil Virginia" then it would have to be pure i.e. 100% derived from the named botanical source (Juniperus virginiana) unless other additives (e.g. anti-oxidants etc) were noted on the label. This is basic general retailed goods law, which would be enforced at a local level by those responsible for overseeing trades descriptions' matters. If the product was described as Cedarwood Massage Oil or is a cosmetic product containing Cedarwood Oil, or similar, then it would be acceptable for it to contain a few percent pure oil only. Special rules apply to cosmetic materials.

If there is any doubt and you are a customer of an oil trader, distributor, or high street store, ask for a 'Certificate of Naturalness'. This will set out the exact percentage of oil contained plus any allowable additives. If you are an oil seller, bear in mind that your customers have a right to demand this of you.

Do you have an nquiries regarding aromatherapy products in Canada?

Canadian Natural Products Licensing Agency Inc.

Jennifer Gerlitz
Phone: (403) 804-2425
Fax: (403) 568-4900
Email: j.gerlitz@cnpla.ca
URL: www.cnpla.ca