The regulatory framework around sandalwood oil is complex because the raw material, the distilled oil, and the finished product can be regulated by different agencies. In India, state forest departments historically controlled sandalwood harvesting and trading, creating a regulated auction system. Recent policy shifts permit registered private growers to transport and sell sandalwood under specific permit conditions, improving legal supply and reducing the cost burden of moving logs to distillation centers. This has supported the Indian Sandalwood Oil Market while still requiring strong chain-of-custody documentation.
In the European Union, sandalwood oil used in cosmetics must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, and substances classified as fragrance allergens must be listed on product labels. REACH applies to the chemical registration of components, and IFRA Standards restrict the levels at which certain natural fragrance ingredients can be used in finished products. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires due diligence for products linked to deforestation, also matters for sandalwood sourced from jurisdictions that do not have clear land-use records. EU buyers are expected to prioritize plantations with satellite-monitored land tenure and sustainable forestry certification.
In the United States, the FDA regulates sandalwood oil as a cosmetic ingredient, meaning it must be safe under intended conditions of use but does not require pre-market cosmetic approval. Sandalwood oil is also accepted by some practitioners and wellness brands as an aromatherapy ingredient. For pharmaceutical-grade applications, manufacturers must follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP). Internationally, ISO 3518 defines specifications for oil of sandalwood, while ISO 9235 covers natural raw materials used in perfumery and cosmetics. These standards create a common language for quality claims and simplify global trade.
Regulatory developments are moving toward more robust traceability rather than outright bans. The compliance burden is increasing, especially for small suppliers who must provide quality certificates, origin evidence, and safety data to every downstream buyer. For large personal care brands, supplier vetting now includes pesticide residue checks, solvent residue checks, and santalol assay verification. Because sandalwood oil is a natural product with batch variation, regulators and buyers expect internal quality systems that capture every stage from plantation to finished oil.