Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormBotanical extract / essential oil (liquid)
Industry PositionValue-added botanical ingredient for flavor and fragrance formulation
Market
Lavender extract in the United States is primarily a downstream ingredient market serving fragrance/cosmetics and niche food flavoring, with compliance requirements varying by intended use. For food use, FDA lists lavender, spike lavender, and lavandin among essential oils/natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use under 21 CFR 182.20. Domestic cultivation and small-batch distillation exist in specialty regions such as the Sequim-Dungeness Valley in Washington and farm-based distilleries in Oregon, with harvest/bloom concentrated in summer months. For fragrance applications, buyers commonly align specifications and safe-use documentation with ISO quality parameters and IFRA Standards frameworks.
Market RoleDownstream formulation and consumer market with niche domestic production
Domestic RoleIngredient input for cosmetics/fragrance manufacturing and limited food flavoring applications
SeasonalityU.S. specialty lavender production for extraction shows strong summer seasonality in key clusters, with peak bloom/harvest typically spanning late June through July and extending into early August depending on farm and variety.
Specification
Primary VarietyLavandula angustifolia (lavender)
Secondary Variety- Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin)
- Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender)
Physical Attributes- Buyer specifications commonly require clear identification of plant source (lavender vs lavandin vs spike lavender) and a documented quality profile (e.g., ISO-referenced parameters) to support consistent odor and performance.
Compositional Metrics- GC/MS or equivalent chromatographic profile is commonly used to verify conformance and screen for adulteration, consistent with ISO approaches for lavender oil characterization.
Packaging- Depending on flash point/composition, aromatic extracts/essential-oil-type products may be shipped under hazardous materials classifications (e.g., UN 1169) that drive packaging/labeling requirements in transport.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Lavender cultivation & flower harvest (seasonal) → steam distillation or extraction → separation/filtration → quality testing (e.g., GC/MS) → bulk pack → distribution to U.S. formulators/brands
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Product Integrity HighAdulteration or identity mismatch (e.g., lavender vs lavandin/spike lavender, or off-spec composition) can trigger buyer rejection, downstream reformulation failures, and potential regulatory exposure if the product is used in food or cosmetics contrary to its compliant specification/labeling.Contract to an agreed specification (e.g., ISO-referenced parameters where applicable), require batch CoA with GC/MS profile, and run incoming authenticity testing for each lot from new or high-risk suppliers.
Logistics MediumShipments may face delays, refusals by carriers, or added cost if classified/handled as hazardous material for transport (e.g., UN 1169 Class 3 flammable liquid) and documentation/packaging/labeling is incomplete or inconsistent.Confirm UN number/hazard class applicability per product SDS, align packaging with carrier and DOT/IMDG/IATA requirements, and pre-validate documents with the forwarder before tender.
Regulatory Compliance MediumRegulatory obligations differ materially by intended use in the U.S. (food flavoring vs cosmetics/fragrance). Misclassification, noncompliant labeling/claims, or missing required submissions (e.g., FDA Prior Notice for imported foods; MoCRA obligations for cosmetics facilities/products where applicable) can cause holds, enforcement risk, or blocked distribution.Lock intended use at contracting stage, map obligations by category (food vs cosmetic), and maintain an importer/broker checklist including Prior Notice workflows and cosmetics compliance processes where applicable.
FAQ
Is lavender extract or lavender oil recognized as safe for use as a food ingredient in the United States?FDA’s regulations list “Lavender,” “Lavender, spike,” and “Lavandin” among essential oils/natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use under 21 CFR 182.20. Actual acceptability still depends on intended use, proper labeling, and the product meeting adulteration and misbranding requirements.
Can lavender extract shipments be treated as hazardous materials in transport to or within the United States?Yes. Aromatic extracts can fall under UN 1169 (Extracts, aromatic, liquid), shown as a Class 3 flammable liquid in U.S. hazmat tables, which can affect packaging, carrier acceptance, and documentation requirements. Applicability depends on the specific product’s safety data (e.g., flash point and composition).
If lavender oil is used as a fragrance ingredient in a U.S. cosmetic product, how does FDA treat fragrance labeling?FDA explains that cosmetics sold to consumers generally must list ingredients, but fragrance ingredients can often be declared as “Fragrance” (and flavor ingredients as “Flavor”) on the label under U.S. cosmetic labeling practice, rather than listing each fragrance component individually.
If lavender extract is imported as a food ingredient, is FDA Prior Notice required?FDA requires prior notice submissions for imported foods, which are filed via the Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or through integrated broker channels. If the lavender extract is imported as a food/ingredient subject to Prior Notice, a prior notice confirmation is part of the compliance workflow to avoid delays.