Adjustments to conformity checks and marketing standards for olive oil
Amending Regulation to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 planned
June 2026. With the current initiative to revise the marketing standards and conformity checks for olive oil, the European Commission aims to further align existing EU legislation with the latest developments of the International Olive Council (IOC) trade standards. Particular focus is placed on the consideration of updated requirements for chemical parameters as well as the growing importance of mono-varietal olive oils. In addition, requirements for labelling, traceability and conformity checks are being specifically expanded. The application of the amending regulations is scheduled from the beginning of the new marketing year on 1 October 2026.
Background to the planned amendments
With the increasing marketing of mono-varietal extra virgin olive oils, new challenges have emerged in the assessment of product conformity. In particular, certain olive varieties – including Koroneiki and Nocellara del Belice – have been found, under specific conditions, not to comply with the existing limits for the total sterol content parameter, despite being authentic and of high quality.
As a result, clear labelling of these products becomes increasingly important. For both control authorities and consumers, it must be clearly identifiable whether the oil is mono-varietal and therefore subject to specific requirements and limits. For this reason, new provisions introducing mandatory varietal labelling are being established.
Planned amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/2104
Introduction of a new labelling requirement (Article 8a)
For extra virgin olive oils obtained exclusively from the olive varieties:
- Koroneiki
- Nocellara del Belice
it will become mandatory to indicate the variety used.
This indication must appear:
- on the label
- in accompanying documents, and
- in any other form of designation.
This measure ensures clear identification of products along the supply chain and enables the application of specific chemical limits.
Adjustment of chemical limits in Annex I
In Annex I of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, the parameter total sterol content is revised.
For extra virgin olive oil, a minimum value of 1000 mg/kg continues to apply in principle.
However, for mono-varietal olive oils of the varieties Koroneiki and Nocellara del Belice, a reduced limit is introduced: ≥ 800 mg/kg total sterols
This specific provision takes into account the natural variation in sterol content of certain olive varieties and prevents authentic products from being incorrectly classified as non-compliant.
Complete revision of Annex I
Annex I of the Regulation will be fully replaced and updated. The existing structure and key parameters remain unchanged, including:
- Quality criteria (e.g. acidity, peroxide value, K values),
- Organoleptic requirements (median of defects and fruitiness),
- Purity parameters (fatty acid profile, sterols, waxes).
The revision primarily ensures alignment with the latest IOC standards and integrates the new specific requirements for mono-varietal olive oils.
Planned amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/2105
Extension of control obligations (Article 2)
Member States are explicitly required to verify that operators comply with the updated provisions, in particular with regard to the identification of mono-varietal olive oils.
Introduction of new traceability requirements (Article 5(1a))
Operators must ensure that olive oils of the varieties:
- Koroneiki
- Nocellara del Belice
can be clearly identified throughout the entire production and supply chain, from the mill to bottling.
This strengthens traceability and enables targeted verification of compliance with the specific requirements.
Extension of documentation requirements (Article 5(2))
Upon request by competent authorities, operators must provide more comprehensive evidence demonstrating compliance. This may be based on:
- scientific evidence,
- analytical results from representative samples,
- automated records, or
- administrative and accounting documentation.
Furthermore, the reference to the relevant provisions of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 is explicitly expanded, including the new Article 8a.
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