Convoluted legislation

Distillation of plants to obtain essential oils is permitted in metropolitan France and Corsica.

It is your responsibility to study your national legislation in order to regularize your situation and distill with complete peace of mind.


However, the possession of a still is regulated:
You must request authorization from the customs services in your department.
This authorization is generally granted if the still will be used solely for the distillation of essential oils.

Here is an example of an authorization request (only for mainland France and Corsica)

Name Surname
Address
CP - City

Location and date

Sir

I am requesting permission to own a still for distilling plants.
This still will be used solely for the production of hydrosols and essential oils from plants.
I will mainly be distilling lavender, thyme...
In the meantime, please accept, Sir, the expression of our distinguished greetings.

First and last name
Signature