Hemp Seed Oil for Pets Under Fire: Industry Pushes Back Against APVMA Ruling
Hempco Admin
3 Mins. Read
A regulatory decision has shaken confidence across Australia’s hemp industry, with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issuing cease-and-desist letters (last year) to hemp businesses marketing hemp seed oil for pets—despite it being legally consumed by humans.
In response, the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance (AIHA) has lodged a formal complaint to the APVMA, calling for immediate clarification and reform of the authority’s approach to hemp-based animal nutrition products. The complaint was sent directly to APVMA CEO Scott Hansen on April 9, 2025, citing inconsistencies in enforcement, lack of transparency, and potential legal overreach.
Industry Disruption & Legal Concerns
The AIHA’s complaint was prompted by the release of internal APVMA documents via Freedom of Information (FOI), which revealed:
A suspension of enforcement actions pending further review—information that was not publicly disclosed to businesses who had already been affected.
Inconsistent product classifications, which have created confusion and disrupted fair market competition.
Abandoned commercial plans from industry leaders due to uncertainty—reportedly worth over $20 million in lost economic activity from 2022 to 2025.
The AIHA argues that hemp-based nutritional products for animals—particularly those made from hemp seed oil—fall under the Excluded Nutritional or Digestive (E.N.D.) category of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994. If they meet these criteria, they should not require APVMA registration.
Yet, the APVMA’s decisions to the contrary may be legally questionable, potentially violating Australia’s statutory and competition laws.
“This confusion doesn’t just hurt business. It stifles innovation, damages rural livelihoods, and pushes an environmentally-friendly, low-impact alternative off the shelves,” the letter states.
Georgina Wilkinson: “Our Pets Deserve Better”
At HempCo, we’ve long believed in the benefits of hemp seed oil for animals. Our co-founder Georgina Wilkinson shares her own experience:
“My dog Bella has been on hemp seed oil for over eight years. It’s been amazing for her coat, joints and overall wellbeing. It’s frustrating to see such a proven, natural solution now caught in regulatory red tape—especially when it’s legally consumed by humans every day.”
The irony isn’t lost on the industry. A product deemed safe and nutritious for humans is now being restricted for pets, not due to safety concerns, but due to bureaucratic inconsistency.
What the Industry Wants
The AIHA has formally requested the APVMA:
Update its cannabis guidance to clearly distinguish industrial hemp from cannabis with THC.
Confirm exemption of hemp products that meet E.N.D. criteria.
Clarify enforcement policy—including public confirmation of the current enforcement pause and a timeline for final decisions.
A formal response is expected within 30 days. The industry hopes this marks the beginning of a collaborative, science-backed regulatory framework.
What It Means for You
Whether you’re a pet owner, hemp producer, or retailer, this issue impacts all of us who believe in natural, sustainable, plant-based solutions. We’ll be watching closely—and advocating loudly—for fair and sensible regulation.
In the meantime, we’ll continue standing up for hemp. For pets. For people. And for the planet. 🌱
Hempco Admin
