Several years ago, dōTERRA sourced frankincense from Somaliland through Asli Maydi Exports Limited. When allegations surfaced in 2022 regarding worker underpayment and poor workplace conditions, dōTERRA commissioned a fully independent investigation by the London office of Sidley Austin, a renowned global law firm. That investigation substantiated key findings, including that Asli Maydi failed to meet contractual requirements, and we terminated the relationship in December 2023.

Today, dōTERRA no longer sources frankincense from Somaliland and only sources from regions in the Horn of Africa through FairWild-certified suppliers, an independent standard that audits sustainability, harvester remuneration, and traceability. dōTERRA is also a proud member of the Union for Ethical Biotrade. Beyond certifications, we evaluate our sourcing areas, and when gaps are found, we work with partners on improvement plans to reach the standards we've set. We remain committed to the well-being of our sourcing communities.

The following addresses questions about frankincense sourcing in the Horn of Africa and the steps we've taken to ensure our Supplier Code of Conduct and Co-Impact standards are upheld.

I've seen social media posts claiming dōTERRA still owes payments to workers in Somaliland. Is this true? Claims have circulated online from outside advocacy organizations, groups that dōTERRA has never partnered with, stating inaccurate information about outstanding payments to workers in Somaliland. dōTERRA fulfilled, and continues to fulfill, its contractual payment obligations to its resin suppliers in Somaliland.

When did dōTERRA begin sourcing frankincense from Somaliland? dōTERRA began sourcing Boswellia carterii frankincense from Somaliland in approximately 2015.

Who was our frankincense supplier? dōTERRA contracted with Asli Maydi Exports Limited to supply frankincense resins. Asli Maydi also contracted to comply with dōTERRA’s Supplier Code of Conduct in support of dōTERRA's effort to build a more traceable network of harvesters, collectors, and sorters within the region. At the program's height, the network provided livelihood opportunities to many people across more than a dozen sub-clans.

Asli Maydi Exports Limited is owned and operated by Barkhad Hassan. Asli Maydi contracted with independent harvesters and sorters who collected and processed resin before selling it to buyers all over the world, including dōTERRA. dōTERRA's supply agreement required Asli Maydi to comply with dōTERRA's Supplier Code of Conduct, which mandated fair and on-time payment to workers.

What allegations surfaced concerning Asli Maydi? In 2022, VICE TV reported that 1) Asli Maydi did not sufficiently pay its contractors, 2) two schools that dōTERRA funded were not built in the region, and 3) women were sexually abused by employees of Asli Maydi. In January 2023, the Fuller Project and The Guardian published similar allegations against Asli Maydi.

How did the investigation gather evidence and protect witnesses in Somaliland? Sidley Austin established multiple mechanisms to reach potential witnesses, including a dedicated confidential hotline staffed by trained Somali-speaking investigators. Investigators conducted live interviews, and interviews through prepaid mobile phones. Hundreds of witnesses were interviewed. For every individual identified as at risk, dōTERRA funded personal security, relocation, and protective measures at the investigation's request.

Did dōTERRA pay fair prices for its frankincense? Yes. dōTERRA paid above-market rates to Asli Maydi sufficient to allow Asli Maydi to pay its contractors fairly and on time. However, Sidley Austin’s investigation later substantiated that in some cases, Asli Maydi failed to pay its contractors according to dōTERRA’s Code of Conduct. dōTERRA was unaware at the time that the funds were not reaching workers in the manner the contractual arrangement required. Once the investigation substantiated Asli Maydi’s failing, dōTERRA terminated the relationship.

Were women sorters told to change their accounts during the investigation? No. The Guardian's July 23, 2024 article claimed women had been "told to change their story 'or face consequences' in dōTERRA's investigation." Sidley Austin's formal complaint to The Guardian identified this as false. No one at dōTERRA or Sidley Austin told any interviewee to change their account. In fact, all interviews in Somaliland were conducted by Sidley Austin. Sidley Austin's complaint letter noted the article appeared to "deliberately confuse and conflate" alleged threats made by Barkhad Hassan and/or his associates with actions attributed to dōTERRA.

What community and humanitarian support did dōTERRA provide in Somaliland? Through the dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, the company contributed more than $2.2 million toward construction of the Sanaag Specialty Hospital, which opened in July 2021 and performed more than 350 surgeries, safely delivered nearly 450 babies, and treated more than 20,000 patients. dōTERRA is supporting legal action to transfer the hospital to Somaliland's Ministry of Health Development. The Healing Hands Foundation also funded education opportunities for more than 220 youth in Uurwayne, Somaliland, and partnered with the Nagaad Network on female entrepreneurship workshops in Burao and Erigavo.

Where does dōTERRA source its frankincense today? dōTERRA currently sources Boswellia frankincense from the Horn of Africa through suppliers that carry third-party certification. As of 2026, dōTERRA's frankincense sourcing operations hold FairWild certification, an independent standard that audits ecological sustainability, harvester remuneration, traceability, and conservation systems.