IFRA Standards Library
IFRA
Standards Library
Driving progress through collaboration
The Chemicals Strategy builds on decades of chemicals legislation and introduces new concepts to strengthen safety and environmental protection — such as new hazard classes, a proposed mixture assessment factor, and the idea of “essential use”. IFRA engages constructively with these changes, contributing scientific data, practical expertise and policy recommendations to ensure that rules are workable and aligned with real-world use of fragrance.
A science-based and proportionate approach
IFRA supports the objectives of the Chemicals Strategy and welcomes its ambition to raise protection for human health and the environment. At the same time, we work to ensure that legislation remains risk-based and practical — recognising the specific use patterns of fragrance and the extensive safety frameworks already in place.
Fragrance ingredients are used at low concentrations and undergo rigorous evaluation through the IFRA Standards. Our member companies also contribute exposure and toxicological data via RIFM to ensure transparency and traceability.
We are actively engaged in the debate on new hazard classes, including endocrine disruptors and persistent or mobile chemicals, and we continue to advocate for clear criteria and proportionate implementation timelines.
We also take part in broader European initiatives, such as the development of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria and the SHIFT campaign (Science-based, Holistic, Inclusive, Forward-looking and Transparent) — our shared vision for future-proof chemical policy.
Green Deal recommendations and advocacy tools
To support constructive policymaking, IFRA has published clear policy recommendations on the Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. These documents propose a path forward that combines safety, environmental performance and innovation.
We also commissioned a business impact study from Ricardo Energy & Environment to assess how the proposed changes could affect the fragrance value chain. The findings show the importance of building flexibility into policy design and of avoiding unintended restrictions on ingredients that contribute to hygiene, well-being and economic value.
Sources for further reading
- European Commission, Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability – Towards a Toxic-Free Environment COM(2020) 667, 14 October 2020.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023⁄707 amending Regulation (EC) 1272⁄2008, adopted 19 December 2022; OJ publication 31 March 2023.
- European Commission, “Essential-use concept – Questions and Answers”, 22 April 2024.
- The International Fragrance Association, IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment
EU
Green Deal
EU
Green Deal
13 February 2026
News
IFRA supports European Parliament Breakfast Debate
On 3 February, participants of a Breakfast Event at the European Parliament in Brussels discussed the future of the EU cosmetics and fragrance sectors in the context of the Omnibus VI package on chemicals.
12 February 2026
News
IFRA at the third European Industry Summit: monitoring economic policy developments in a key global region
Today in Antwerp, IFRA attended the third European Industry Summit, where policymakers and industry representatives reviewed Europe’s industrial competitiveness and the implementation of the Antwerp Declaration.
04 February 2026
News
IFRA publishes Annual Report 2025 highlighting global engagement, regulatory progress and sustainability leadership
Geneva, 4 February 2026 – The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has published its Annual Report 2025, marking a year defined by global connection, scientific progress and strengthened engagement with regulators, members and stakeholders worldwide.