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
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.
06 January 2026
News
IFRA’s view on the Chemicals Omnibus in Euractiv
IFRA published an opinion in EU news outlet Euractiv urging a science-based, workable approach to the EU’s Chemicals Omnibus proposal to safeguard fragrance-sector innovation and consumer confidence.
06 January 2026
News
IFRA Joins EU’s Critical Chemicals Alliance
IFRA has joined the European Commission’s Critical Chemicals Alliance to support a coordinated approach to safeguarding essential chemicals.