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
29 April 2026
Press Release
European Parliament backs effective, safety-focused framework for cosmetics and fragrances under Omnibus VI
Brussels, 29 April 2026 – Cosmetics Europe and the International Fragrance Association welcome the swift adoption of the European Parliament’s report on Omnibus VI at today’s plenary session in Strasbourg. Over recent months, the European Parliament has thoroughly examined the European Commission’s proposal to reduce administrative burdens, and boost competitiveness, with detailed scrutiny of the consumer safety provisions, which remain robust.
15 April 2026
Press Release
European Parliament opts for effective cosmetics and fragrance regulatory framework
Brussels, 15 April 2026 – The Omnibus VI proposal updating the rules for cosmetic products has taken a key step, with Members of the European Parliament agreeing today on a way forward. The changes voted on by the European Parliament’s committees uphold the highest safety standards for consumer cosmetic products whilst aiming to reduce administrative burdens and boost competitiveness.
24 March 2026
Press Release
Cosmetics Europe and IFRA warn against misinformation on cosmetics and fragrance safety in the context of Omnibus VI
Brussels, 24 March 2026 – In recent months, European consumers and policymakers have been increasingly exposed to misleading and inaccurate claims regarding the safety of cosmetic and fragrance products and their future regulation. These include assertions that the Omnibus VI revision would relax safety rules for carcinogenic substances, lower safety standards through regulatory simplification, or that cosmetic products pose significant health risks. Such claims are unfounded. Their growing volume risks undermining informed policymaking and public trust.