EU Green Deal and Chemical Strategy for Sustainability

Modern perfumery depends on a palette of roughly three thousand natural and synthetic molecules. When the new hazard classes entered EU law via Delegated Regulation ²⁰²³⁄₇₀₇ (published 31 March 2023), familiar ingredients such as some nitro-musks and certain woody notes required fresh data or reformulation.

The essential-use idea asks whether a substance is indispensable for health, safety or the functioning of society. IFRA provides evidence that fragrance supports hygiene, emotional well-being and cultural expression so that ingredients remain available where they deliver clear benefits.

A proposed mixture-assessment factor would oblige suppliers of scented products to show that combined exposure to multiple substances remains within safe limits. The sector already generates extensive exposure data through the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials and applies the IFRA Standards, giving regulators a science-based reference point.

Through position papers, technical workshops and regular dialogue with the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency, IFRA seeks proportionate rules that protect people and the environment while allowing Europe’s tradition of scent innovation to continue.