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Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals

REACH is the EU regulation governing the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals, including those used in fragrance creation and formulation.

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Chemicals regulation in the EU

REACH is the European Union’s comprehensive regulation on chemical safety. It applies to most substances manufactured or imported into the EU, setting out data requirements, safety assessments, and conditions for use. While not specific to fragrance, REACH has direct implications for the way fragrance ingredients are evaluated, managed and used — particularly with regard to volume thresholds, hazard classifications, and restrictions. IFRA contributes to the regulatory process to help ensure that REACH remains workable for the complex, low-volume substances used in scent.

Fragrance under REACH

Substance registration and data sharing
Companies placing fragrance ingredients on the EU market must register those substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing data on hazards, uses, and exposure. IFRA members often work through consortia to share data and streamline compliance.

Risk management and restrictions
REACH enables the EU to impose conditions on the use of certain substances — or to restrict them entirely — based on scientific evaluations. Fragrance materials may be subject to such restrictions, which can affect formulation, labelling, or continued market access.

Ongoing dialogue and technical input
IFRA engages in the REACH process by contributing technical data, proposing pragmatic solutions, and representing the fragrance industry’s interests. Our goal is to support regulation that protects health and the environment while reflecting the specific realities of fragrance use.

Latest updates about REACH

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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.
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Sector-wide statement ahead of the publication of the Commission’s Omnibus proposal on Chemicals

Brussels, 3 July 2025 – The European cosmetics, fragrance, and essential oils industries welcome the European Commission’s continued efforts to streamline and modernise cornerstone sectoral legislation, including the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation and the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR) whilst maintaining a clear focus on consumer safety.
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IFRA actively engaged ahead of the REACH revision

IFRA steps up engagement with EU institutions ahead of the European Commission’s forthcoming REACH revision proposal.
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