Supporting consumer safety, science and competitiveness: Industry welcomes landmark interinstitutional agreement on Omnibus VI

The agreement marks an important milestone towards a more coherent and workable regulatory framework for cosmetic products and ingredients in Europe. Having an appropriate framework for cosmetics, fragrance and essential oils is vital so that the whole sector - from European SMEs to global companies alike- can innovate and deliver high quality products to meet consumers’ expectations. The fragrance, cosmetics and personal care industry is valued at €180 billion, bringing in €30 billion in export revenue for the European economy and underpinning 3.5 million jobs.

Indeed, consumer safety – is the the priority for the cosmetics, fragrance, essential oils and cosmetic ingredients industries. It remains fully upheld, while the objective to reduce administrative burdens and boost competitiveness is achieved through science-based and proportionate regulation. Among other elements, the automatic ban of ingredients found to be Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic (CMRs) remains the standard route, with a positive safety opinion by the European Commission’s independent Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) required for any and all exceptions.

The agreement provides greater predictability for companies operating across complex value chains, including many small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that regulatory decisions continue to be guided by robust scientific evidence and established risk assessment processes.

As the legislative process moves towards final adoption, the fragrance, essential oils and cosmetics sector is ready to support effective implementation of the new framework and to continue contributing to consumer wellbeing, innovation, sustainability and economic growth across Europe.

Cosmetics Europe:

"This agreement shows that Europe can streamline the regulatory framework and reduce administrative burden while maintaining the highest consumer safety standards. The Omnibus VI gives our industry more predictability with clearer and enforceable rules the sector needs to keep innovating and competing globally, with science at the heart of every decision", said John Chave], Director General, Cosmetics Europe.

The International Fragrance Association:

"Fragrance, both in Europe and around the world, needs a predictable, science-based regulatory framework that works in practice, and at the same time upholds the highest standards of consumer protection. This outcome provides greater legal certainty for businesses, supports competitiveness, and ultimately benefits both consumers and the European economy”, said Alexander Mohr, President, International Fragrance Association (IFRA).

European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients:

"Ingredient manufacturers sit at the very start of the value chain, where regulatory clarity matters most. By keeping decisions grounded in sound scientific evidence, this agreement gives ingredient producers the certainty they need to invest and innovate in Europe", said Andrea MALTAGLIATI, Secretary-General, EFfCI.

European Federation of Essential Oils:

We welcome the outcome that recognises the specificities of essential oils as natural complex substances with significant cultural and economic value. This agreement supports a sector that is vital to many businesses and local economies across Europe”, said Eric Angelini, President, EFEO.

International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades:

"The thousands of natural ingredients used in flavours and fragrances are sourced from communities across the world. A predictable, science-based European framework supports responsible trade and the livelihoods that flow from the production and trade of these products." said Catherine Crowley, past Chair, IFEAT.

NATRUE:

"Natural and organic cosmetics reflect a growing consumer choice. We welcome a framework that upholds high safety standards while giving producers of natural and organic products the clarity and predictability to grow across Europe and beyond”, said Prof Dr Florian Stintzing, President of NATRUE and CEO of Wala Heilmittel.

SMEunited:

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation of Europe's cosmetics value chain, yet they feel regulatory complexity most acutely. By reducing administrative burdens while maintaining safety standards, this agreement helps SMEs compete and grow," said SMEunited.

***

Co-signatories (alphabetical order)

• Cosmetics Europe
• European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI)
• European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO)
• International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT)
• International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
• International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (NATRUE)
• SMEunited

About the signatory associations

About Cosmetics Europe

Cosmetics Europe is the European trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Our members include cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, as well as associations representing our industry at national level across Europe.

About EFfCI

EFfCI is the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients, a trade association that brings together European manufacturers of synthetic and natural ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry.

About EFEO

The European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) is committed to raising awareness among policymakers, regulators, and authorities regarding essential oils and their derivatives. EFEO advocates for a comprehensive understanding of their uses, cultural and economic importance, and the potential impact of legislative and regulatory measures on the sector.

About IFEAT  

The International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT) is a trade association founded in 1977. It represents the interests of companies involved in the production, processing, trading, and manufacturing of the many thousands of ingredients used in flavours and fragrances. Among its activities, IFEAT aims to raise awareness among political stakeholders regarding the nature, applications, and cultural and economic significance of essential oils and their derivatives.

About IFRA

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global voice of the fragrance industry. Since its creation in 1973, IFRA has brought together global fragrance houses companies, national associations, and regional fragrance ingredient manufacturers or compounders committed to ensuring the safe use of fragrance ingredients, grounded in science and responsibility. IFRA represents fragrance producers, works with regulators and international partners, and supports sustainability and innovation across the value chain.

About NATRUE 

NATRUE is a Brussels-based international non-profit association committed to promoting and protecting Natural and Organic Cosmetics worldwide. Founded in 2007 by European pioneers from the sector, the association now represents companies producing natural and organic cosmetic products from around the world.

About SMEunited

SMEunited, formerly known as UEAPME, is the association of crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 65 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited is a recognised employers’ organisation and European Social Partner and acts on behalf of crafts and SMEs in the European Social Dialogue and in discussions with the EU institutions. We represent national cross-sectoral Craft and SME federations, European SME branch organisations and associate members. We speak on behalf of the 25,8 million SMEs in Europe which employ almost 88,7 million people. We are a non-profit seeking and non-partisan organisation.