Latest updates

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA). Its Annual Conference this year was a significant milestone in promoting innovative, humane, and scientifically robust alternatives to animal testing for regulatory science. IFRA was proud to participate in the events, contributing to discussions that shape the future of science-driven and sustainable safety assessments.

Brussels, 6 November 2025 – The European Council’s General Approach on the Chemicals Omnibus (Omnibus VI) Regulation has missed the chance to simplify provisions of the Cosmetics Products Regulation and tackle long-lasting competitiveness hurdles identified by the industry while maintaining the highest consumer safety standards. This outcome risks undoing progress towards a clearer and more predictable system. The cosmetics, fragrance and essential oil industries are deeply concerned by this outcome.

The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) has celebrated its 20^th anniversary, highlighting two decades of joint work between the European Commission and industry to advance science-based, animal-free testing methods.

IFRA supports the reform of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) while emphasizing the importance of maintaining independent and expert advice on cosmetics safety.

IFRA contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on the revised Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, emphasizing the need for clarity and practicality for complex ingredients such as fragrances.

Council negotiations advance, but key concerns remain for the sector.

The Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) issued a negative opinion on the impact assessment for the REACH revision Commission proposal.

General updates from the field of ingredient defence, including acetophenone, heliotropine, CLH proposals on l‑Carvone, spearmint oil and galaxolide.

IFRA science experts attended to engage with the latest science on human health, environment, and safety assessment.

This work, conducted under the auspices of IDEA (The International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens), presents an expanded Reference Chemical Potency List (RCPL) with 77 additional chemicals.

Matthias Vey, Vice President of Scientific Affairs, IFRA, had the honour and pleasure to address IFRA UK members during the information day on September 11, 2025.

IFRA is delighted to announce that three new organizations have endorsed the IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Charter. Recently, IFRA has welcomed two Supporting Members from India – Norex Flavours Private Ltdx and Keva Fragrances, Flavours & Aroma Ingredients – along with Kao Chemicals Europe. Their commitment brings the total number of signatories to 155.This milestone reflects the growing momentum of our industry-wide effort. We warmly encourage all IFRA and IOFI members to join this collective initiative, driving sustainability across the fragrance and flavour sector.