IFRA Newscent January-February 2026

The bi-monthly round-up of the latest news from the International Fragrance Association.

Message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

As we get 2026 underway, I would like to begin by thanking you for your continued trust, engagement and commitment to IFRA. In a world that is changing rapidly - economically, geo-politically and socially - the strength of our association continues to come from its members and from our shared belief that science, collaboration and responsibility must guide the future of fragrance.

The past year has reinforced just how essential IFRA’s role is. Regulatory expectations are evolving at an unprecedented pace, sustainability requirements are becoming more complex, and public scrutiny of ingredients and processes continues to intensify. At the same time, fragrance remains a powerful cultural and economic force, deeply connected to well-being, creativity and human expression. Navigating these dynamics requires clarity, credibility and unity: values that sit at IFRA's core

Throughout 2025, we made important progress in strengthening our scientific and regulatory foundations. We launched the updated Transparency List and the consultation on the 52nd Amendment to the IFRA Standards. We also intensified our engagement with regulators and stakeholders in all our active regions, advocating for risk-based approaches and regulatory alignment that protect consumers while enabling innovation.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, IFRA will remain focused on three core priorities: First, maintaining scientific excellence as the foundation of our Standards and advocacy. Second, strengthening collaboration within our membership and with external partners to support regulatory coherence and mutual trust. Third, ensuring that IFRA continues to evolve as an association that is agile, inclusive and supports a positive reputation of the fragrance sector worldwide

The fragrance industry has always adapted to change. IFRA exists to provide that collective voice and that shared framework. I am confident that, together, we can continue to demonstrate that fragrance can thrive responsibly, guided by science and shaped by collaboration.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this journey with you.

Warm regards,
Alexander Mohr, PhD
President, International Fragrance Association

General, global and regulatory

	Press Release 05 January 2026 IFRA mourns the passing of former President Jean-Pierre Houri Geneva, 5 January 2026 - The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) announces with deep sadness the passing of its former President, Jean-P… Read more

	Press Release 12 December 2025 IFRA launches consultation on latest update to its safe use program. Geneva, 12 December 2025 – The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has opened the public consultation on the latest update to its safe u… Read more

	News 05 December 2025 Did you know? The hidden science that keeps scented products safe The truth is simple: fragrance safety is not left to chance. It is built into the rules, the testing, the assessments and the people whose job … Read more

	News 26 November 2025 Ana Paula Mendonça elected Vice-Chair of the IFRA Board IFRA is pleased to share that Ana Paula Mendonça, President of Scent at IFF, has been elected Vice-Chair of the IFRA Board. Read more

	Press Release 06 November 2025 Council misses opportunity to tackle unnecessary administrative burden stemming from the Cosmetic Products Regulation Brussels, 6 November 2025 – The European Council’s General Approach on the Chemicals Omnibus (Omnibus VI) Regulation has missed the chance to s… Read more

	News 03 November 2025 Ingredient Defence - November update General updates from the field of ingredient defence, including acetophenone, heliotropine, CLH proposals on l-Carvone, spearmint oil and galax… Read more

Latest updates from Asia Pacific

News

03 December 2025

Fragrance ingredient defense gains momentum worldwide

A growing number of regions are engaging in open, science-based discussions on fragrance ingredients.

News

19 November 2025

IFRA contributes expertise at the CTFAS Regulatory Forum in Singapore

Last week, the IFRA team took part in the CTFAS Regulatory Forum earlier this week, joining regulators, industry leaders and technical speciali…

News

03 December 2025

Fragrance ingredient defense gains momentum worldwide

A growing number of regions are engaging in open, science-based discussions on fragrance ingredients.

	News 06 January 2026 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 safegu… Read more

	News 06 January 2026 IFRA Joins EU’s Critical Chemicals Alliance IFRA has joined the European Commission’s Critical Chemicals Alliance to support a coordinated approach to safeguarding essential chemicals. Read more

	News 10 December 2025 Europe enters decisive phase on Chemicals Omnibus VI, says IFRA’s Director for Europe Aurélie Perrichet in new video IFRA’s Director for Europe, Aurélie Perrichet, highlights a critical moment for the future of safe and creative fragrance in Europe as discussi… Read more

	News 21 November 2025 IFRA and the International Society of Perfumer-Creators share perspectives on ingredient substitution at the European Commission’s CPWG meeting IFRA and the International Society of Perfumer-Creators (ISPC) took part in a constructive exchange with European Commission officials and Memb… Read more

	Snippet 07 November 2025 Celebrating 20 Years of EPAA and Its Annual Conference This year marks the 20th anniversary of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA). Its Annual Conference thi… Read more

	Press Release 06 November 2025 Council misses opportunity to tackle unnecessary administrative burden stemming from the Cosmetic Products Regulation Brussels, 6 November 2025 – The European Council’s General Approach on the Chemicals Omnibus (Omnibus VI) Regulation has missed the chance to s… Read more

	News 05 November 2025 EPAA marks 20 years of progress towards a future without animal testing The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) has celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of j… Read more

	News 03 November 2025 IFRA calls for independent scientific expertise in ECHA reform IFRA supports the reform of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) while emphasizing the importance of maintaining independent and expert advice … Read more

	News 03 November 2025 IFRA provides feedback on revised SSbD framework IFRA contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on the revised Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, emphasizing the need… Read more

	News 03 November 2025 Final Council negotiations on the Omnibus VI on Chemicals Council negotiations advance, but key concerns remain for the sector. Read more

	News 03 November 2025 Ingredient Defence - November update General updates from the field of ingredient defence, including acetophenone, heliotropine, CLH proposals on l-Carvone, spearmint oil and galax… Read more

	Snippet 03 November 2025 REACH revision: timeline unclear The Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) issued a negative opinion on the impact assessment for the REACH revision Commission proposal. Read more