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Dear Colleagues, The past weeks have once again illustrated the breadth of our Association's work, with meaningful progress on the regulatory, scientific and sustainability fronts that define IFRA's mission. In the Asia Pacific region, IFRA joined an industry coalition contributing to regulatory dialogue in the Philippines, while our China Working Group visited the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences to support the implementation of the country's new chemicals regulation. In India, our recent webinar highlighted how the IFRA Standards underpin risk-based product stewardship, reinforcing the global relevance of our self-regulatory system. In South Africa, our Vice-President took part in SAAFFI's Annual Seminar and visited Buchu plantations, advancing our work on Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol - a priority that also featured prominently in our recent review of the Buchu project with BMZ and GIZ in Berlin, a true blueprint for sustainable sourcing. In Europe, we welcomed an important step forward as the European Parliament adopted its position on Omnibus VI, backing an effective and safety-focused regulatory framework for cosmetics and fragrances. Together with Cosmetics Europe, we have continued to engage constructively with policymakers, including by countering misinformation around cosmetics and fragrance safety. These efforts reaffirm the value of dialogue grounded in science, and we will remain closely involved as the file progresses. At the same time, we continue to monitor and respond to new classification intentions for fragrance ingredients, including terpinyl acetate multi in Belgium and terpineol in France, and to the entry into force of the EU's "One Substance One Assessment" package - all of which underscore the importance of our ingredient defence work. The fragrance community also came together at key industry gatherings, from Paris Perfume Week, where IFRA contributed to the panel on fragrance regulation, to Rencontres INGRECOS 2026, where we shared our latest scientific work on furocoumarins and the industry's implementation approach. The publication of the 2025 IFRA-IOFI Labelling Manual is another tangible example of how our joint efforts deliver practical guidance to members worldwide. On the governance side, I am delighted to welcome Michael Friede, President Scent & Care at Symrise, to the IFRA Board. His experience and perspective will be a valuable contribution as we navigate the road ahead. Finally, it is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Professor Emeritus James (Jim) Wilfred Bridges, whose contributions to toxicology and consumer safety leave a lasting legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment to IFRA and to ensuring that fragrance thrives responsibly - guided by science, strengthened by collaboration and united by a shared sense of purpose. Warm regards,
Alexander Mohr, PhD
President, International Fragrance Association
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