IFRA Standards Library
A sortable and searchable database of all the IFRA Standards.
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Driving progress through collaboration
The Chemicals Strategy builds on decades of chemicals legislation and introduces new concepts to strengthen safety and environmental protection — such as new hazard classes, a proposed mixture assessment factor, and the idea of “essential use”. IFRA engages constructively with these changes, contributing scientific data, practical expertise and policy recommendations to ensure that rules are workable and aligned with real-world use of fragrance.
A science-based and proportionate approach
IFRA supports the objectives of the Chemicals Strategy and welcomes its ambition to raise protection for human health and the environment. At the same time, we work to ensure that legislation remains risk-based and practical — recognising the specific use patterns of fragrance and the extensive safety frameworks already in place.
Fragrance ingredients are used at low concentrations and undergo rigorous evaluation through the IFRA Standards. Our member companies also contribute exposure and toxicological data via RIFM to ensure transparency and traceability.
We are actively engaged in the debate on new hazard classes, including endocrine disruptors and persistent or mobile chemicals, and we continue to advocate for clear criteria and proportionate implementation timelines.
We also take part in broader European initiatives, such as the development of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria and the SHIFT campaign (Science-based, Holistic, Inclusive, Forward-looking and Transparent) — our shared vision for future-proof chemical policy.
Green Deal recommendations and advocacy tools
To support constructive policymaking, IFRA has published clear policy recommendations on the Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. These documents propose a path forward that combines safety, environmental performance and innovation.
We also commissioned a business impact study from Ricardo Energy & Environment to assess how the proposed changes could affect the fragrance value chain. The findings show the importance of building flexibility into policy design and of avoiding unintended restrictions on ingredients that contribute to hygiene, well-being and economic value.
Sources for further reading
- European Commission, Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability – Towards a Toxic-Free Environment COM(2020) 667, 14 October 2020.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023⁄707 amending Regulation (EC) 1272⁄2008, adopted 19 December 2022; OJ publication 31 March 2023.
- European Commission, “Essential-use concept – Questions and Answers”, 22 April 2024.
- The International Fragrance Association, IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment
26 June 2025
News
Detergents Regulation Revision Reaches Agreement
Trilogue concludes two years of debate on Detergents Regulation revision.
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03 May 2025
News
IFRA Global Fragrance Summit 2025 – Don’t miss out!
IFRA Global Fragrance Summit 2025 – Scent Connections: early program highlights
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27 May 2024
Press Release
SHIFTing priorities in Europe: Recommendations from the fragrance industry for the EU 2024 – 2029 mandate
Brussels/Geneva, 27 May 2024 – With the 2024 European Union elections ahead, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has published a series of policy recommendations. Through its five policy recommendations, IFRA reaffirms its commitment to advancing safe, sustainable, and innovative fragrance practices and offers concrete suggestions to help incoming EU policy makers shift towards a more competitive, resilient European Union.
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