Ensuring fair use of genetic resources

The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 2010. It provides a legal framework to regulate access to genetic resources, ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization. Companies that use genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge must navigate this complex legal landscape, complying with access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regulations globally.

Nagoya in detail

Industry Guidance and Collaboration

IFRA supports fragrance companies with detailed guidance developed jointly with the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI). This comprehensive document helps businesses manage the complexities of ABS rules in multiple jurisdictions, including Brazil, the European Union, India, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States.

Through clear and practical instructions, the guidance helps fragrance companies sustainably source materials while respecting global biodiversity commitments.

Educational resources

IFRA and IOFI offer educational resources to support industry compliance:

The guidance document, updated periodically, is available to IFRA members, providing specific details on compliance within key jurisdictions.

An informative webinar, first held in May 2020, explains how fragrance companies can practically implement the Nagoya Protocol regulations, featuring insights from experts across industry and legal fields.

Webinar on the Nagoya Protocol

Guidance documents and annexes

The IFRA-IOFI Guidance document and its Annexes help companies navigate the wide variety of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regulations that have arisen worldwide.