CITES and the fragrance industry

Natural ingredients remain a vital part of the fragrance palette. However, some of these materials may originate from species that are vulnerable or threatened. CITES governs how international trade in these species is regulated to prevent further harm.

To ensure that fragrance industry activities align with biodiversity protection, IFRA undertook a detailed review of the natural materials used by its members. This assessment was conducted together with a specialized external consultant with extensive CITES expertise. In addition, IFRA collaborated with the International Society of Perfumer Creators (ISPC) to understand the creative importance of these materials in fragrance design.

The review identified four fragrance materials that may face a heightened risk of being subject to CITES restrictions in the future. These materials have been prioritized within IFRA’s 2025 work program for further analysis. In the next phase, IFRA will examine the full supply chains of these materials to identify where targeted interventions could reduce the risk of future trade restrictions, while also supporting conservation goals.

Through this work, IFRA seeks to contribute both to the long-term sustainability of fragrance creation and to the protection of the planet’s biodiversity.