Promoting workable legislation in IFRA's
Europe region
The modern fragrance industry was born in Europe, and fragrance is at the heart of the region's cultural heritage. 2024 saw IFRA continue to build on past advocacy activities in order to engage with the new EU mandate.
EU Chemicals Omnibus VI
Balancing safety, clarity and innovation in European cosmetics regulation
Aurélie Perrichet, Regional Director Europe EMEA, and Johannes Weiss, Manager Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe, outline key regulatory developments affecting the fragrance sector in 2025.
A long-standing challenge has been the potential banning of ingredients based on hazard classification, even where safe use in cosmetics can be demonstrated, leading to unnecessary reformulation and lost innovation.
In response, the European Commission proposed the Omnibus VI on Chemicals, recognising regulatory complexity as a barrier to investment.
For IFRA, the proposal brings meaningful improvements, including more workable labelling rules under CLP, realistic implementation timelines, and a more functional derogation system for cosmetics. In 2026, discussions will continue as EU institutions work towards a balanced, science-based outcome that protects consumers while supporting innovation and competitiveness.
Bioeconomy Strategy
Update on the EU bioeconomy strategy
Supporting the fragrance industry’s transition to renewable and circular solutions
Johannes Weiss, Manager Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe at IFRA, outlines key developments related to the European Commission’s update of its Bioeconomy Strategy in 2025.
The strategy aims to accelerate a sustainable, circular economy by promoting renewable biological resources across sectors. IFRA contributed to the public consultation, advocating for a policy framework that unlocks the bio-based potential of the fragrance industry. In parallel, IFRA conducted a member survey to better understand feedstock use and attitudes towards bio-based materials.
For the first time, this data quantifies the mix of synthetic, natural and renewable ingredients used by the industry, confirming a clear shift away from fossil-based feedstocks. In 2026, IFRA will continue engaging with EU institutions to support a sustainable, innovative and cost-effective bioeconomy for fragrance.
Safe and Sustainable by Design
Safe and Sustainable by Design 2025 update
Shaping a workable framework for fragrance innovation in Europe
Johannes Weiss, Manager of Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe at IFRA, outlines the Association’s work on Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and the bioeconomy.
SSbD, now embedded in EU policy initiatives, promotes the integration of safety and sustainability from the earliest stages of innovation. In 2025, IFRA advocated for a practical European SSbD framework, building on insights from a 2024 case study on methyl salicylate.
These learnings were shared with the European Commission, Member State authorities and stakeholders, and presented at major policy forums. IFRA also contributed detailed feedback to the Commission’s consultation, emphasising that SSbD should remain voluntary, workable for complex fragrance formulations and aligned with existing requirements.
With the final framework expected in 2026, IFRA will continue to support SSbD as a practical tool guiding innovation across the sector.
Revision of the EU detergents regulation
Revision of the EU Detergents Regulation
Delivering a workable framework for safety and innovation in detergents
Jennifer Dorts, Senior Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager at IFRA, outlines key developments in the revision of the EU Detergents Regulation.
Concluded in June 2025 after more than two years of negotiations, the revised regulation sets harmonised rules for the EU market while ensuring high levels of environmental and human health protection.
Throughout the process, IFRA actively represented the fragrance sector and worked closely with A.I.S.E. to secure balanced outcomes. The final text includes proportionate and workable requirements on biodegradability, fragrance allergen labelling and animal testing, maintaining alignment with REACH.
Formal publication is expected in 2026, with IFRA continuing to engage on forthcoming delegated acts and implementation.