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Chapter 02 · IFRA Regions

Europe

Four interviews2 min read

Watch the interviewWatched Aurélie Perrichet and Johannes WeissYouTube

Aurélie PerrichetRegional Director, Europe
Johannes WeissManager, Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe

Interview 1 of 4

EU Chemicals Omnibus VI

Balancing safety, clarity and innovation in European regulation

Aurélie Perrichet, Regional Director, Europe, and Johannes Weiss, Manager, Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe at IFRA, outline the regulatory developments that affected the fragrance sector in 2025.

A long-standing challenge has been the potential banning of ingredients on the basis of hazard classification, even where safe use in cosmetics can be demonstrated. This leads to unnecessary reformulation and lost innovation. In response, the European Commission proposed the Omnibus VI on Chemicals, recognizing regulatory complexity as a barrier to investment.

For IFRA, the proposal brings meaningful improvements, including more workable labeling rules under the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, realistic implementation timelines and a more functional derogation system for cosmetics. In 2026, discussions continue as the EU institutions work toward a balanced, science-based outcome that protects consumers while supporting innovation and competitiveness.

Watch the interviewWatched Johannes WeissYouTube

Johannes WeissManager, Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe

Interview 2 of 4

Update on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy

Supporting the fragrance industry’s transition to renewable and circular solutions

Johannes Weiss outlines the European Commission’s 2025 update of its Bioeconomy Strategy, which 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 ran a Member survey to better understand feedstock use and attitudes toward bio-based materials.

For the first time, this data quantifies the mix of synthetic, natural and renewable ingredients the industry uses, confirming a clear shift away from fossil-based feedstocks. In 2026, IFRA will continue engaging with the EU institutions to support a sustainable, innovative and cost-effective bioeconomy for fragrance.

Watch the interviewWatched Johannes WeissYouTube

Johannes WeissManager, Public Affairs and Sustainability Europe

Interview 3 of 4

Safe and Sustainable by Design

Shaping a workable framework for fragrance innovation in Europe

Johannes Weiss outlines IFRA’s engagement on Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), an approach increasingly reflected in EU policy. SSbD builds safety and sustainability into the earliest stages of innovation, and parts of the fragrance industry are already exploring it.

In 2025, IFRA advocated for a pragmatic European SSbD framework, drawing on lessons from a 2024 case study on the fragrance ingredient methyl salicylate. IFRA shared these insights with the European Commission, Member State authorities and stakeholders, including at high-level policy forums, and gave detailed input to the Commission’s consultation on a revised framework. IFRA stressed that SSbD should remain voluntary, avoid duplicating existing requirements and stay workable for complex formulations such as fragrances.

With the final framework expected in early 2026, IFRA will continue to promote SSbD as a practical tool that supports innovation while maintaining high safety standards.

Watch the interviewWatched Jennifer DortsYouTube

Jennifer DortsSenior Manager, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs

Interview 4 of 4

Revision of the EU Detergents Regulation

Delivering a workable framework for safety and innovation

Jennifer Dorts, Senior Manager, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at IFRA, outlines the revision of the EU Detergents Regulation. Concluded in June 2025 after more than two years of negotiations, the revised regulation sets harmonized rules for the EU market while ensuring high levels of environmental and human health protection.

Throughout the process, IFRA represented the fragrance sector and worked closely with A.I.S.E. to secure balanced outcomes. The final text includes proportionate, workable requirements on biodegradability, fragrance allergen labeling and animal testing, and keeps alignment with REACH. Formal publication is expected in 2026, and IFRA will continue to engage on the delegated acts and implementation that follow.

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India

Update from IFRA India.

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