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Client accessToday, we are surrounded by aromas. We use them to scent spaces, in cleaning products, personal hygiene products, cosmetics, perfumes, fabric softeners, detergents, and more. To create fragrances, more than 2,500 ingredients can be used, some of which are natural and others synthetic. Ignoring recommendations and regulations can have a very negative impact on the industry. Having up-to-date information can prevent significant losses, not only directly due to the cost of recalling products, changes in labeling and production, but also in terms of how it can affect a brand's credibility.
The industry has the responsibility to ensure the safety of people and the protection of the environment, as fragrances are simply mixtures of chemicals and, as such, are subject to regulations like REACH and CLP. Therefore, data on the safety of substances is continuously updated, a process also supported by the IFRA Code of Good Practice, which is reviewed annually.
IFRA, International Fragrance Association
IFRA is the International Fragrance Association, which sets safety standards that the fragrance industry must adhere to. It is the leading non-governmental regulatory body that establishes guidelines for the safe use of fragrance substances. This organization has existed since 1973 and its main scientific partner is the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM).
How It Works
Each year, a committee of experts evaluates a selection of products from different countries and certifies that companies comply with the IFRA Code of Good Practice. The document provides usage recommendations for substances used as fragrance ingredients, which are classified as: prohibited, restricted, and specified, according to quality and purity criteria.
On January 10th, the IFRA official website published new standards on fragrance safety, including the latest changes, known as the 51st Amendment. The 51st Amendment to the IFRA Standards introduced 59 new rules, bringing the total to 263, reflecting IFRA's ongoing commitment to improving the safety of fragrance ingredients. Full implementation of these standards is expected by October 2025.
New rules on the safety of aromatic standards
Adjustments have been made to the guide for using the standards, especially in the categorization of products. Reed diffusers and related products have been moved to Category 10A due to concerns about exposure during handling. It has also been clarified that "aftershaves of all types" are excluded from the categories of creams and balms, and the new description in the Guide will be "aftershaves of all types (except creams and balms)."
The Guide document has also been updated to replace the term "sunscreen" with "UV filters" and to clarify the MAC levels for paper products, specifying the application of concentrations based on the type of product. Additionally, the management of "technically unavoidable residues" remains the responsibility of the raw material producer, although cooperation with the finished product manufacturer is crucial.
Lastly, phototoxicity is being reviewed for products in Category 6, and the use of leave-on conditioners as a preservative supplement for rinse-off products will remain until specific exposure data is available. These changes aim to improve clarity and accuracy in the regulation of fragrance products.
Regarding the implementation of standards, new restrictions and ingredient specifications, IFRA members must obtain a Certificate of Compliance by March 30, 2024, for new creations and by October 30, 2025, for existing creations. Concerning prohibitions, new creations must comply with the standards starting from August 30, 2023, while existing creations must adjust by July 30, 2024. It is important to note that the prohibition timeline applies only to formulas and not to finished products on the market.
What Does This Mean for the Fragrance Industry?
Constant vigilance is required, as information and legislation can change at any time, necessitating adaptations by the industry.
At eQgest, our mission is to facilitate the day-to-day operations of companies in the sector through software that ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements automatically. This allows companies to focus their efforts on their business, knowing they are always in compliance with the law, including regulatory changes.
For more information, you can contact us at the following link.
