The IFRA Standards form the basis of the safe use of fragrance ingredients as per the accepted and recognized risk management system across the globe which is also part of the IFRA Code of Practice.
The risk assessment of these standards evaluation have been obtained independently by the expert fragrance panel industry.
The Expert Panel is firmed by well-known independent talented experts from the desired fields such as dermatology, pathology, toxicology and environmentology. The main role of the Expert Panel is to asses and evaluate the data the content of a fragrance ingredient to see if it supports the current use level, to assure there is no harm or risk for the consumer. If the assessment results came below expectations and it does not support the current use, accordingly the Panel instructs IFRA to issue a Standard either restricting or banning a material based on the findings.
The Standards substances many banned or restricted in their use in fragrance products. Its mandatory for all members of IFRA, as a condition of membership, to observe the IFRA Code of Practice.
The fragrance industry spends millions of dollars on an annual basis in joint research on the safety of fragrances, and much more at the individual company level.
IFRA present info on the exposure situation such as concentration usage, usage variety, volume of use, chemical composition and the olfactory profile and olfactory potential (importance) of a fragrance ingredient to be provided to Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), which is IFRA scientific arm. RIFM then prepares materials comprehensive dossiers including all available safety data and, if needed, initiate / organize any missing safety studies on the fragrance ingredient.
The IFRA Standards process are established as per the following:
IFRA provides many important exposure information such as usage concentration, volume of use, variety of use, chemical composition as well as the olfactory profile and olfactory potential (importance) of a fragrance ingredient to RIFM;
RIFM prepares a comprehensive material report including all available safety data and if required, initiate and organize any missing fragrance ingredient safety study;
The RIFM Panel of independent experts, evaluates the data to see if it supports the current use level, to make sure its safe and has no risk or danger to the consumer; if the safety assessment does not support the current use, the Panel instructs IFRA to issue its Standard; The Expert Panel has the final decision on the standard content, not IFRA or RIFM.
Products The standard is prepared by IFRA in accordance with the Panel’s instructions and conclusions;
The IFRA membership and stakeholders are consulted on the draft standard for a period of about a month, this assures that IFRA/RIFM are aware of all material information and to present further information holders that could alter the outcome of the Panel’s risk assessment with the opportunity to share those with IFRA/RIFM;
The final Standard is published and released in a notification procedure as part of an “Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice” unless an additional data is received through the Consultation phase.
IFRA’s members include the following. Regular Members, National Associations and Supporting Members.
Regular Members are multinational fragrance companies who are IFRA direct financial contributors.
National Associations are grouped in four regions and companies are presented by 23 countries. Regional Committees connect National Associations representatives with IFRA Regular Members.
Supporting Members are the fragrance manufacturers for these countries which has no National Association. Information and services access is provided however supporting members cannot vote.
Member rights and responsibilities
Members can take part in IFRA committees
Members can join IFRA activities and also work and debate with peers
Members have liability to abide IFRA bylaws
The obligation to adhere to the IFRA Code of Practice and apply the IFRA Standards
The obligation to support and urge IFRA positions when speaking for IFRA
IFRA’s main mission:
To establish and maintain the consistent system of Standards for safe use of fragrances, based on broadly recognized scientific principles, keeping in mind the main target of protecting the consumer and the environment;
Maintain the high standards necessary to protect and enhance the credibility of the industry through self-policing;
Develop and maintain open communication and cooperation with national and international government bodies, concerned elements of medical, scientific community and other stakeholders;
Ingredients independent safety assessment support used by the industry;
Provision to the membership of timely and comprehensive industry information relevance matters, consistency with the main mission of IFRA;
Promoting the general quality enhancement of the merits of fragrances of life quality;
Regulation’s principles that protect members intellectual property.”
IFRA certificate
During the compliance process check, the brand product or the product manufacturer will be asked by the regulatory department or the regulatory consultant to provide an IFRA certificate in accordance with the formula verification concentration ranges according to the type.
A fragrance manufacturer wont be compliant if the fragrance material has one or more of the following:
if the ingredient used contains or found in violation of a Standard
if the fragrance ingredient was not been evaluated
The fragrance ingredients have to comply with the requirements and regulations of relevant legislation in countries they are to be used.
IFRA Standards main goal is to make a safer fragrance-based product for the consumer.
The creation an IFRA certificate
You can download the IFRA template by clicking on IFRA. Its mandatory for fragrance manufacturer to create IFRA certificate. You will also find many info and detailed database on the same link to verify the regulatory status of the fragrance component you intend to use.
Its mandatory to verify the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) of the product.
When you prepare your IFRA certificate draft, you can take advantage by referring to the percentage of the product type which drives the category consumer Exposure Level.
Follow IFRA standards
For fragrance manufacturer, its recommended to join the local IFRA organization for the latest amendments and standards drafted by the IFRA.
IFRA Code of Practice
The IFRA Code of practice applies to all fragrance materials manufactured and/or handled, for all application types and its contains to comply with the full set of IFRA Standards. Abiding by the IFRA Code of Practice is a prerequisite and essential to all fragrance supplier companies that are members of IFRA (directly or indirectly through national associations). The clients majority anticipate their fragrances to comply with IFRA Standards as the Code of Practice.
New revisions could be issued on annual basis if required, based on new scientific findings and developments. It would contain new usage restrictions or / and revisions of existing usage restrictions.
The IFRA Code of Practice is distributed globally and accessible to all member associations as well their member companies, this also include governmental regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.