IFRA Code of Practice
April 2021
The IFRA Code of Practice is the global fragrance industry's
commitment to ensuring best practice in our industry and
the safe use of fragrance ingredients and mixtures.
About IFRA and the Code of Practice
The International Fragrance Association represents the interests of the fragrance industry worldwide.
Its mission is to promote the safe use of fragrance ingredients and mixtures for everyone’s enjoyment.
The IFRA Code of Practice is the fragrance industry's commitment to ensuring best practice in our
industry. It applies to all IFRA members worldwide.
Our Code covers the manufacture and handling of all fragrance ingredients and mixtures and all types
of applications, in so far as these are covered by safety assessments conducted by the Research
Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and consequently fall within scope of the IFRA Standards.
Scope and application
Adherence to the IFRA Code of Practice is mandatory for all companies that are members of IFRA.
These companies include Regular Members, Supporting Members and members of National
Associations.
The criteria for IFRA membership can be found in the IFRA bylaws.
Obligations under the IFRA Code of Practice
The IFRA Code of Practice has three principal obligations:
Ensure safe use and regulatory compliance
Apply the IFRA Standards
Adhere to good operating practices
Ensure safe use and regulatory compliance
Fragrance ingredients and mixtures are subject to laws and regulations
adopted by international, regional, national and local regulatory authorities.
These laws and regulations may differ depending on the use of the
ingredients or mixtures, and on the location in which they are manufactured,
formulated, used and marketed.
It is the responsibility of each IFRA member to ensure that the fragrance
ingredients and mixtures they supply comply with applicable laws and are
safe for their intended uses.
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Application of the IFRA Standards
When warranted by concerns regarding the safe use of a specific ingredient, IFRA will issue an IFRA
Standard. IFRA Standards can prohibit, restrict or set purity requirements for specific ingredients. Not
all fragrance ingredients are subject to IFRA Standards.
The safety of ingredients, whether the subject of an IFRA Standard or not, remains the responsibility of
IFRA members.
Application of the IFRA Standards is necessary for compliance with the IFRA Code of Practice but may
not be sufficient to ensure regulatory compliance and the safety of fragrance ingredients and mixtures.
It is the responsibility of individual companies and their employees, with the support of IFRA and its
National Associations, to determine how to apply the IFRA Standards, in accordance with laws,
regulations and other requirements of the countries in which they operate.
Development of the IFRA Standards
Adoption Revision
IFRA Standards are prepared by IFRA and its On a regular basis, IFRA notifies new and
Risk Management Task Force on the basis of amended Standards in writing to IFRA members,
safety assessments prepared by the Research customer associations and other stakeholders,
Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and such as regulators and non-governmental
decisions made by an independent Expert Panel groups. In cases where there are immediate risks
for Fragrance Safety. identified for human or environmental health, a
Standard is communicated as soon as it is
Consultation adopted. When IFRA members have evidence
The adoption of IFRA Standards typically that warrants the issuance or modification of a
includes a three- to six-month consultation of Standard, they are obliged to inform IFRA.
IFRA members, customer associations and other
stakeholders, such as regulators and non- Entry into force
governmental groups. If any safety information is Each Amendment clearly specifies when it
generated that might alter the Standards, a new comes into force for new and existing creations.
Expert Panel review and decision is required. These timelines may depend on the size, scope
and urgency of an Amendment.
Communication
IFRA Standards and related documents are Compliance
subject to regular updates as new information on IFRA members must comply with IFRA
the safety of fragrance ingredients becomes Standards. An IFRA member is deemed to be in
available. The latest version of the Standards is breach of this Code when it supplies a product
available on the IFRA website. that is in violation of IFRA Standards.
IFRA Standards and other recommendations are developed in good faith and are based on the most
recent scientific opinions and collective experiences of various committees and working groups within
and outside IFRA.
Companies remain responsible for the products they place on the market; IFRA is not liable for any
action taken in applying the IFRA Standards.
Adherence to good operating practices
IFRA members shall follow good operating practices when producing fragrance ingredients
and mixtures.
Agreement
On behalf of my company, I hereby agree to comply with the IFRA Code of Practice.
NAME
POSITION SIGNATURE
COMPANY DATE
