International Fragrance Association
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global representative body of the fragrance industry. It seeks to represent the collective interests of the industry and promote the safe use of fragrances through regulation.[1][2][3]
The association was founded in 1973 and has its head office in Geneva, Switzerland, and its operations centre in Brussels, Belgium.[4] Its membership includes multinational companies (known as 'Regular Members'), national associations, and supporting members from countries where IFRA does not have a national association.[5] As of October 2022, its membership includes seven multinational companies (known as 'Regular Members') and 23 national associations. There are twelve 'Supporting Members'.
IFRA is led by a president, Alexander Mohr PhD, and by a Board headed by its chairman, Paul Andersson.[6]
In 2020, in response to the ongoing and increasing focus on sustainability in the beauty and fragrance sectors, IFRA, in association with the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI), launched the "IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Charter."[7][8] This charter has subsequently been updated with a second edition launched in 2023,[9] with a third planned for 2025.
Objectives and roles
IFRA is the official self-regulatory representative body of the fragrance industry worldwide.[10][11] Its main purpose is to ensure the safety of fragrance materials through a dedicated science program. IFRA publishes a list of usage standards for fragrance materials, limiting or prohibiting the use of ingredients, based on the findings of the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), which gathers data regarding the safety of fragrance materials.[12][13][14] Concerns have been raised about RIFM and IFRA's process, lack of transparency, and effectiveness as a safeguard. RIFM's list of restricted and prohibited ingredients is only available through subscription and may offer little guidance to manufacturers.[1][15][16]
IFRA Standards
The most recent iteration of the IFRA standards was published in January 2022, integrating all foregoing standards up to and including the "50th Amendment."[17] Within the standards, included ingredients are prohibited (disallowed as a fragrance ingredient), restricted (allowed as fragrance ingredient only in prescribed quantities), or have accompanying specifications regarding their use (such ingredients are only allowed if they comply with specific criteria outlined in the Standard).
Advocacy
People and structure
IFRA's day-to-day operations are led by its president. Since 2024, this role has been occupied by Alexander Mohr, heading a team of more than ten staff members based principally in Brussels.
IFRA's main decision-making body is its Board, headed by the IFRA Chairman, Paul Andersson. The Board has twelve voting members: eight representing the Regular Members, and four regional representatives of national associations.
