Facts about IFRA
- Together with the industry's scientific arm RIFM (the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials), the IFRA team makes sure that the establishment of usage standards for fragrance materials is put into practice according to the available scientific recommendation, and that member companies comply with those standards. Self-regulation enables the IFRA standards to be adopted very rapidly by fragrance houses worldwide and by the industry as a whole.
- All of RIFM’s scientific findings are evaluated by an independent, scientific Expert Panel (REXPAN)—an international group of dermatologists, pathologists, toxicologists and environmental scientists with absolutely no ties to the fragrance industry.
- The Code of Practice applies to the manufacture and handling of all fragrance materials, for all types of applications and contains the full set of IFRA Standards. Abiding by the IFRA Code of Practice is a prerequisite for all fragrance supplier companies that are members of IFRA (through their national or regional associations). Client companies (including producers of toiletries and household products) expect their fragrances to comply with IFRA Standards as set out in the Code.
- IFRA’s strategy is articulated around four areas: science, technical advocacy, communication and compliance. Since the implementation of the new strategy in 2005, IFRA and RIFM are closely coordinated by a joint executive committee. RIFM concentrates on science and IFRA on advocacy.
- IFRA comprises national and regional associations, whose members include fragrance ingredient and compound manufacturers and suppliers. IFRA’s Ordinary Members include Australia (FFAANZ), Brazil (ABIFRA), Indonesia (AFFI), JAPAN (JFFMA), Mexico (ANFPA), Singapore (FFAS), USA (FMA) and Europe (EFFA). EFFA’s members are Germany (DVRH), France (PRODAROM), Italy (Federchimica Assospecifici), Netherlands (NEA), Spain (AEFAA), Switzerland (SFFIA), Turkey (AREP) and UK (BFA). EFFA’s members are members of IFRA through EFFA. Since the GA of October 17, 2007, companies may also become Direct Ordinary Members of IFRA.