IFRA 49: The deadline is fast approaching
As of May 10, 2022, all finished cosmetic products must have an IFRA Certificate that complies with the standards of the 49th Amendment.
The standards (set up by IFRA) follow recommendations issued by an independent scientific body, the RIFM (Research Institute of Fragrance Materials), and followed (voluntarily) by perfume manufacturers in order to guarantee the safety of the fragrance compositions used in the products. As fragrance compositions are generally complex and confidential mixtures, compliance with IFRA standards and the safety assessment provided by the perfumer (FSE) will be a guarantee and will be used by the toxicologist for the safety assessment of your finished products.
The implementation is not mandatory for finished products. However, the IFRA Code of Practice remains one of the means to demonstrate fragrance safety. The time limits of IFRA 49 are for fragrance compositions and not for finished products.
How to ensure your compliance?
If your product contains a fragrance that is not in compliance with IFRA 49, your fragrance supplier, if a member of IFRA, will no longer be able to supply it to you after the defined compliance period.
The May 10, 2022 deadline does not affect the disposal of finished products on the market, but you must plan to modify the fragrance in your product if it does not comply with IFRA 49 and following.
A fragrance composition that does not comply with IFRA must be brought into compliance. You must then perform all the necessary tests and procedures (DIP update, evaluation, labeling, etc.) as soon as possible to modify the fragrance in your finished product.
The dates defined by IFRA do not require the withdrawal of finished products from the market. Finished products not yet on the market can be marketed after May 10, 22 if they have a valid safety assessment. An analysis by an expert toxicologist will then be necessary.
If this analysis is positive, it will then be possible to ship your products in and out of the European Union and to request Free Sales Certificate (guaranteeing the conformity of the product to the European cosmetic regulation).
Wish to know more about cosmetics?
For more information, do not hesitate to contact Nataliya Muller.
