Document k6BJ03aoqO69DdR43492KErkO

Ref. Ares(20223)6212379163983 - 0259/093/20223 Meeting with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) 1 September 2022 Participants: Commission: Elisa Roller, Director SG.D Oana Valceleanu, Assistant of DSG Elisabeth Werner Joachim Wiemann, Policy Officer SG.D1 IFRA: Mr Hans Holger Gliewe - IFRA Chairman Mrs Martina Bianchini - IFRA President Mr Markus Rassmann - Givaudan Senior Vice President Fragrances Consumer Products Europe Mr Jonathan Warr - Chair of the IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Committee / Takasago Senior Vice President of R&D and Technology Mrs Aurelie Perrichet - IFRA Regional Director Europe IFRA presented their association and how it is engaging in the framework of the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability on the basis of slides sent ahead of the meeting (attached). They stressed the number of SMEs in the value chain, the fact that their fragrances are incorporated in a huge number of consumer products and the importance of fragrances for consumers' choices. IFRA emphasized that it is important that the implementation of the Chemicals Strategy does not hamper innovation and the competitiveness of this sector. IFRA stressed its self-regulatory approach, which also helps to address chemical safety. IFRA expressed concerns that the concept of `essential uses' could be too narrowly defined without taking into account the importance of fragrances and then be applied across a wide range of legislation. In connection to that, IFRA would consider that the risk of exposure should always be taken into account for chemicals and emphasized the very small percentage of fragrances in any product. They draw a parallelism to the occupational health and safety legislation. The Commission took note of the input provided and thanked IFRA for the valuable contributions into the revision process. It explained the underlying considerations of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It explained the revision process of the various pieces of legislation, stressing the thorough involvement of stakeholders.