EU, Fragrance Industry Seek Competitiveness Via Legislation

BELGIUM: Members of the European Parliament and the EU Commission joined members of the fragrance industry in addressing the challenges facing European industry to increase competitiveness and consumer confidence through better legislation. Julie Girling, MEP joined Armand de Villoutreys, president of Firmenich Fragrance division and member of the board of IFRA in speaking at the launch of an interactive exhibition focusing on the art and science of fragrance creation in Europe.

One of the aims of this exhibition was to focus attention on the importance of better protecting the valuable know-how of European companies dependent on fast moving innovation in a highly competitive world market.

The fragrance industry is an example of a successful and competitive European sector, which thrives on creativity and innovation.

They add value and jobs to an extensive value chain and it is important that the EU creates a policy framework in which they can prosper. Harmonizing the protection of know-how in Europe will be of real value to ensuring their continued success, according to IFRA. In this context, IFRA will be working closely with all stakeholders on the adoption of a directive proposed by the EU Commission on the protection of undisclosed know-how and confidential business information.

“In order to build consumer confidence it is vital we have effective legislation,” said Julie Girling, MEP; “I myself chair an EP working group on this subject and have been impressed with the commitment shown by the fragrance industry and IFRA, to improve consumer confidence through voluntary initiatives. They have a long-standing set of Standards, a code of practice and more recently, with the endorsement of the EU Commission, they have embarked on a long-term scientific program called IDEA-International Dialogue on the Evaluation of Allergens. Launched early last year, it has been designed as an international multi-stakeholder effort involving academics, regulators, dermatologists, consumer organizations and industry experts.”

According to Girling, the aim of the IDEA program is to work together on the science of fragrance allergens and to establish agreed international protocols, methodologies and defined criteria for assessing the potential risk of fragrance allergens.

“This program is designed to significantly improve the risk assessment methodologies and identify appropriate risk management measures in a transparent and collaborative way. I believe that it is through approaches such as these that we will improve consumer confidence with effective legislation,” Girling concluded.