EFEO-IFEAT Scientific Program
The EFEO–IFEAT Scientific Program is a joint initiative of the European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) and the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT). Its mission is to ensure that essential oils and plant extracts are accurately and appropriately classified under the EU CLP Regulation (EC No. 1272/2008) and the REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006). The central aim of the program is to contribute to the scientific basis required for the European Commission’s 2029 review of the temporary derogation (Article 54a), granted in November 2024, which exempts these natural materials from the More-than-One-Constituent Substance (MOCS) classification rules.
Advocacy
The IFEAT Advocacy Group aims to represent and advance the interests of the essential oils and natural ingredients sector before European and international institutions. Working in partnership with Charles Laroche and NOVE – IFEAT’s Brussels-based public affairs consultants with extensive expertise in EU chemicals and sustainability policy – the Group’s mission is to ensure that the voice of the industry is heard when policies and regulations are being developed.
Regulatory Links
A list of key regulations applicable to the production, safety, and international trade of essential oils.
Industry Support
RIFM Project
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials or RIFM is an independent non-profit scientific organisation dedicated to the safety evaluation of fragrance materials, including essential oils and Natural Complex Substances (NCS). RIFM’s NCS Safety Assessment Programme aims to build a recognised, publicly available database that IFEAT Members can use to promote safe product use to governments, regulators, and the public.
Plant Protection Products (PPP) and Agricultural Residues Pilot Project
The IFEAT Plant Protection Products (PPP) Project has successfully completed all four phases of sample collection, testing, and analysis. In total, 19 Natural Complex Substances (NCSs) were tested, encompassing over 300 samples provided by 22 sponsors globally. Initial findings from this project were presented at both the IFEAT Berlin and Bangkok Conferences. A report detailing the initial observations and early-stage recommendations will be shared with IFEAT members. Furthermore, IFEAT will submit this work for peer-reviewed publication.
G4 Heads of Association
In addition to IFEAT’s projects and events, the Federation also actively participates and helps host the G4 Heads of Associations (G4). This group, consisting of IFEAT, EFEO, IFRA, and IOFI, works to address industry-wide issues, and coordinate their activities related to these. These include coordinating joint responses, including combined submissions for urgent issues; Regulatory Workshops and Seminars; NCS safety assessments; Contaminants and agricultural residues; sustainability initiatives; and communication on new industry-wide projects. The work of the G4 also includes input from the NCS Advisory Group (NAG) – an inter-association group of which IFEAT is also a member. The NAG looks at more technical areas related to safety and regulation of NCSs and considers the impact of those areas along all parts of the F&F value chain.
Meet the IFEAT Scientific Committee:
Dr John Cavallo
Chair of the Scientific Committee
USA
Mr Robby Gunawan
Vice-Chair of the Scientific Committee
Indonesia
Ms Catherine Crowley
Committee Member
South Africa
Mr Ruben Francot
Committee Member
Italy
Mr Henry Gill
Committee Member
United Kingdom
Dr Geemon Korah
Committee Member
India
Mr Eduardo Mattoso
Committee Member
Brazil
Mr Jens-Achim Protzen
Committee Member
Germany