We get a lot of questions about IFRA certificates (International Fragrance Association certificates) — often from customers who expect to find one for every single material on our site. The reality is a little different, and this post explains why.
Whether you’re a professional perfumer, a hobbyist, or someone creating a product for sale, it’s important to understand what IFRA is, when a certificate applies, and when it doesn’t.
What is IFRA?
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets voluntary industry standards to ensure fragrance materials are used safely. These standards are based on scientific research and outline where restrictions apply (for example, maximum levels of certain ingredients in perfumes, candles, or skincare).
What is an IFRA Certificate?
An IFRA certificate is a document that confirms a fragrance material or blend has been checked against the IFRA Standards. It shows:
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Whether restrictions apply.
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In which product categories the material can be used, and at what levels.
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The IFRA Standards version it refers to.
It’s a tool for finished product makers to confirm their perfume, candle, soap, or other scented item complies with industry safety standards.
Do All Ingredients Have IFRA Certificates?
No. Many raw materials have no restrictions under IFRA. For those, there may be no certificate at all.
If you can’t find an IFRA certificate for an ingredient, that often means it isn’t restricted. Instead of contacting us, you can easily confirm this yourself by checking directly in the IFRA database.
👉 Please note: it is your responsibility to do this administration, not ours.
IFRA and Our Blends & Bases
We sell a wide range of blends and bases — complex mixtures designed as building blocks for perfumery.
These products are not finished fragrances and are not intended to be used as-is. They must be diluted, adapted, or significantly reformulated before they go into a consumer product.
Because of this, we do not generally provide IFRA certificates for these blends and bases. Why? Because the restrictions only make sense once you know how the blend will be used in a finished product. That responsibility sits with you, the perfumer or product maker.
When Do You Need an IFRA Certificate?
You only need an IFRA certificate when you are:
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Placing a finished perfume, candle, soap, or lotion on the market.
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Selling a blend or base directly as a ready-to-use fragrance.
If you’re working with our materials to create your own formula, it’s your job to calculate IFRA compliance for your final product.
Who Issues IFRA Certificates?
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Suppliers or fragrance houses for the products they sell.
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Perfumers for their own blends or finished perfumes.
If you are selling a fragrance blend commercially, you should produce your own IFRA certificate for it.
Key Takeaways for Our Customers
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IFRA compliance is not mandatory in the UK, but many in the fragrance industry use it as best practice.
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Not all ingredients have restrictions — if you can’t find a certificate, check the IFRA database.
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Our blends and bases are intermediates, not finished perfumes. They require reformulation, and IFRA responsibility lies with the customer.
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We do provide IFRA certificates for certain products, especially where they are specifically marked as “IFRA compliant”.
Final Word
We’re always here to support our customers, but IFRA compliance is your responsibility as a perfumer or product maker. Before reaching out to us for certificates, please check the IFRA database first.
By understanding when IFRA applies (and when it doesn’t), you’ll save time, avoid unnecessary back-and-forth, and be better equipped to manage your own product compliance.