The International Fragrance Association North America took a break from its higher-stakes advocacy work Nov. 1 to give lawmakers and congressional staffers a "scent experience." Perfumers from six of the group's biggest members were on hand with "Scents of Home," joined by Monell Center researchers to educate attendees on the mechanics of scent and the important role it plays in people's lives.

The International Fragrance Association North America took a break from its higher-stakes advocacy work Nov. 1 to give US lawmakers and congressional staffers a "scent experience." Perfumers from six of the group's biggest members were on hand with "Scents of Home," joined by Monell Center researchers to educate attendees on the mechanics of scent and the important role it plays in people's lives.

Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the fragrance industry are making headway in efforts to achieve consensus regarding sensitive fragrance issues and the development of “effective” legislation that promotes consumer confidence along with competition. IFRA’s recent “Sense of Reality” exhibition at the European Parliament in Brussels highlighted the art and science of fragrance creation as well as the importance of trade secrets in the sector.

The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing comes into force this fall, as will an EU regulation instituting checks to ensure that firms conducting R&D on genetic resources are compliant with ABS laws in provider countries. With other countries around the globe developing their own legislation under the international treaty, cosmetics firms large and small must exercise due diligence, assessing their ingredient use and supply chains to avoid penalties and reputational damage.