The Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute Strengthens Global Cooperation on Cosmetic and Fragrance Safety: Holds Meeting with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM)
The Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute discussed ways to enhance the safety of cosmetics and fragrances in cooperation with the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). This meeting served as a platform for extensive exchanges of views on trends in safety assessment and directions for regulatory response.
Necessity and Background of International Cooperation
On July 9, the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute met with IFRA and RIFM to discuss enhancing safety in the cosmetics and fragrance sector as a major agenda. The key discussion points included safety assessment standards for fragrance ingredients and natural extracts that are being strengthened in Europe and China. The meeting was conducted in an informal discussion format with the participation of major figures such as Director Jo Shin-haeng, IFRA Vice Chairman Mathias Vey, APAC Branch Manager Caroline Li, RIFM Chair Anne Marie Api, and Director Chris Choi.
IFRA and RIFM are autonomous organizations established to provide safety standards in the global cosmetics industry, preparing safe use standards based on data-driven scientific research. Although independent, they work closely, with IFRA establishing standards based on RIFM's research data, and they continue to exchange information and conduct joint research with institutions in Korea.
Trends in Safety Assessment and Global Regulatory Response
The meeting discussed the recently strengthened safety assessment regulation trends in Europe and China, as well as the systems to be introduced in Korea. The institute is seeking ways for Korean cosmetics companies to proactively adapt to changes in international safety standards to successfully enter the global market. The sharing of fragrance ingredient composition information and research cooperation provided by IFRA and RIFM is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen Korea's safety assessment system.
Director Jo Shin-haeng stated that IFRA and RIFM will be officially invited to the international cosmetic safety symposium held annually by the institute to continue strengthening cooperation. The two organizations also expressed active attendance and willingness for joint activities. This step will lay a practical foundation for strengthening the international network in the future.
Role and Cooperation System of IFRA and RIFM
IFRA is an autonomous organization providing safe use standards (IFRA Standards) for fragrance ingredients worldwide, playing a central role in regulatory support for the global fragrance industry. RIFM conducts scientific research for the toxicity, exposure, and environmental impact assessment of fragrance ingredients, providing research data to IFRA for setting standards. These two organizations have signed respective MOUs with the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute in 2023, maintaining a close cooperative relationship.
This meeting provided practical insights for the domestic cosmetics industry to efficiently respond to international regulatory trends, and the expanded cooperation with IFRA and RIFM in the future will serve as a substantial basis for developing safer and internationally competitive cosmetics.
In Closing
The discussion to strengthen cooperation between the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute and the International Fragrance Association, and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, made significant progress in enhancing the safety and international compliance of the domestic cosmetics industry. Continuous information exchange and research cooperation are expected to provide substantial assistance to domestic companies entering the global market in the future.
If you wish to participate in strengthening cosmetic safety assessments through international cooperation, please inquire with YURICO5. We will strive together to develop safe and reliable products.
