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63 products standards published by BIS in Fragrance & Flavours: Deputy Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards
Oct 05, 2023
- Industry signs MoU on Perfumery Course with the Hindu College, University of Delhi
- Pressing need to establish separate standard for prohibited and restricted fragrance materials within Indian Context
- Fragrance industry growing at 12% in India and expected to reach USD 5.2 billion in next 3-4 years
NEW DELHI, 5 October 2023: Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Deputy Director General (Standardization- I), Bureau of Indian Standards addressing the 2nd FICCI Fragrance Business Summit today stated that fragrance is an upcoming sector for India and BIS is actively working for standardization in the sector. He stated that 63 product standards for fragrance and flavour sector have been formulated by BIS that encompass wide range of fragrance ingredients. He further stated that there is a pressing need for establishing a separate standard for prohibited and restricted fragrance materials within Indian context. Currently, IS 4707 (Part 2) standard lists 54 prohibited fragrance ingredients and 30 restricted ones which are under the purview of Cosmetic Rules 2020. This covers only cosmetics and does not cover other vital users of fragrance materials like household care products, air care products, food and beverages etc.
The summit also witnessed the signing of MoU with the Hindu College, University of Delhi and the industry to start perfumery course. The MoU was signed by Prof. Anju Srivastava, Principal Hindu College with Ms Martina Bianchini, President, IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and Mr Sant Sanganeria, Founder Chairman, Ultra International.
Fragrance & flavouring industry is a flourishing sector with substantial presence in both domestic and international markets. India’s Fragrance & Flavour industry has experienced steady growth in expands showcasing country’s capacity to provide quality aromatic products to the world while also importing certain raw materials and components to meet industry’s demand contributing significantly to India’s trade balance. Addressing the Summit, organized by FICCI, jointly with BIS and Ministry of MSME, Mr Sharma further added Global flavour & fragrance industry is worth USD 24.1 bn out of which India’s contribution is about USD 500 mn. However, India is projected to grow at 12% each year for next 4-5 years reaching a size of over USD 5.2 bn end of this period.
Mr Sharma said that standards are essential for development of national economies across the world. Traditionally standards focussed on safety, performance, health durability but now the focus has slightly shifted to sustainability, circular economy and inclusivity. He also mentioned that BIS has recently unveiled an essential standard for Synthetic Menthol, IS 18250:2023 for which there exists no international standard.
Mr Michael Carlos, Chairman, FICCI Fragrance Taskforce and Chairman, Emeritus, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) said India is the largest exporter of aromatic chemicals and also in naturals. However, fragrances constitute less 5% in the entire chemicals sector and there is a need to carve out a separate space for the fragrance sector in the policy making. Mr Carlos also laid emphasis on three axis for fragrance industry in India, namely, Skilling & Education, Support for Naturals and Safety & Regulatory Aspects which have been identified as the focus areas for this Summit. There is also a need to continuous support to farmer community in the context of sustainability, ability to grow naturals in the country in next few years and as we grow to ensure more and more value is added locally to naturals.
Mr. Sant Sanganeria, Founder Chairman & MD, Ultra International Limited said today’s summit comes at a crucial juncture aligning perfectly with the discussions held at the recently concluded G20 summit where global leaders emphasized the pivotal role of skill development and innovation in driving economic growth. Fragrance industry has capacity to create economic opportunity for diverse set of stakeholders like tribals, farmers etc. This will give us inclusivity and equity. He also mentioned that they are collaborating with premier institutes to launch courses in perfumery in India.
Mr. Hans Holger, Chairman, The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) said that his association is committed to support Indian fragrance industry in formulation of Indian standards to make it competitive for exports. We would like to help India to come up with its own regulation for safety aspects in fragrance, Mr Hans said.
Ms. Martina Bianchini, President, The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) said fragrance industry sources naturals and synthetic products, manufactures them into fragrance mixtures and then sells them into global consumer goods market of about USD 350 bn. India is well positioned in the area of naturals in fragrance.
Ms. Bhuvana Nageshwaran, Co-Chairman, FICCI Fragrance Taskforce, and Director F&F, Ultra International Ltd. said ‘The summit’s theme reflects our shared vision to navigate the evolving landscape with resilience, responsibility, and a deep sense of purpose’. The aim to create an eco-system for the fragrance industry in India that is a beacon of sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence, she said.
Given the deep linkages of fragrance industry with the farming and tribal community, the summit also presented case study of industry intervention in the lemongrass with the tribal farmers of Anamalai Tiger Reserve.