Regulatory Changes Are Coming: What Makers Need to Know

There are major shifts happening in fragrance regulation, and they will affect the oils used across candles, wax melts, diffusers, room sprays, and cosmetics. Several widely used fragrance ingredients have now moved into the EU’s formal reclassification process under the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability.

This is the start of a long cycle of ingredient reviews, restrictions, and withdrawals.

Even if you’re working in the UK, the ripple effect will still reach you, because most fragrance formulations are created to meet global regulatory standards.

What’s the issue?

A group of well-known fragrance materials is now expected to be reclassified as higher-risk chemicals (CMR 1B).
When an ingredient becomes CMR 1B:

• it can no longer be used in cosmetic applications

• it will be heavily restricted or removed from many home-fragrance formulations

• any oil containing it must eventually be reformulated

• CLP documentation changes follow shortly after

This is only the first wave. More materials will be assessed over the next several years.

What you can expect as a maker

Reformulated oils

Some scents will change slightly. A few may disappear entirely if no suitable alternative exists.

Updated CLP

Any time an oil is reformulated, its SDS and allergens may change. That means updated CLP will be required for products you continue to make.

Future waves

This is just the beginning. Ingredient reviews will continue well into the decade, and it’s wise to anticipate further adjustments.

Your existing stock remains safe

These changes apply to future production, not the products you already have on your shelves.

Why I’m sharing this

I want makers to be informed early rather than blindsided later. Regulatory shifts like this cause uncertainty across the industry, but understanding what’s coming helps you plan with confidence.

I’ll keep you updated as more substances move through the process, and I’ll provide clear guidance whenever CLP updates become necessary for the oils you use.

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