IFRA, the International Fragrance Association, recently published a new amendment to its voluntary code of practice, which is meant to "properly regulate and provide products that are safe for use by the consumer and for the environment". The 40th Amendment has been stirring up controversy, primarily because it limits the use of various natural raw materials in perfumery, but also because it places bureaucratic burdens on smaller perfume houses.

A number of groups, spearheaded by Cropwatch (an "independent watchdog for endangered and vulnerable natural aromatic products"), are organizing a boycott of the new regulations. Perfumer & Flavorist recently ran a poll on the subject; 85% of the respondents favored a boycott. If you'd like to learn more about the issue, check out:

Press Release and FAQ at Artisan Natural Perfumers Guild

This List Ain't Peanuts - 130 - 200 Oils Headed for Restriction or Prohibition ~ a post on Anya McCoy's blog.

Cropwatch vs. IFRA ~ a brief article on Perfumer & Flavorist.

IFRA's reply ~ a pdf file from January 19, detailing IFRA's response to Cropwatch. Note that this is not a direct link, you will have to scroll down on the page to find the file.

Update 2/14: Perfumer & Flavorist has extended the deadline for their poll; voting is now open until 3/5.

Update 2/24: See the latest news on the IFRA 40th Amendment boycott here.