Perfume Makers Fear EU Legal Blow To The $24.3 Million Industry
- 12 years ago
Perfume-makers are urging the European Commission to back down from possible legislation they fear could kill top fragrances by restricting natural ingredients linked to allergies.
Luxury brands worry the EU could force them to change formulas across the 18.9 billion euro ($24.3 billion) premium fragrance industry, altering some of the world's most iconic scents, such as Chanel No. 5, created in 1921.
Companies say the scents of leading brands would never smell the same.
The committee estimates 1-3 percent of people in Europe are allergic or potentially allergic to ingredients found in perfumes - a number it considers high enough to justify concern.
But perfume-makers say it is up to consumers to judge whether a perfume is suitable for them or not, by reading the list of ingredients on the label.
Luxury brands worry the EU could force them to change formulas across the 18.9 billion euro ($24.3 billion) premium fragrance industry, altering some of the world's most iconic scents, such as Chanel No. 5, created in 1921.
Companies say the scents of leading brands would never smell the same.
The committee estimates 1-3 percent of people in Europe are allergic or potentially allergic to ingredients found in perfumes - a number it considers high enough to justify concern.
But perfume-makers say it is up to consumers to judge whether a perfume is suitable for them or not, by reading the list of ingredients on the label.