Natrue and IBD equivalence opens markets

Natrue, the international association of natural and organic cosmetics (AISBL) and IBD, the largest Brazilian certifier of organics with a market share of about 70 %, have joined forces for the natural and organic cosmetic sector. The agreement on the alignment and mutual recognition of their respective standards was developed and signed earlier this year after a gap analysis and an update of the existing cosmetic standards by IBD. According to the agreement all natural and organic cosmetic products (raw materials, formulas and finished products) certified to the Natrue label may automatically receive the “IBD natural ingredients seal” without undergoing additional certification or costs – only a seal fee for the use of the IBD label will be charged.
(Picture: IBD booth at Bio Brazil/ BioFach America Latina in Sao Paulo)

Julie Tyrell, director general of Natrue in Brussels, and Alexandre Harkaly, executive director of IBD, met at the recent edition of the BioFach America Latina/ BioBrazil fair in Sao Paulo to discuss the benefits of this harmonization in a seminar and with a couple of stakeholders of the Brazilian and international natural and organic cosmetic industry. Harkaly considers the agreement a milestone in the international recognition of authentic natural and organic cosmetic products, reducing barriers in the international trade for Brazil that can now export to third countries on the following levels: Natrue 1 (natural), Natrue 2 (with the organic portion) and Natrue 3 (organic). In Brazil ,organic certification for cosmetic and body care products is currently prohibited. Once this prohibition is lifted, this certification will be extended to organic certification for the domestic market in accordance with Brazilian legislation.

Ms. Tyrell and Mr. Harkaly (picture) are both convinced that the agreement will be of paramount importance. It will help break down trade barriers for existing organic and natural cosmetics that currently exist between Brazil and Europe, reduce bureaucracy, create new opportunities and break the existing monopoly by Ecocert in the area. "The partnership includes a lot of benefits", explains Julie Tyrell. "Especially because Natrue can offer knowledge and experience to the young natural and organic cosmetic industry in Brazil. Besides that, the agreement will help to strengthen the international recognition of the sector and exports.“

Weleda will be the first company to make use of the agreement and will bring the IBD seal on the products in Brazil. "For Brazilian producers of natural and organic cosmetics wishing to access the European and international markets, the doors are opened via IBD," says Harkaly. "We hope that this agreement will give more encouragement to those who seek new business and product quality paths. Our estimation is that if Brazil will have norms for organic and natural cosmetics, the potential of expansion could increase of up to US$5bn in 10 years," he explains.

There are no official figures available, but it is estimated that the country only has a turnover of around US$1m from exporting cosmetics with natural or organic certification and US$1.3m domestically in the organic and natural personal care segment, although Brazil occupies the third position in the global ranking of conventional cosmetics.

More information for IBD here, for Natrue here