The Perfumery Code of Ethics
v 23/2022-05I Originality
We pledge to create or promote original olfactory forms.
Borrowed forms shall have their original creators and formula owners named and rewarded.
Plagiarism is not tolerated.
II Art and Design
We believe that olfactory forms are works of the mind and fragrances are pieces of art and design. Their composers are artists and designers.
III Respect
We strive to ensure that chemists, farmers and perfumers around the world receive the respect they deserve.
I Anti-Fog
We pledge to write scent descriptions that are reliable and actually descriptive.
If we say it, you will smell it.
V Sampling
We pledge not to resell any complimentary samples we receive.
We may instead donate them to a non-profit or educational organization serving the public good.
VI Disclosure
Upon reviewing a scent, monetary or in-kind contribution from the scent composer, owner, brand or distributor will be acknowledged.
VII Flagging
If you see or smell something, you are welcomed to bring it to our attention.
We will be scrupulous about facts and oversights.
VIII Clean Slate
All fragrances created before signing the pledge are grandfathered.
Credibility. Trust. Respect.
Spray the Code around you with no moderation, for creativity, trust and respect.
THE PRECIOUS CONTENT
Why the Code
The CODE of ETHICS introduces into Perfumery what other arts have taken for granted for more than a century:
Fair intellectual property, business, and legal frameworks to protect creative perfumery as a work of the mind.
Fair rewarding of perfumers (perfume composers and perfume designers) as well as farmers and chemists (molecular designers).
No place for plagiarism nor for rewarded plagiarism.
Informed disclosures, quality reporting and professional fact-checking.
Raise licensees’ (celebrities) and public awareness.
THE DÉCOR
A green celadon
THE CELADON
was chosen as a polished symbol of magical fragrant potions with solid foundations and radiating elegance.
A celadon is based on a long tradition of artistry and know-how from around the world, yet continuously integrates contemporary and fresh developments.
A GREEN
A green light in a sea of red and rewarded plagiarism which this Code of Ethics intend to dry out to its minimum level possible…. among other positive aspects spelt out in the Code.
THE SCALE (BALANCE)
the perfumer’s daily friend which also represents justice or said more softly, fairness.
THE BELL
symbolizes freedom, public speech, excitement and some well-dosed whistleblowing when necessary.
Sharing the Code and the Vision
This Code of Ethics is currently based on an honor system. There is no commitment beside what is expressed in the Code.
Perfumers commit personally, formula owners and brands also commit as such.
130+ pledgers across 6 continents and 20 countries
61
perfume designer
78
brands
23
writers and publishers
3
Stores