This is edition 1 of 28 Oct 2026. The current edition is edition 3.1.
Transparency framework
With contributions from Geert De Vuyst.
Cite this framework
APA 7
De Vuyst, G. (2026). Transparency framework (version 1.0). https://geertdevuyst.fr/en/transparency-framework/?edition=1
The transparency framework helps producers and brands document their vision and work, enabling consumers and professionals to make informed purchasing decisions. It contributes to a shared commitment to sustainable aromatherapy.
Part 1: Core questions
Product information and labelling
Transparency of information provided to consumers and professionals.
PI SDG 12.8 Product information transparency
-
PI-1 Where is product information available?
One or more
- Product label (on the product or its packaging)
- Product web page
- Documentation
-
PI-2 Technical product specifications publicly available
Technical product specifications describe a product's characteristics and, where relevant, its composition and technical parameters. They are distinct from product labels, marketing descriptions and batch-specific analysis reports.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PI-3 Geographic origin precision
One answer
- Country
- Region
-
PI-4 Analytical documentation availability
Availability of analytical documentation, such as certificates of analysis or laboratory reports, for applicable products. Indicate whether it can be downloaded, requested or is unavailable.
One answer
- Downloadable
- On request
- Not available
- Not applicable
-
PI-7 Safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS) availability
Availability of safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS) for applicable products. Indicate whether they can be downloaded, requested or are unavailable. Select Not applicable only when safety data sheets are not applicable to the brand’s products.
One answer
- Downloadable
- On request
- Not available
- Not applicable
-
PI-5 Natural-origin content calculations
Indicate whether natural-origin content calculations are documented for applicable cosmetic products. ISO 16128-1:2016 defines ingredient categories; ISO 16128-2:2017 provides calculation methods. Select 'Not applicable' where no products fall within this scope.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
PI-6 Organic-origin content calculations
Indicate whether organic-origin content calculations are documented for applicable cosmetic products. ISO 16128-1:2016 defines ingredient categories; ISO 16128-2:2017 provides calculation methods. A calculated organic-origin content does not establish organic certification. Select 'Not applicable' where no products fall within this scope.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
PI-8 IFRA conformity documentation availability
Availability of supplier-issued documentation stating conformity with applicable IFRA Standards and specifying maximum use levels for relevant fragrance product categories. Indicate whether it can be downloaded, requested or is unavailable. Such documentation is not certification issued by IFRA and does not constitute a comprehensive product safety assessment. Select Not applicable where IFRA conformity documentation is not relevant to the products offered.
One answer + link
- Downloadable
- On request
- Not available
- Not applicable
PL Product labeling
-
PL-1 Compliance with applicable product labelling regulations
Compliance with applicable EU and national labelling requirements, including those for cosmetics, food supplements, foods, herbal medicinal products and chemical substances or mixtures (CLP), according to the product's regulatory classification.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-2 Botanical identity stated
Identification of the plant source by its scientific botanical name, including genus and species.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-3 Chemotype stated where relevant
Indication of the chemotype when chemically distinct profiles occur within the same botanical species.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-4 Plant part and optional development stage stated
Identification of the plant part used for extraction and, where relevant, its developmental stage at harvest.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-5 Extraction method stated
Identification of the method used to obtain the botanical extract, such as distillation, expression or solvent extraction.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-6 Country of origin stated
Indication of the country where the botanical raw material was cultivated or harvested.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
PL-7 Lot number stated
Identification of the product batch by a lot number enabling traceability.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
Quality, authenticity and sourcing
Quality assurance, botanical authenticity, analytical verification and supply chain integrity.
QP Quality policy
-
QP-1 Quality management system in place
One answer
- Certified
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
-
QP-2 Quality control performed by
One answer
- Third-party lab
- In-house lab
- Supplier certificate only
- Not documented
AD Analytical documentation
-
AD-1 Chromatographic profile
Indicate whether chromatographic profiles are provided for applicable products in your range, not necessarily for every product.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-2 Relative density
Indicate whether relative density results are documented for applicable products in your range.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-3 Refractive index
Indicate whether refractive index results are documented for applicable products in your range.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-4 Optical rotation
Indicate whether optical rotation results are documented for applicable products in your range.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-5 Fatty acid composition
Indicate whether fatty acid composition is documented for applicable products, especially vegetable and other lipid-rich oils.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-6 Acid value and peroxide value
Indicate whether acid and peroxide values are documented for applicable products, especially vegetable and other lipid-rich oils.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-7 Microbiological analysis
Indicate whether microbiological test results are documented for applicable products, especially hydrolats and other water-containing preparations.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
AD-8 Marker compound analysis
Indicate whether measured marker compounds are documented for applicable extracts, such as CO₂ extracts, absolutes and other botanical extracts.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
BA Botanical authenticity and adulteration: Purchased extracts
-
BA-1 Supplier authenticity documentation checked
Checks supplier records of botanical identity, plant part, extraction method and relevant origin against purchasing requirements.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BA-2 Analytical results reviewed against product specifications
Reviews analytical results for purchased extracts against relevant product specifications. Unexplained deviations require investigation and do not, on their own, establish adulteration.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BA-3 Targeted adulteration testing of purchased extracts
Documents targeted testing of purchased extracts for identified risks, such as dilution, substitution, addition of undeclared compounds or mixing with other extracts. Methods are selected according to the suspected adulteration.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BA-4 Procedures for handling suspected adulteration
Documents how suspect purchased lots are held, investigated and accepted or rejected.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
BP Botanical authenticity and adulteration: Production
-
BP-1 Botanical identity verified before processing
Checks the species and relevant plant part of botanical material before extraction or processing.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BP-2 Segregation of botanical materials and production lots
Documents controls to prevent unintended mixing or substitution of species, materials and lots.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BP-3 Extraction and processing records maintained
Records extraction methods, processing steps and any substances added for each production lot.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
-
BP-4 Finished extract authenticity verification
Verifies finished extracts by comparing documented analytical results with appropriate product specifications or authenticated reference profiles, where applicable.
One answer + link
- Always
- Partially
- Never
- Not applicable
SP Sourcing policy
-
SP-9 Supplier qualification and monitoring procedures
Procedures for assessing and approving suppliers, monitoring their practices, and addressing identified non-conformities, including corrective actions where necessary.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
SP-1 Sourcing model
One or more
- Own production
- Direct from producers
- Cooperatives
- Brokers or traders
- Not disclosed
-
SP-2 Share of range produced in-house
Count extracts actually produced by the business, excluding products merely bottled, relabelled or marketed under its own brand. Count distinct botanical extract products offered, not bottle sizes, sales or volume. Majority: over 50%; minority: over 0% to 50%; none: 0%.
One answer
- Majority
- Minority
- None
- Not disclosed
-
SP-3 Share of range purchased directly from producers
Count extracts purchased directly from the business that produced them, without an independent trading intermediary. Exclude products produced in-house. Count distinct botanical extract products offered, not bottle sizes, sales or volume. Majority: over 50%; minority: over 0% to 50%; none: 0%.
One answer
- Majority
- Minority
- None
- Not disclosed
-
SP-4 Producers named
Indicate whether the business that actually distilled or extracted each applicable product is named. Naming only the brand owner, importer or reseller does not count.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
SP-5 Sourcing regions disclosed
Indicate whether the brand discloses the geographical regions where the plants used in its extracts are grown or harvested. This refers to the origin of the plants, not the location of distillation, extraction or packaging.
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
SP-6 Typical number of intermediaries
Indicate the usual number of independent businesses that purchase and resell extracts between the producer (distiller or extractor) and the brand. Exclude transporters, warehouses, brokers who do not purchase the extracts, and businesses providing only packaging services.
One answer
- 0
- 1
- 2 or more
- Not disclosed
-
SP-7 Identification of the extract producer
Indicate whether the brand identifies the distiller, extractor or producer cooperative responsible for producing its botanical extracts. Identifying only a trader, wholesaler or reseller is not sufficient. Select Producer not identified only if neither a distiller, extractor nor producer cooperative is identified.
One answer + link
- Distiller or extractor identified
- Producer cooperative identified
- Producer not identified
-
SP-8 Origin or chain-of-custody documentation available
Indicate whether the brand provides documents establishing the geographical origin of the plants or tracing the movement of the resulting extracts through the supply chain. Specify whether these documents are downloadable, available on request or unavailable.
One answer
- Downloadable
- On request
- Not available
- Not applicable
Sustainability and responsibility
Environmental, social and economic responsibilities, structured around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
GH SDG 3 Good health and well-being
-
GH-1 3.9 Pesticide residue analysis
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
-
GH-2 3.9 Residual solvent analysis
One answer
- Always
- Partially
- Never
CW SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
-
CW-1 6.4 Recording of water consumption in production or processing
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
CW-2 6.3 Documented handling and disposal procedures for chemicals used
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
DW SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth
-
DW-1 8.3 Support for local producers and small enterprises through documented purchasing or support arrangements
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
DW-2 8.5 Documented remuneration terms for workers and supplying producers
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
DW-3 8.5 Documented equal-opportunity and non-discrimination measures
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
DW-4 8.7 Documented measures to prevent child labour and forced labour
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
DW-5 8.8 Documented measures to protect workers’ rights
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
DW-6 8.8 Documented occupational health and safety measures
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
II SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
-
II-1 9.4 Recording of botanical raw-material inputs and resulting product quantities
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
II-2 9.4 Documented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
II-3 9.4 Documented use of renewable energy in operations
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
RC SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production
-
RC-1 12.2 Recording and reduction of post-harvest botanical material losses
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-2 12.5 Documented measures to prevent, reuse or recycle production waste
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-3 12.5 Documented measures to reduce or recycle packaging waste
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-4 12.6 Publication of sustainability information or a sustainability report
Indicate whether the brand publishes information about its approach to sustainability, including environmental and social aspects, in a report, on its website or in other publicly accessible documents. Provide a link to this information if it is available online.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
-
RC-5 12.8 Consumer guidance on responsible purchasing
Indicate whether the brand advises consumers to buy appropriate quantities and avoid unnecessary purchases or stockpiling. Provide a link to the guidance where available. Select Not applicable if the brand operates exclusively business-to-business and does not address end consumers directly.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-6 12.8 Consumer guidance on environmentally responsible product use
Indicate whether the brand provides consumers with guidance on environmentally responsible product use, explaining how recommended practices can contribute to reducing environmental impact. Provide a link to the guidance where available. Select Not applicable if the brand operates exclusively business-to-business and does not address end consumers directly.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-7 12.8 Consumer guidance on product storage
Indicate whether the brand provides consumers with storage guidance aimed at preventing premature product deterioration and avoidable losses. Provide a link to the guidance where available. Select Not applicable if the brand operates exclusively business-to-business and does not address end consumers directly.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
RC-8 12.8 Consumer guidance on responsible disposal
Indicate whether the brand advises consumers on responsible disposal of unused products and their packaging, including relevant waste sorting or collection instructions. Provide a link to the guidance where available. Select Not applicable if the brand operates exclusively business-to-business and does not address end consumers directly.
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
CA SDG 13 Climate action
-
CA-1 13.1 Documented assessment of climate risks and adaptation measures
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
CA-2 13.2 Recording of greenhouse gas emissions for defined operations
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
-
CA-3 13.3 Documented climate-related training or awareness activities for staff or suppliers
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
LO SDG 15 Life on land
-
LO-1 15.1 Documented harvesting limits or regeneration measures for wild-collected plants
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
LO-2 15.2 Documented checks to prevent sourcing linked to deforestation
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
LO-3 15.3 Documented soil conservation or restoration measures at cultivation sites
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
LO-4 15.5 Documented measures to protect biodiversity and natural habitats
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
LO-5 15.5 Documented checks and safeguards for threatened plant species in sourcing
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable
-
LO-6 15.6 Documented access and benefit-sharing arrangements where genetic resources are used
One answer + link
- Documented
- Self-declared
- Not documented
- Not applicable