NPA Natural Perfumery Business Standards, Badges and Transparency
Welcome to the Natural Perfume Academy (NPA) Natural Perfumery Business and Individual Perfumer Standards, Badges and Transparency page.
Here, we outline our rigorous criteria for certifying businesses and individual perfumers in the natural perfumery industry. Our certification is designed to promote ethical and sustainable practices across all levels of production and supply. Each certified business is categorised based on their adherence to our standards, marked by a colour-coded system.
To understand the deeper philosophy behind our approach to evaluating materials, visit our Authenticity & Compliance page — where trust in the nose takes precedence over paperwork.
Natural Perfumery Business and Individual Perfumer Standards
1. Green Standard: 95-100% Natural & Ethical Individual Perfumer or Business
NPA Green Badge Natural Perfumery Standard:
This level is awarded to businesses and individual perfumers that adhere to the highest standards of natural and ethical practices. Everything from their raw materials to their cleaning products is natural and sustainable. This certification is rare and reflects a deep commitment to environmental and ethical principles.
For: Perfumers, Suppliers, Producers
Criteria: 95-100% natural ingredients and ethical practices
2. Amber Standard: 75-95% Natural & Ethical Individual Perfumer or Business
NPA Amber Badge Natural Perfumery Standard:
This is the most common certification level. It recognises individual perfumers and businesses that have made significant strides towards natural and ethical practices, with more than half of their operations meeting these standards. These businesses are actively working towards increasing their natural and ethical footprint.
For: Perfumers, Suppliers, Producers
Criteria: 75-95% natural ingredients and ethical practices
3. Yellow Standard: 50-75% Natural & Ethical Individual Perfumer or Business
NPA Yellow Badge Natural perfumery standard:
This certification is for individual perfumers and businesses that are in the early stages of their journey towards natural and ethical practices. They have started to incorporate natural ingredients and ethical practices into their operations and are working towards getting more of their products certified.
For: Perfumers, Suppliers, Producers
Criteria: 50-75% natural ingredients and ethical practices
Certification Process
Each individual perfumer or business that applies for NPA certification undergoes a thorough review process to ensure compliance with our standards. Once certified, businesses receive a digital stamp that they can display on their website or products, indicating their certification level.
Certified Directory
Our directory features individual perfumers and businesses that have met the NPA Certification Standards. Each listing is marked with a colour-coded circle to indicate their certification level.
Example Listings:
Green Standard Individual Perfumers and/or Business:
NPA Green Standard Business Company or Individual Perfumer Name
Description of business or individual perfumer and their efforts to increase natural and ethical practices.
Amber Standard Individual Perfumers and/or Business:
NPA Amber Standard Business Company Name or Individual Perfumer Name
Description of business or individual perfumer and their efforts to increase natural and ethical practices.
Yellow Standard Business:
NPA Yellow Standard Business Company or Individual Perfumer Name
Description of business or individual perfumer and their initial steps towards natural and ethical practices.
NPA License and Certification Costs
Two ways to qualify
Fast-Track Application (assessment only): €150
For NPA grads / NPA-certified schools / established businesses.
If not approved: €50 refunded (assessment cost retained: €100).
If approved: activate your Annual Badge & Directory License (below).Certification Program (Qualifying Module): €300 → €150 (pilot)
Self-paced. Includes your first year of Badge & Directory License when you pass.
Ongoing (to display badges & be listed)
Annual Badge & Directory License: nominal, tiered by turnover.
(Year 1 included for Program graduates; Fast-Track applicants add this after approval.)
Optional (SKU-level claims)
Per-Perfume Certification: €50 per fragrance (SKU) for a product badge.
Notes
NPA Diploma graduates: no Program fee; use Fast-Track, then activate the annual license.
Large/complex operations (multiple brands/sites, extensive ranges) may require an expanded audit; quoted case-by-case (projects from €300).
Fees cover professional evaluation (including a qualified “nose”) and administration. We keep pricing fair and transparent; any adjustments are modest and announced in advance.
NPA may decline applications to uphold standards.