Association's history

The Finnish Association was founded during the Second World War in February, 1942. The main object of the association was then and during many years to come, to secure the conditions necessary for the existence of the industry, such as the supply of raw materials and packages and exchange of import licences and foreign currency resources needed.

The functions changed fundamentally towards the end of the 1950's, as the economical restrictions were removed and the association was able to concentrate on helping its member companies in adapting to freer markets and normal competition. Questions like customs tariffs and economic integration, legislative matters, marketing services such as statistics and research, consumer interests, information and guidance at various levels, became a significant part of the activities.

The association operated as an industry association until 1971 when a structural reorganisation was carried through in order to enable importers to join the Association as equal members. Since then, the association represents companies manufacturing and/or distributing perfumery, cosmetic and toiletry products, detergents and cleaning products for consumers and institutional & industrial use and similar chemical products.

Nowadays, the functions of the association are quite similar to those of most other European associations in this field. The purpose is to act as a connecting link between the member companies and to promote their common interests in matters related to the cosmetics and detergent business. Due to the wide range of products and the differences of distribution methods, several subgroups or sections have been established within the association.

On the national level the association is a member of the Confederation of Finnish Industry and Employers since 1946 and of the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland since 1968.

The association became a member of the European Soap, Detergent and Maintenance Products association A.I.S.E. in 1973. In 1989 the association became a correspondence member of The European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery association COLIPA and it has been a full member since 1995, when Finland joined the European Union.

The structure of the member companies has changed considerably in the course of years. The majority of the companies operating in this sector on the Finnish market are members, representing approximately 90 per cent of the total domestic sales.

About one half of the members are national companies - either private-owned companies or divisions of national groups - and one half is subsidiaries of international companies.

The association is a non-profit making body. The activities are financed solely by membership fees, which are determined in proportion to net sales of the member companies.