Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know before starting a project with us.
01 — Getting Started
What's the first step to working with Air-Val Perfumes?
Get in touch through our project evaluation form or contact us directly. We sign an NDA, review your brief, and present a project plan with timeline and budget estimate at the first meeting.
Which collaboration model is right for me?
We work across three models: Full Service (we handle everything from concept to delivery), Private Label (you choose a fragrance from our catalogue and we customise the packaging), and Contract Manufacturing (you provide the fragrance, we manufacture and fill). We help you identify the right fit in our first conversation.
How long does a full project take?
A typical Full Service project takes 4–6 months from brief to delivery. Private Label and Contract Manufacturing are usually faster since they skip development phases. We provide a tailored timeline during the consultation stage.
Do I need to have a fragrance ready before contacting you?
No. If you work with us on a Full Service or Private Label basis, we develop or select the fragrance with you. You only need your own formula if you opt for Contract Manufacturing.
02 — Product Development
How many fragrance proposals will I receive?
In Full Service, we present 3–5 olfactory proposals aligned with your brief. The project includes up to 3 rounds of structured, documented adjustment to arrive at the final formula.
Who creates the fragrances?
We have an in-house olfactory direction team that leads the process, working with a network of external perfumers (independent noses and leading fragrance houses) to match the right creative profile to each project.
Can I bring my own fragrance?
Yes. Under the Contract Manufacturing model, you get our full industrial capability with your formula. We safeguard it under NDA and produce it to your exact specifications.
What if I need to adapt the formula for a new market?
We manage formula variants and regulatory documentation by market (EU, UK, US, GCC, and beyond) so you don’t have to handle that complexity internally. If an IFRA or regulatory change affects your product, we inform you proactively with a validated adaptation plan.
Do you also handle bottle design and packaging?
Yes. In Full Service we cover the visual concept, material selection, physical prototypes, and compatibility validation. We also offer sustainable options: recycled glass, FSC cartonboard, and certified wood caps.
03 — Production & Capacity
Do you have enough capacity for my volume?
Yes. Our Industry 4.0 facility has an annual capacity of 75 million units. We can absorb production peaks without compromising quality standards or delivery timelines.
What's the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
10,000 units per SKU. This applies to Fine Fragrance (EDP/EDT), Body Mist, and Gift Sets. For other categories (Home Fragrance, special formats), please contact us directly.
What quality standards do you apply?
Quality control at every stage: raw material receipt, manufacturing, filling, and final finishing. Quality incident rate below 0.5% of units produced. 85% of projects reach formula approval in 3 rounds or fewer.
How do you select suppliers and ingredients?
IFRA and market-specific regulatory compliance, approved suppliers (ISO/GMP/REACH), stable supply with safety stock on critical materials, batch-to-batch quality verification, and full traceability. If a substitution is needed, we propose a validated alternative — applied only with your approval.
04 — Confidentiality, IP & Regulatory
Do you sign an NDA?
Always. We sign a standard NDA before any technical conversation and before sharing sensitive information. Access controls and information custody apply throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Do I own the formula?
Yes. In Full Service, the formula becomes yours once approved and development is paid. In Contract Manufacturing, ownership is 100% yours from day one and we safeguard it under NDA. In Private Label, licence or shared ownership is defined per agreement.
Can you formulate for multiple markets with different regulations?
Yes. We manage formula variants and regulatory documentation for the EU, UK, US, GCC, LATAM, and Asian markets. We maintain ongoing regulatory surveillance and proactively inform you if any normative change affects your product.
Do you have export experience?
The Air-Val International Group operates in 110+ countries. That logistics and regulatory expertise is applied directly to every Air-Val Perfumes project.
05 — Commercial Terms
How much does it cost to develop a fragrance?
Cost depends on the model and project complexity. We provide a detailed phased budget during the consultation stage. Request a project evaluation to receive a personalised estimate.
Is there a separate development fee?
Yes. Olfactory and packaging development carries an independent fee agreed before work begins. Production is budgeted separately once the formula and components are approved.
What are the payment terms?
Terms are negotiated per project. They typically include a deposit at development kick-off and milestone payments through to final delivery. Details are formalised in the project contract.
Can I request samples before committing to a production run?
Yes. During the olfactory development phase, you receive samples of all proposals. For Private Label, we can send catalogue samples for evaluation before you commit to production.
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