A fragrance launch timeline is a dependency map, not a promise that every project takes the same number of weeks. Formula, components, safety work, artwork, production and transport overlap only after their inputs are stable. Plan from the required sale date and expose the critical path.
Phase 1: commercial definition
Freeze target customer, markets, channel, price architecture, collection size and maximum cash. Write the product brief and assign decision owners. Changing bottle size or destination after development begins can reopen formula, label and freight work.
Phase 2: scent and component development
Run coded fragrance directions while sourcing bottle, pump, cap and carton candidates. Approve compatibility interfaces before decorative detail. Track formula revision and physical component samples so teams do not approve different versions.
Phase 3: compliance and artwork
Give the safety or regulatory team final formula, pack and market data. Build ingredient and mandatory text from approved records. Complete physical artwork proof and relevant notifications only when the marketed configuration is stable.
Phase 4: production release
Convert the quotation into a purchase order and signed specification covering quantities, tolerances, documents and change control. Approve pre-production references, then inspect incoming components, filling, assembly and finished goods through documented release gates.
Phase 5: logistics and launch
Confirm dangerous-goods acceptance, export and importer documents, warehouse booking and channel content before dispatch. Preserve buffer for correction rather than using it for late creative changes. Set a reorder trigger and post-launch review before inventory reaches the sales channel.
Project checklist
- Required sale date
- Critical-path component
- Decision owners
- Formula and pack freeze
- Compliance and artwork gate
- Production release gate
- Freight buffer and reorder trigger