As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2018

Registration No. 333-209889

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

521 West 57^th Street

New York, New York 10019

(212) 765-5500

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Anne Chwat, Esq.

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

521 West 57^th Street

New York, New York 10019

(212) 765-5500

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective as determined by market conditions and other factors.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.    ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 relates to the Automatic Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-209889) of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and became effective on March 2, 2016. It is being filed with the SEC in order to register, in addition to the class of securities originally registered, additional classes of securities and to file or incorporate by reference additional related exhibits. The existing base prospectus, dated March 2, 2016, that currently forms part of the registration statement is being replaced in its entirety by the base prospectus filed with this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 will become effective immediately upon filing with the SEC.

PROSPECTUS

INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.

Common Stock

Debt Securities

Purchase Contracts

Units

We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common stock, par value $0.125 per share, debt securities, purchase contracts and units. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer and sell them.

The specific terms and amounts of these securities and the specific manner for their offer and sale will be included in a prospectus supplement, which we will deliver together with this prospectus at the time of the sale. The prospectus supplement may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, any related prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, if any, before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to sell these securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

We may sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis directly to investors, through underwriters, dealers or agents, as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. We reserve the sole right to accept, and together with any underwriters, dealers and agents, reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities. More information about the way we will distribute these securities is in the section titled “Plan of Distribution.” The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents that will participate in a sale of securities to you, and any applicable commissions or discounts, will be stated in an accompanying prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and on Euronext Paris under the symbol “IFF.” Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will not list any other securities on any securities exchange.

Investing in our securities involves risks. For a discussion of the risks you should consider before deciding to purchase these securities, please see the section titled “Risk Factors,” on page 3 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is August 6, 2018.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell the securities described in this prospectus at any time and from time to time in one or more offerings. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation By Reference.”

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation By Reference.”

We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.

References in this prospectus to “IFF,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (together with its subsidiaries) unless the context otherwise provides.

1

THE COMPANY

IFF is a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world. We co-create unique products that consumers taste, smell, or feel in fine fragrances and beauty, detergents and household goods, and food and beverages. Our approximately 7,300 team members globally take advantage of our capabilities in consumer insights, research and product development (“R&D”), creative expertise and customer intimacy to partner with our customers in developing innovative and differentiated offerings for consumer products. We believe that our collaborative approach will generate market share gains for our customers.

Our international presence positions us to serve both our global customers and the increasing number of regional and high-end and middle-market specialty consumer goods producers. We operate thirty-seven manufacturing facilities and sixty-nine creative centers and application laboratories located in thirty-seven different countries. We partner with our customers to develop over 46,000 products that are provided to customers in approximately 162 countries.

We principally compete in the flavors and fragrances market, which is part of a larger market that supplies a wide variety of ingredients and compounds used in consumer products. The broader market includes large multi-national companies and smaller regional and local participants that supply products such as seasonings, texturizers, spices, enzymes, certain food-related commodities, fortified products and cosmetic ingredients.

Our principal executive offices are located at 521 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019, and our telephone number is (212) 765-5500.

On May 7, 2018, IFF entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Frutarom Industries Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel (“Frutarom”), and Icon Newco Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel and a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, Merger Sub will merge with and into Frutarom (the “Merger”), with Frutarom continuing as the surviving company in the Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of IFF. Frutarom is a global company established in Israel in 1933 and operating in the global flavors and specialty fine ingredients markets. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, for each share of outstanding stock of Frutarom, Frutarom shareholders will receive $71.19 in cash and 0.2490 of a share of IFF’s common stock.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions. The completion of the Merger is not subject to the approval of IFF shareholders or the receipt of financing by IFF. The Merger Agreement also contains certain termination rights for IFF and Frutarom.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of such agreement. The Merger Agreement is an exhibit to the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part.

2

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before you decide whether to purchase any of our securities, you should be aware of the risk factors discussed in the section titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, as updated and modified periodically in our reports filed with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation By Reference” for more information on these reports. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our securities. You should carefully consider these risk factors together with all other information in this prospectus, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement before deciding to invest in our securities.

3

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference, which are not historical facts or information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions, estimates and expectations and include statements concerning (i) our ability to achieve long-term sustainable growth and increase shareholder value, (ii) growth potential in the emerging markets, (iii) the anticipated impact of our acquisitions on our market position within key markets, (iv) our competitive position in the market and expected financial results in 2018, (v) expected savings from profit improvement initiatives, (vi) expected capital expenditures and cost pressures in 2018, (vii) the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) on the Company’s effective tax rate in 2018, (viii) the expected level of share repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase program, (ix) our ability to innovate and execute on specific consumer trends and demands, (x) timing of completion or relocation of our plants in China, (xi) expected increases in raw material costs in 2018, (xi) the impact of operational performance, cost reduction efforts and mix enhancement on margin improvement, and (iv) the amount of expected pension contributions in 2018. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Certain of such forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “outlook,” “may,” “estimate,” “should,” and “predict” and similar terms or variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:

4

The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, see “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, as well as the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and as may be included from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC.

The Company intends its forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and does not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. The Company can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this prospectus or included in any of our periodic reports filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and our future financial results.

Any public statements or disclosures by the Company following this prospectus that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this prospectus will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this prospectus.

5

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will contain a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering of our securities.

6

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation By Reference.”

For purposes of this ratio, earnings consist of income before income taxes plus fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest and excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including capitalized interest and one-third of rental expense, which we deem to be a reasonable estimate of the portion of our rental expense that is attributable to interest. Interest expense excludes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, which is recognized as a component of income tax expense.

7

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The description below summarizes the general terms of our common stock. This section is a summary, and it does not describe every aspect of our common stock. This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and our By-Laws (the “By-Laws”), each as may be amended from time to time. The Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws are both exhibits to the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part.

Authorized Shares

As of August 6, 2018, our authorized common stock consists of Five Hundred Million (500,000,000) shares, each with a par value of $0.125 per share (“common stock”).

Dividends

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may from time to time declare out of funds legally available therefore under the laws of the State of New York, in amounts that the Board may determine in its sole discretion. Covenants and other restrictions in loan agreements entered into by the Company from time to time may restrict our ability to pay dividends without lender consent.

Voting Rights

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on the election of directors and all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. There is no cumulative voting. With respect to the election of directors, at each meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, except in the case of a contested election, the vote required for election of a director will be the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in favor of or against the election of a nominee. In a contested election, the persons receiving a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting will be elected as directors. An election will be deemed to be contested if, as of the record date for the stockholder meeting in question, there are more nominees for election than positions on the Board to be filled by election at the meeting. For all other matters put to a vote of stockholders, assuming a quorum is present, the vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast will decide any question brought before such meeting, except as otherwise expressly provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws or the laws of the State of New York.

Rights Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up

On liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the assets available for distribution to holders of common stock, as determined by applicable law.

Preemptive Rights

Except as may otherwise be determined by a two-thirds vote of the Board, holders of common stock may be entitled to purchase any new or additional issue of any equity or voting shares of the Company or of any security convertible into equity or voting shares, if and to the extent required by the laws of the State of New York and applicable provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation. Such rights do not apply to shares issued upon the exercise of stock options.

Other Provisions

Under the Certificate of Incorporation, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of New York, the Board is authorized, without the approval of the stockholders, to authorize and issue obligations of the Company and to determine the associated rights as to redeemability, convertibility or otherwise in its sole discretion.

8

Certain Statutory Provisions

Certain provisions of the law of the State of New York may place restrictions on Company stockholders based on their ownership of a substantial amount of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock or otherwise have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. As a general matter, New York law places restrictions on the ability of the Company to engage in a business combination with a beneficial holder of twenty percent or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock unless the approval of the Board or disinterested shareholders is timely obtained or other specified conditions are met.

Listing

The common stock is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange and on Euronext Paris under the symbol “IFF.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

9

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may offer and issue our debt securities from time to time in one or more series. The debt securities will be our unsecured direct obligations. The debt securities will be issued under an indenture, dated as of March 2, 2016, between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The indenture is subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. The statements made in this prospectus relating to the indenture and the debt securities to be issued under the indenture are summaries of certain provisions of the indenture, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the indenture and the debt securities. The indenture is an exhibit to the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part.

General

The debt securities will rank equally and ratably in right of payment with other unsecured indebtedness of ours that is not subordinated. While such debt securities rank equally and ratably with our other unsecured indebtedness that is not subordinated, it is effectively junior to secured debt or debt on the level of our subsidiaries. We may issue the debt securities without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series, in each case as established from time to time in or pursuant to authority granted by a resolution of our Board of Directors or as established in the indenture. We need not issue all debt securities of one series at the same time. Unless we otherwise provide, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of such series, for issuances of additional securities of that series.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms relating to the series of debt securities we will offer, including, where applicable, the following:

10

In addition, the indenture does not limit our ability to issue convertible or exchangeable or subordinated debt securities. We may also issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Denomination, Interest, Registration and Transfer

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities of any series that are registered securities in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $1,000.

11

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay the interest on, principal of, and premium, if any, on any debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee. If we do not punctually pay or duly provide for interest on any interest payment date, the defaulted interest will be paid either:

You may have your debt securities broken into more debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. This is called an “exchange.” You may exchange or transfer debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The trustee acts as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring debt securities. We may change this appointment to another entity or perform it ourselves. The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of registered holders is called the “registrar.” The registrar will also perform transfers of debt securities.

You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange debt securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The registrar will make the transfer or exchange only if it is satisfied with your proof of ownership.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Under the indenture, we are permitted to consolidate or merge with another company. We are also permitted to sell substantially all of our assets to another company, or to buy substantially all of the assets of another company. However, if we take any of these actions, we must meet the following conditions:

Covenants

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any series of debt securities.

Events of Default

The indenture defines an “Event of Default” with respect to any series of debt securities issued pursuant to the indenture. Events of Default on debt securities are any of the following:

12

No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

If an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if (1) we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay (i) all matured installments of interest on such debt securities, (ii) all principal of (and premium, if any, on) such debt securities, (iii) to the extent enforceable under applicable law, interest upon overdue installments of interest, and (iv) amounts payable to the trustee and (2) all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of the principal with respect to debt securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been remedied or waived as provided in the indenture and the trustee’s fees and expenses have been paid in full.

The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

The indenture requires us to furnish to the trustee upon request a statement as to compliance with the indenture. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

13

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt securities under the indenture:

In addition, we may modify and amend the indenture as to all other matters with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments; provided however that we may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:

14

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may also, on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series, waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Discharge. We may discharge some obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year, or scheduled for redemption within one year, by irrevocably depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in the applicable currency in an amount sufficient to pay the debt securities, including any premium and interest.

Full Defeasance. We can, under particular circumstances, effect a full defeasance of your series of debt securities. By this we mean we can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations on the debt securities if we put in place the following arrangements to repay you:

If we did accomplish full defeasance, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment on the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever become bankrupt or insolvent.

Covenant Defeasance. Under current federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the debt securities. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the

15

protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay the securities and you would be released from any subordination provisions. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, the following provisions of the indenture and the debt securities would no longer apply:

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit. If one of the remaining events of default occurs, for example, our bankruptcy, and the debt securities become immediately due and payable, there may be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Forms of Securities

Each security will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Certificated securities will be in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the securities represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Global Securities

We may issue the registered securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or its nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

16

If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal or premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of the Company, the trustee, or any other agent of the Company or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders of that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form

17

in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to any debt securities represented by a registered global security and the depositary requests the issuance of certificated debt securities, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. In addition, we may, at any time and in our sole discretion, determine not to have securities represented by registered global securities and, in that event, will issue securities in definitive form for the registered global securities of that series. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the trustee. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based on directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

18

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

Each purchase contract will entitle or obligate the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities, currencies or commodities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, currencies or commodities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued.

19

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more purchase contracts, debt securities, shares of common stock or any combination of such securities. The applicable supplement will describe:

20

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities being offered:

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions either:

The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them and the initial public offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

Offers to purchase the securities may be solicited directly by us or by agents designated by us from time to time. Such agents may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer, which may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. Dealer trading may take place in certain of the securities, including securities not listed on any securities exchange.

If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale to them and the names of the underwriters will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered to the public. The obligations of underwriters to purchase securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of a series if any are purchased.

Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under agreements that may be entered into with us, to indemnification against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments that they may be required to make in respect thereof. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and on Euronext Paris under the symbol “IFF.” Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any securities other than our common stock are not expected to be listed on a securities exchange, and any underwriters or dealers will not be obligated to make a market in securities. We cannot predict the activity or liquidity of any trading in the securities.

21

In connection with an offering of securities, the underwriters may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment involves sales of securities in excess of the principal amount of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in an offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress. Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities being offered. They may also cause the price of the securities being offered to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.

22

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will be passed on for us by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York, New York, by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, New York, New York, or by such other counsel as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The legality of the securities for any underwriters, dealers or agents will be passed upon by counsel as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The financial statements of Frutarom Industries Ltd. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Kesselman & Kesselman, a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and certain other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available over the internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the Public Reference Room and its copy charges.

We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus specific documents that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file subsequently with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, and any future documents that we file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus until the completion of the offering in the relevant prospectus supplement to which this prospectus relates or such offering is terminated. This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC.

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents filed by us with the SEC, other than information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, each of which should be considered an important part of this prospectus supplement:

23

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus.

You may request a copy of each of our filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Attention: Investor Relations

521 West 57th Street

New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 765-5500

We maintain an internet website at www.iff.com, which contains information relating to us and our business. We do not incorporate the information on our internet website by reference.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

The information in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus and any prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision.

24

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the estimated costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts, payable by the registrant in connection with the offering of the securities being registered.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The New York Business Corporation Law (“NYBCL”) provides that directors and officers of a New York corporation may be indemnified under certain circumstances against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in disposing of actions to which they are a party or are threatened to be made a party by reason of acting as directors or officers if such persons acted in good faith and in a manner which they reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation.

The By-Laws of the Company provide for indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, including payment of expenses in advance of resolution of any such matter. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates the potential personal monetary liability of the Company’s directors to the company or its shareholders for breaches of their duties as directors except as otherwise required under the NYBCL.

The Company has purchased insurance under a policy that insures both the Company and its officers and directors against exposure and liability normally insured against under such policies, including exposure on the indemnities described above. The NYBCL expressly permits New York corporations to purchase such insurance.

The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers. These indemnification agreements, among other things, provide for indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties, and amounts paid in settlement of any claim. The indemnification agreements provide for the prompt advancement of all expenses to the director or officer and for the reimbursement to the Company if it is found that such director or officer is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law.

II-1

Item 16. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

II-2

Item 17. Undertakings

The Registrant hereby undertakes:

provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

II-3

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-4

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing a post-effective amendment on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 6th day of August, 2018.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Andreas Fibig and Richard A. O’Leary, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments and supplements to this registration statement, including post-effective amendments, and any additional registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) and Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act of 1933 and other instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or desirable to be done, and to take or cause to be taken any and all such further actions in connection with such registration statement as such attorneys-in-fact and agents, in each of their sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

II-5

II-6