How to Date Givenchy Perfumes: The Definitive Guide to Batch Codes & Bottles.

The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Givenchy.

Originally published in 2014; fully revised and updated in 2026.

Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy lives on in his legendary fragrances, but navigating the world of vintage perfume reformulations can be challenging. In this guide, we demystify the codes and markers that define authentic Givenchy history, helping you build a rigorous collection with confidence and precision.

When discussing Givenchy fragrances, it is impossible not to pay tribute to their creator: Monsieur Hubert de Givenchy, one of the most refined and elegant men of the 20th century. His creations have always been synonymous with high-class sophistication, and his perfumes were no exception. 

Every single project was meticulously supervised and vetted by Hubert himself, ensuring his personal standard of excellence was upheld in every bottle. 

To put it plainly, Givenchy produced some of the most sensational fragrances in history: L'Interdit, Le De, Eau de Vetyver, Gentleman, Monsieur de Givenchy (especially 'Haute Concentration'), and Ysatis. Each one of these masterpieces deserves a dedicated study of its own, much as has been the case with Eau de Vetyver.

Hubert de Givenchy, one of the most elegant and refined figures of the 20th century, founded his fashion house in 1952 and launched 'Parfums Givenchy' in 1957. 

During the early years, Givenchy perfumes were produced in different factories, but from 1969 onwards, they were manufactured in the brand’s own facilities. 

In 1981, the Givenchy company joined the 'Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin' industrial group, which was subsequently acquired by LVMH in 1986.

Understanding Givenchy Batch Codes

GIVENCHY perfumes use a traditional numbered code, sometimes accompanied by letters. The first digit is the most significant, as it usually denotes the year of production.

Note: During the 1970s, many perfumes were "blended" in the USA and sold under the denomination "Parfums Givenchy, Inc., New York." These U.S.-made perfumes featured different batch codes, and dating them can be empirical.

Regarding traditional "Made in France" bottles, batches from 1978 until 2001 consist of 4, 5, or 6 digits and, in some cases, one letter. Since 1979–1980, all Givenchy boxes feature the EMB code, and since 1990, the standard barcode.

From 2002 onwards, you will find the traditional 4-digit LVMH code: for example, 1A01. The first number is the year, the letter is the month.

Between 2002 and 2007, these codes utilized the first half of the alphabet for the months (letters A–M: A= January, B= February, C=March etc.); between 2008 and 2017, they have utilized the second half (letters N–Z). Then, in 2018, A-M again.

However, especially for older, vintage bottles, you should check other clues. Try to examine the tutorial pictures provided for a better understanding.

Givenchy fragrances have undergone numerous packaging updates over the decades. By carefully observing the boxes, labels, and graphic design, one can establish a fairly accurate timeline of a bottle's production period.

Hubert de Givenchy showing
Monsieur de Givenchy Haute Concentration

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A few Givenchy clues

When you see a flyer and the address 'Parfums Givenchy, 7 Avenue Montaigne, Beauvais' printed on a box, you can confidently date the fragrance to post-1969. The Beauvais manufacturing facility was officially opened that year, serving as a reliable benchmark for establishing the production timeframe of your bottle.

"Blended in USA".
If you find the phrase 'Blended in USA from imported perfume oils' or similar wording, accompanied by the 'Givenchy Inc., New York' address, you can determine that the bottle was produced after 1976. This marks the year Givenchy Inc. officially established its operations in the United States. 

Dating Clues for "Made in France" Givenchy Bottles.

First step: Ensure you know the fragrance's launch year, as this provides your baseline.

EMB Code: Indicates a production date after 1978.

Barcode: Indicates a production date after 1990.

Green Dot (Der Grüne Punkt): Indicates a production date since 1991.

"BEAUVEX" factory label: Commonly found on some boxes produced mainly between 1993 and 2002 (with occasional exceptions).

Allergen Ingredient List: The presence of the "long list" of ingredients denotes a production date after 2003.

Batchcodes on stickers. When dealing with Givenchy fragrances produced between 1993 and 2002, please note that the batch codes were frequently printed directly onto the small adhesive sticker used to seal the top flap of the box. 

Once this seal is broken and removed, the batch code is lost forever. Consequently, precisely dating bottles from this specific era can prove exceptionally challenging if the packaging has been opened.

The Iconic 'Full-G' Logo Packaging: The signature packaging, entirely covered in the iconic Givenchy 'G' logo, was a staple for many of the brand's men's fragrances. This distinct design was utilized consistently from 1974.

A Givenchy Gentleman "Full-G" logo packaging

The Large 'Givenchy' Logo on the front: The prominent Givenchy logo positioned at the top of the box was introduced in 1982. This design remained in production from 1982 to 1996, after which it was replaced for several years by a smaller logo.

Ysatis, year 1984, with the large Givenchy logo
 in the upper front of the box

Ysatis, bottle year 2002,
with the small Givenchy logo adopted since 1996.

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How to spot Givenchy fragrance reformulations.

Starting in 2003, perfume manufacturers were legally mandated to list potential allergens on their outer packaging, ordered by their concentration. 

Along with this requirement, many fragrance houses voluntarily began adding a specific code at the end of the ingredient list: the formula number. This code identifies the exact chemical composition used for that specific batch.

Fortunately for collectors, Givenchy is one of the brands that consistently prints this formula number on their boxes, making it easy to track.

The role of Formula Numbers in reformulations.

This number is an invaluable tool for determining exactly when a fragrance has been reformulated. Reformulations are a frequent topic of debate among perfume enthusiasts. 

Fragrances change over time for a variety of reasons, often leaving consumers disappointed when they rightfully notice that a beloved scent is no longer the same.

By tracking the Givenchy formula number, you can remove the guesswork.

Identical Codes: If your favorite bottle features formula code 1234, and a new box shows the exact same number, the juice inside remains unchanged.

Different Codes: If you spot a box with a different code, such as 4321, it is definitive proof that the chemical formula has been altered.

Ysatis, formula: 5747M

Ysatis, formula: 13960

A Golden Rule for formula numbers. Remember that formula numbers are assigned sequentially. When you encounter two different codes and are unsure which one is older, always refer to the numeric value. 

The lower number is invariably the older formulation; as the composition evolves, Givenchy updates these codes to higher, sequential numbers

Formula change vs. Scent change. It is important to note that a change in the chemical formula does not automatically mean a drastic change in the actual scent. 

In fact, the most successful reformulations are invisible to the consumer: the underlying chemistry is updated, but the olfactory profile remains completely identical, leaving no noticeable difference to the untrained nose.

A final Note for Collectors: Givenchy has updated its packaging and labeling countless times over the years, and rarely in a synchronized manner. 

The situation can be quite confusing, often leading to a mismatch where bottles from one era are found inside boxes from another. 

This inconsistency can be disorienting for collectors, but it serves as a reminder to always examine all available clues rather than relying on the box (or bottle) alone.

It is quite common for sellers to inadvertently pair newer bottles with older boxes, and vice versa. If your priority is simply the fragrance itself, focus your attention solely on the bottle. 

However, if you are collecting for historical value or resale, be diligent: ensure that the bottle and the packaging belong to the same era to avoid costly mistakes.

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LIST of MAIN GIVENCHY FRAGRANCES
and date of release on the market.

L'Interdit (original) (1956)

Le De (1957)

Monsieur de Givenchy (1959)

Eau de Vetyver (1959)

Givenchy III (1970)

Givenchy Gentleman (1974)

Eau de Givenchy (1980)

Ysatis (1984)

Monsieur de Givenchy Haute Concentration (1985)

Xeryus (1986)

Amarige (1991)

L'Interdit 2 de Givenchy (1993)

Insensé (1993)

Monsieur de Givenchy 2 (1993)

Fleur d'Interdit (1994)

Insensé Ultramarine (1994)

Xeryus Rouge (1995)

Organza (1996)

Extravagance d'Amarige (1998)

Organza Indécence (1999)

Pi  (1999)

Then in 2000: Hot Couture, Oblique Rew/ Play/ Ffwd, Greenergy. 

Then in 2001: Hot Couture Collection No.1, Hot Couture White Collection, Pi Fraiche, Insensé Ultramarine Ocean Spirits: Indian/ Atlantic/ Pacific.

Then in 2002: Amarige d'Amour, L'Interdit 2002, My Couture, Givenchy pour Homme, Insensé Ultramarine: Morning/ Evening/ Midnight; Eau Torride.

Then in 2003: Insensé Ultramarine Ice Cube, Very Irrésistible EDT, Only Givenchy, So Givenchy.

Then in 2004: Insensé Ultramarine Hawaii, Insensé Ultramarine for Her, Organza First Light, Ysatis Iris, Givenchy pour Homme Blue Label.

Then in 2005:  Very Irrésistible Eau de Parfum, Very Irrésistible Sensual, Insensé Ultramarine Sport, Lucky Charms, Very Irrésistible for Men, My Givenchy.

Then in 2006: Very Irrésistible Rose Bulgare, Very Irrésistible Summer for Men, Very Irrésistible Summer,  Amarige Mariage, Lovely Prism, Organza Harvest 2005,  Very Irrésistible Harvest 2005, Amarige Harvest 2005, Jardin d'Interdit,  Insensé Ultramarine Beach Girl, Insensé Ultramarine Beach Boy, Ange ou Démon.

Then in 2007: Very Irrésistible Soleil d'Été, Very Irrésistible for Men Fresh Attitude, Absolutely Givenchy, Insensé Ultramarine Blue Sky, Very Irrésistible Sensual Velvet, Insensé Ultramarine Wild Surf, Organza Harvest 2006, Very Irrésistible Harvest 2006, Amarige Harvest 2006.

Then in 2008: "Jardin d'Interdit: lovely butterfly", Ange ou Démon Tendre, Very Irrésistible Harvest 2007, Organza Harvest 2007, Amarige Harvest Mimosa 2007, Play, Play Intense, Absolutely Irrésistible, Pi Neo.

Other notable vintage fragrances: Eaudemoiselle (2010), Dahlia Noir (2011), Gentleman Only (2013), Gentleman new edition (2017), L'Interdit 2018.

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you might also like

-GUERLAIN perfumes ( here )

-YVES SAINT LAURENT perfumes ( here )

-CHRISTIAN DIOR  perfumes  ( here )

-CHANEL perfumes ( here )

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TUTORIAL PICS
(remember: the first number of the batch-code = the year)

Note: Some images in this article originate from public auctions or vintage archives. Should an owner prefer their image to be removed or correctly attributed, please contact us.

(from Etsy) Le De,
with old simple "G" logo, 1960s

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy, first edition

(from Ebay) very early L'Interdit
distributed in USA  by "House of Fragrance  New York"

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy
old packaging, before year 1974

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy
packaging after 1974

(from Pinterest) Givenchy ads
Monsieur and Gentleman, packaging after 1974

(from Ebay) L'Interdit
half of 1970s

(from Ebay) Givenchy III
batch F8706 = year 1978

The EMB code, used since 1979-1980.
Lower box is without EMB code,
so you can date it roughly in the Seventies

(from Etsy) Le De, 
batch F9093 = year 1979

(from Etsy) Eau de Vetyver
batch code F00018 = year 1980

(from Ebay) Eau de Givenchy first edition
batch code 20877 = year 1982

(from Etsy), L'Interdit
batch code 20571 = year 1982

(from Ebay) L'Interdit
batch code F31996 = year 1983

(from Ebay) L'Interdit
batch code F41015= year 1984

(from myoldperfume.com) Ysatis de Givenchy
first edition, vaporisateur, year 1984

(from Etsy) Ysatis de Givenchy
first edition, splash, year 1984

Monsieur Givenchy, 
batchcode F51474 = year 1985

Monsieur de Givenchy Haute Concentration 
Batch F60062 = year 1986

Xeryus (without barcode), first edition,
batch code F71042 = year 1987

(from Ebay), Givenchy III Parfum
batch code F71595 = year 1987

(from Ebay) Eau de Givenchy
 second edition, late 1980s

Eau de Givenchy (without barcode)
batch F81821 = year 1988

Givenchy III EdT, (without barcode)
batch F92565 = year 1989

(from Ebay) Xeryus first edition,
batch F00114 = year 1990
(barcode on the bottom of the box)

(from Ebay) Givenchy III
with barcode, year 1990

(from Ebay) L'Interdit
with Barcode and Greendot on the box
batchcode 105269 = year 1991

(from Ebay) Amarige, first edition
batch code 21608 = year 1992

Givenchy Gentleman, barcode and greendot
year 1993

(from Etsy) Insensè, first edition, year 1993

(from Ebay) Monsieur 2 Givenchy
batch code F32906 = year 1993

(from Ebay) L'Interdit 2, year 1993

Insensè Ultramarine, year 1994

(from Ebay) Xeryus Rouge, year 1995

Fleur d'Interdit,
batch 51301 = year 1995

(from Ebay) Fleur d'Interdit, alt. box
batch 50321 = year 1995

(from Ebay) Xeryus, 2nd edition,
batch 54501 = year 1995
note the word BEAUVEX on the front

(from Ebay) Ysatis
batch 67579 = year 1996
note the word BEAUVEX on the front of the box

(from Ebay) Organza, first edition,
year 1996

(from Ebay), Organza,
batch 702458 = year 1997

 

(from Ebay) Organza Eau de Parfum,
batch 812504 = year 1998 

(from Ebay) Le De
barcode and greendot on the box,
batch 808291 = year 1998

(from Ebay) Organza Eau de Parfum
batch 910095 = year 1999

(from Ebay) Extravagance d'Amarige,
launched in 1998
batch 905207 = year 1999

Organza Indecence, year 1999

Pi, year 1999, first edition.

(from Ebay) Oblique Play
batch 00123 = year 2000

Oblique Rewind, year 2000

(from Ebay) Oblique Fast Forward, year 2000

(from Ebay) Hot Couture (launched in 2000)
batch 009090 = year 2000

(from Ebay) Insense Ultramarine, 2nd edition
batch 010234 = year 2000

(from Ebay) Hot Couture, collection nr 1
batch 107628 = year 2001

(from Ebay) Greenergy
batch 115710 = year 2001

(from Ebay), Fleur d'Interdit
batch 105639 on the sticker = year 2001

Insense 2nd edition,
batch 101340 = year 2001.

(from Ebay) Pi Fraiche, launched in 2001,
batch code 104712 = year 2001

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SINCE 2002

traditional LVMH 4-digits batch code
(2002-2007 : letters A-M)

(from Ebay) Xeryus 3rd edition,
batch 2F01 = year 2002
note the word BEAUVEX on the front 

(from Ebay) L'Interdit year 2002 version,
batch code 3B02 = year 2003

(from Ebay) Amarige, 2nd edition
batch 2J02 = year 2002

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy
batch 2F01 = year 2002

(from Ebay), Organza 
batch code 2K02 = year 2002
word "Beauvex" on the back + short list ingredients

(OLD BATCH CODES)
Eau Torride,
batch 202240 = year 2002

(from Ebay) Fleur d'Interdit,
 batch 2L07 on the sticker= year 2002

(from Ebay) Givenchy pour Homme first edition
year 2002, "Beauvex" on the back of the box.

(from Ebay) Pi Fraiche, 
batch 2K01 = year 2002

(from Ebay) Amarige d'Amour
batch 3A01 = year 2003

(from Ebay) Eau de Givenchy
batchcode 3H01 = year 2003 

(from ebay) Xeryus Rouge
batch 3J01= year 2003

Fleur d'Interdit, year 2003

(from Ebay) So Givenchy
batch 3M05 = year 2003

(from ebay) My Couture
batch 3B01 = year 2003

(from omfragrances) Only Givenchy, year 2003

Insensè, 3rd edition
batch 4C01 = year 2004

(from Etsy) Hot Couture
batch 4B01 = year 2004

(from Ebay) Insensè Ultramarine, 3rd edition
batch 5H01= year 2005
formula number: 221G

(from Ebay) Amarige
batch 5C01 = year 2005
formula number: 150G

My Givenchy, year 2005

(from Ebay) Jardin d'Interdit,
year 2006

(from Ebay) Hot Couture
batch 6M01 = year 2006

(from Ebay) Ange ou Demon,
year 2006, formula 04189M

(from Ebay) Amarige Mariage, launched in 2006
batch code 7A01 = year 2007

(from Ebay) Extravagance d'Amarige
batch 6C01 = year 2006

Organza, 
batch 7F01 = year 2007
formula code 1993M

Gentleman year 2007,
formula number 02221M

During year 2007 Givenchy launched a collection of fragrances called Les Parfums Mythiques:  ten perfumes that were recalled from the prestigious past of the house: L'Interdit, Le De, Givenchy III, Eau de Givenchy, Extravagance d'Amarige, Organza Indécence, Vetyver, Monsieur de Givenchy, Xeryus, and Insensé.

First packaging: 2007-2014

Second packaging: since 2014. 

Les Parfums Mythiques, year 2007

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy
edition Les Parfums Mythiques, 2007
formula code: 3208M, then in 2011: 5748M

(from Ebay) Very Irresistible
batch 7D01 = year 2007
formula number: 1941M

(from Ebay) Very Irresistible for Men Fresh
batch 7H01 = year 2007

(from Ebay) Absolutely Givenchy 
batch 7B01 = year 2007

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years 2008-2017:

 traditional LVMH 4-digits batch code

2nd half of Alphabet 

(letters N-Z)

From Ebay, Xeryus Rouge
batch 8Z01 = year 2008

Ange ou Demon, year 2008

Pi, second edition
batch 9Q01 = year 2009
formula 2273M

(From Ebay) Organza Indecence
edition Les Parfum Mythiques
batch 9W01 = year 2009
formula code: 3235M

(from Ebay) Extravagance d'Amarige,
edition Parfum Mythiques,
batch 9Y01 = year 2009
formula code: 3237M

(from Ebay) Insensè Ultramarine, 4th edition
batch 0Q01 = year 2010 

(from Ebay) Le De edition Parfum Mythiques
batch code 1U01 = year 2011
formula code: 3234M

Play,
 batch 1S01 = year 2011
formula code: 03737M

Givenchy pour Homme, second edition
batch 1P01 = year 2011

(from Ebay) Eau de Givenchy
edition Les Parfums Mythiques
batch code 1X01 = year 2011
formula: 5314M

(from Ebay) Dahlia Noir EdP
batch 1U01 = year 2011
formula number: 5985M
(eau de toilette formula number: 06466M)

(from Ebay) Ange ou Demon
batch 1Y01 = year 2011
formula number: 04189M

Pi, third edition,
formula 13879

Hot Couture, year 2012

(from Ebay) Organza
batch 3Q02 = year 2013

(from Ebay) Ange ou Demon
batch 3N02 = year 2013

(from Ebay) Gentleman
batch 3P01 = year 2013
formula number 06266M

(from Ebay) Vetiver,
Las Parfums Mythiques, second packaging, 
since 2014

(from Ebay) Xeryus 2nd packaging Parfums Mythiques
batch code 5W01 = year 2015
formula code: 05091M

(from Ebay) Very Irresistible EdP
batch 5U01 = year 2015

Eaudemoiselle de Givenchy
year 2015, formula 4944M

(from Ebay) Ange ou Demon le Secret
batch 5S01 = year 2015
formula number: 07971M

(from Ebay) Monsieur de Givenchy
2nd edition Parfums Mythiques
batch code 7Q01 = year 2017
formula: 5748M

(from Ebay) Gentleman only
batch 7Y02 = year 2017

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years 2018 - ....

 traditional LVMH 4-digits batch code

first half of Alphabet 

(letters A-M)

(from Ebay) Organza
batch 8L01 = year 2018
formula code: 5459M

(from Ebay) Amarige
batch 0F01 = year 2020
formula number: 05745M

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The famous 

"Une Rencontre"

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In 1985, Hubert de Givenchy commissioned a series of posters dedicated to his most iconic fragrances. Known as Une Rencontre, this collection has since attained legendary status, celebrated for its refinement and timeless elegance.

Monsieur de Givenchy.

Ysatis

Gentleman

Monsieur de Givenchy Haute Concentration

Givenchy III

L'Interdit

Eau de Givenchy

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About the Authors: We are a collective of fragrance specialists and historians based in Italy, France and Switzerland, dedicated to the study and preservation of olfactory heritage. Founded in 2009, our project is rooted in a family lineage in the art of perfumery dating back to 1919. Bringing over a century of combined expertise to every review, we provide insights into the world of vintage scents. Every article is a result of research and experience with original specimens. Images posted for purely informative and historical purposes. All rights belong to their legitimate owners. Please note: Raiders of the Lost Scent is an independent editorial platform. We are not involved in the commercial trade of perfumes and do not sell fragrances.

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Batch-codes

Year-of-production, 

all-you-need-to-know

about vintage perfumes in the following pages:

-GUERLAIN perfumes ( here )

-YVES SAINT LAURENT perfumes ( here )

-CHRISTIAN DIOR  perfumes  ( here )

-GIORGIO ARMANI Perfumes ( here )

-VAN CLEEF et ARPELS perfumes ( here )

-CHANEL perfumes ( here )

-BVLGARI perfumes ( here )

-HERMES perfumes ( here )

-VERSACE perfumes ( here )

-GIVENCHY perfumes ( here )

-GUY LAROCHE perfumes (here) 

-CACHAREL perfumes ( here )

-ROCHAS perfumes (here) 

-JEAN PATOU perfumes (here)

-LANCOME perfumes (here)

-CARON perfumes (here)

-CALVIN KLEIN perfumes (here)

-RALPH LAUREN perfumes (here)

-JEAN PAUL GAULTIER perfumes (here)

-SERGE LUTENS perfumes (here)

-GUCCI perfumes (here)

Plus:

Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent, visual guide (here)

Fahrenheit by Christian Dior, visual guide  (here)

Azzaro pour Homme by Azzaro, visual guide (here)

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche, visual guide (here)

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, visual guide (here)

Samsara by Guerlain, visual guide (here) 

and others..

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