Summary of the new detergent regulation

As part of the concluded negotiations, the content of the updated detergents regulation was agreed. The official publication of the content is planned for the turn of 2025/2026.

Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents provides a harmonised framework for the marketing and use of detergents and surfactants throughout the European Union. As part of the work on the revision of the detergents regulation, a compromise text was agreed.

 

The most important areas of the new content of the Detergents Regulation are listed below:

 

 

1. Product documentation and notifications to ECHA

• Obligation to submit an Ingredient Data Sheet (IDS) electronically to ECHA, in a language easily understood by designated national authorities for all detergents and surfactants used by consumers (including those not classified as hazardous)
• The dossier must include: product name, UFI code, list of all intentionally added substances, product label template.
• The additional delegated act would specify the format, a list of detailed information or the conditions for updating the notification.

 

2. Detergent dosing and label elements:

• Introduction of detailed labelling elements for dosing, not only for laundry detergents, but also for consumer surface cleaners.
• The label must include: dilution information; the amount of product that can be applied to the surface; additional instructions to limit excessive use of the product.
• Entering units of measurement in: milliliters, grams or number of units/pieces
• Marking the measuring cup for dosing in milliliters or grams, as well as adding permanent information about the corresponding product dosage depending on the water hardness.

 

3. Labelling and marking:

• The label must include:
• the name of the product,
• contact details of the manufacturer,
• instructions for use of the product,
• detergent content
• UFI code
• list of preservatives
• indication of the intended use of the product, e.g. product for professional use only
• It is permissible to use digital labelling as an additional form of marking, which does not exempt from mandatory elements to be placed on the physical label.

 

4. Digital Product Passport:

• Before placing a product on the market, a digital product passport (DPP) must be prepared, which contains the mandatory information set out in Annex VI, Part A, and may contain additional information as set out in Annex VI, Part B, and reported to the Union Registry, which will assign a product registration number.
• The DPP must be linked to a data carrier, e.g. a QR code printed on the label or packaging of the product, or attached to the documentation if the product is sold in bulk.
• The DPP must be available for 10 years from the date the product was last placed on the market or ceased to operate.
• The implementing act is to contain detailed data on the introduction and specificity of the DPP.

 

5. Biodegradation of surfactants:

• They must meet the criteria set out in Annex I A.
• Products in foil (e.g. laundry capsules) and products with the addition of organic substances ≥ 10% of the above-mentioned substances must meet new biodegradability criteria, which will be established in a delegated act.
• In justified cases, it is possible to apply for derogations from the biodegradability criteria.

 

6. Phosphorus content:

• Phosphorus limits of < 5 g for consumer detergents and <0.3 g for automatic dishwashers.
• The Commission plans to work further on the assessment of the phosphorus reduction and the extension of the restriction to other categories.

 

7. Microorganism-based products:

• Define microbiological cleaning products and develop requirements for this product category.
• Introduction of a mandatory risk assessment of microbiological products, based on the methodology developed in the subsequent delegated act.

 

8. No animal testing:

• Introduction of a general ban on animal testing of detergents in favour of a new approach methodology.
• Allowing the use of archival data obtained during animal studies carried out before the entry into force of the regulation.

 

9. Refill station:

• Provide a physical label and a digitally labeled data carrier for each refilled package.
• Implement risk mitigation measures.

 

10. Introducing the role of the authorised representative in the EU:

• An operator wishing to place products on the EU market must appoint an authorised representative in the EU to act on behalf of the manufacturer.
• Importers of products from outside the EU can automatically become the responsible party for the product and its compliance within the EU.

 

The agreed text will now go through the formal approval procedure, so there may still be minor changes to it. The official publication of the detergent regulation in the Official Journal of the EU is planned for the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, and the application date for new regulations are expected in mid-2029.

Source: Newsletter AISE: https://aise.eu/

Ekotox Website: https://ekotox.eu/detergents-and-sufactants/