You can click the links below to access the EU Detergents Regulations:

EU Regulation (EU) No 2026/405

EU Regulation (EU) No 648/2004

What Is the EU Detergents Regulation?

The EU Detergents Regulation covers detergents and surfactants placed on the European Union market. The purpose of the Regulation is to ensure the free movement of these products while ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment.

Who Must Comply with the EU Detergents Regulation?

1. Manufacturers

Manufacturers that manufacture a detergent or surfactant themselves, or have such a product designed or manufactured and place it on the market under their own name or trademark, must comply with the requirements of the Regulation.

2. Authorised Representatives

Authorised representatives established within the European Union and appointed by a manufacturer to perform specified tasks are also responsible for ensuring compliance with the Regulation.

3. Importers

Importers that place detergents or surfactants imported from outside the European Union on the EU market for the first time must ensure that the products comply with the requirements of the Regulation.

4. Distributors

Distributors, other than manufacturers or importers, that make a product available on the market within the supply chain are also required to comply with the Regulation.

Key Requirements of the EU Detergents Regulation

The key obligations imposed by the EU Detergents Regulation can be grouped under four headings:

1. Obligations of Manufacturers

Detergents must be designed and manufactured in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Regulation and must have a technical file. A Digital Product Passport must also be created and retained, together with the technical file, for 10 years after the product has been placed on the market.

An “Ingredient Data Sheet” containing information on the ingredients must also be prepared for mixtures that are not hazardous. If a product is found to be non-compliant, immediate action must be taken and, where necessary, the product must be withdrawn or recalled.

2. Obligations of Importers

Importers must place only detergents that fully comply with the Regulation on the EU market. They must verify that the manufacturer has prepared the technical file, carried out the conformity assessment and created the Digital Product Passport. They must keep these documents available for market surveillance authorities for 10 years and verify that the manufacturer’s channels for consumer complaints are open and accessible.

3. Obligations of Distributors

Distributors within the supply chain must verify the product labelling, the required documentation and the presence of the QR code. If they identify a non-compliant product, they must immediately inform the manufacturer and the market surveillance authorities and cooperate with any corrective measures.

4. General Product and Sales Requirements

  • Biodegradability: Surfactants  must comply with the applicable biodegradability requirements under the Regulation.  
  • Phosphorus limits: Consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents must not exceed the prescribed phosphorus limits.
  • Labelling: Mandatory information, such as the UFI code, dosage instructions and the list of ingredients, must be presented clearly, legibly and in the relevant local language.
  • Refill sales: Operators of refill stations must take risk-reduction measures, particularly to protect children and consumers and provide the required product information

When Will This Regulation Apply?

The new EU Detergents Regulation (EU) 2026/405 entered into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on 2 March 2026. However, its date of application has been set as 23 September 2029. From that date,  Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 will be repealed.

The following transitional provisions will apply to products on the market during this period:

  • Products placed on the market before 23 September 2029 that comply with the previous Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 may continue to be made available on the market without any time limit.
  • Products placed on the market between 23 September 2029 and 23 September 2030 that comply with the previous Regulation may only continue to be made available on the market until 23 September 2030.
  • Accordingly, companies placing detergents or surfactants on the EU market should assess the applicability of the new requirements well in advance of 23 September 2029, particularly with regard to the Digital Product Passport, technical documentation, labelling and product information requirements.

Do You Have Any Questions?

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