New EU regulation on detergents and surfactants
The European Union has published a new Regulation on detergents and surfactants (EU) 2026/405, which replaces the current Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. The new Regulation entered into force on 22 March 2026 and will start to apply in practice from 23 September 2029.
The purpose of the reform is to update the Regulation to better reflect current markets, new product types and the opportunities provided by digitalization.
The revised regulation better reflects market developments
The new Regulation takes into account several developments that have emerged in the detergent market in recent years. These include, among others, detergents containing microorganisms, refill sales and distance selling of products, for example through online stores.
At the same time, the Regulation aims to improve communication and transparency, particularly through digital solutions.
Key requirements remain and are expanded
The Regulation maintains the current key requirements, such as requirements related to the biodegradability of surfactants and limit values for phosphates and phosphorus compounds in laundry detergents and dishwasher detergents.
In addition, labelling requirements will remain partly unchanged, but they will be supplemented with new digital solutions.
Key changes for companies
The new Regulation introduces several practical changes for economic operators:
- Requirements for detergents containing microorganisms
- Obligation for non-EU operators to appoint an authorised representative established in the EU responsible for distance sales
- Exemption from submitting ingredient data sheets to poison centres when a notification according to Article 45 and Annex VIII of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) has been submitted
- New requirements for refill packaging and refill station labelling
- Possibility to provide part of the labelling information in digital format
- More detailed requirements for information provided in distance selling
- Requirements for a digital product passport
Transitional periods and application
The new Regulation will apply from 23 September 2029 onwards.
However, the transitional provisions allow products complying with the current legislation to remain on the market during the transition period:
- Products placed on the market before 23 September 2029 may continue to be supplied without a time limit, provided that they comply with the current Regulation
- Products placed on the market between 23 September 2029 and 22 September 2030 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents may continue to be supplied until 23 September 2030
What is considered a detergent?
In the Regulation, a detergent is defined as a substance, mixture or microorganism (or a combination of these) intended, for example, for:
- cleaning fabrics, dishes or surfaces
- soaking, rinsing or bleaching
- modifying fabric properties, such as fragrance or feel
- enhancing cleaning performance when used together with other detergents
How can Chementors help?
The new Detergents Regulation introduces new obligations, particularly related to digital solutions, labelling and distance selling. Companies should ensure well in advance that their products and documentation comply with the new requirements before the end of the transition period.
Chementors supports companies with, among other things:
- interpretation of chemical legislation requirements
- updates of Safety Data Sheets and labelling
- fulfilling CLP and notification obligations
- practical implementation of new requirements
Contact us to ensure compliance also under the new Regulation.
