On March 2, 2026, the new Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants was published, replacing the existing Regulation (EC) 648/2004. This regulation will enter into force on March 22, 2026, and will apply from September 23, 2029. In practice, this creates a new, comprehensive regulatory system for the entire detergent category in the EU. Transitional periods are also provided for, allowing the continued introduction and sale of products that comply with the old regulations within a specified timeframe.
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants, and repealing Regulation (EC) 648/2004 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 2 March 2026.
The regulation shall enter into force on 22 March 2026 and shall apply from 23 September 2029.
The regulation means several major changes for those who trade such products within the EU. Among other things, rules are introduced on digital product passports and digital labeling, stricter requirements for biodegradability, and new rules for refill sales.
The updated Detergents Regulation expands the definition of detergents to include new products, such as those containing micro-organisms. It also introduces an animal testing ban.
The revision removes previous overlaps with CLP labelling rules and introduces digital labelling and a digital product passport (DPP).
Manufacturers located outside the EU may place detergents and surfactants on the EU market, provided they appoint an authorised representative established in the EU.
The following transition periods apply:
Detergents and surfactants placed on the market before September 23, 2029 that comply with the old detergent Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 may continue to be made available without any time limit.
Detergents and surfactants placed on the market between September 23, 2029 and September 22, 2030 that comply with the old detergent Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 may continue to be made available until September 23, 2030.
Labelling requirements
All detergents and surfactants, regardless of whether they are sold in individual packaging or provided through refill, must be accompanied by a label. When these products are supplied directly to end users via refill stations, the responsible economic operator is required to provide both the physical label and the data carrier specified in Article 21(2)(h). These must be made available for every package that is refilled with detergent or surfactant.
The fundamental labeling requirements established under the 2004 regulation continue to apply. In accordance with Article 17(3), labels for detergents and surfactants must include the mandatory information listed in Part A of Annex V of the new regulation. This covers the essential product and traceability details. This means that in addition to the product name or trade name, labels must display a type or batch number (or another traceable identifier) and the UFI (Unique Formula Identifier), indicated as “UFI:” followed by the code. The label must also identify the manufacturer (and, where relevant, the importer) by providing their name or registered trade name or trademark, a single postal address within the EU, an email address, and a telephone number. Instructions for use and any special precautions must also be included.
For products intended just for professional use in industrial or institutional settings, this restriction must be explicitly stated on the label. Labels for surfactants must additionally confirm that the substance is suitable for use in detergents. Certain ingredients must also be listed on the label in accordance with the rules set out in Part A, point 1(h) of Annex V with the fragrance allergens listed in part D of Annex V.
In addition, labels for consumer laundry detergents, consumer automatic dishwasher detergents, and consumer surface-cleaning detergents must include dosage instructions, as required by Part B of Annex V.
In accordance with Article 18 of the Regulation, the labelling information may be provided either on a physical label or on a digital label, provided that a physical label is still included. An exception applies for the information included in Part C of Annex V, which may be supplied in digital form only. While certain details such as traceability elements e.g. type number, batch number, the manufacturer’s and, if applicable, the importer’s name, registered trade name or trademark, email address, telephone number, postal address indicating a single point in the Union, and product’s name and trade name are required to be provided on the physical label only.
For detergents and surfactants sold via distance sales, the online offer must clearly and visibly present the labelling information required under Article 17, along with a digital version of the data carrier or the unique product identifier.
Microorganisms
One of the most significant developments in the revised EU Detergents Regulation is the introduction of a dedicated risk assessment framework for microorganisms used in detergent formulations.
This framework will be established through a delegated act under Article 26, which will define the methodology for evaluating the safety of microbial ingredients.
At present, this Article 26 delegated act has not yet been published. As a result, the specific provisions relating to microorganisms are not currently operational.
Until the microbial risk assessment methodology is finalised and implemented, microbial-based cleaning products already placed on the market are not subject to the new provisions introduced by the revised regulation.
Regulation (EU) 2026/405: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600405
Ekotox website: https://ekotox.eu/detergents-and-sufactants/
