Regulation (EU) 2026/405, published on 2 March 2026, replaces the long-standing Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. This is the most significant overhaul of detergents legislation in over 20 years and introduces a modern framework designed to address emerging technologies, sustainability goals, digitalisation, and evolving consumer expectations.
For manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and compliance professionals, this updated legislation represents a major shift in how detergents are developed, marketed, labelled, and monitored across the EU market. While maintaining key environmental protections, the regulation introduces new requirements covering microorganisms, refill systems, digital product information, biodegradability and supply chain accountability.
Why Was the EU Detergents Regulation Updated?
The original Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 successfully harmonised requirements for detergents across the EU, including surfactant biodegradability, phosphate restrictions, product information requirements, and consumer labelling. However, the European Commission’s evaluation identified several areas where the legislation no longer reflected current market realities.
The detergents sector has experienced significant innovation, including:
- Detergents containing intentionally added microorganisms
- Refill and bulk dispensing systems
- Growth in online and distance sales
- Digital product information technologies
- Enhanced sustainability and circular economy objectives
The new Regulation (EU) 2026/405 addresses these developments while simplifying overlaps with broader EU chemicals legislation and improving protection for human health and the environment.
What Is Regulation (EU) 2026/405?
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants establishes harmonised requirements for detergents and surfactants placed on the EU market. Its primary objectives are to ensure the free movement of compliant products within the internal market while maintaining a high level of environmental and consumer protection.
The regulation repeals Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and introduces modernised provisions relating to:
- Product safety
- Environmental performance
- Biodegradability
- Consumer information
- Digital Product Passports (DPP)
- Online sales
- Refill sales
- Market surveillance
- Economic operator responsibilities
The regulation entered into force in March 2026 and will become generally applicable from 23 September 2029, allowing industry time to prepare for implementation.
Expanded Scope: More Products Classified as Detergents
One of the most important changes is the broader scope of the legislation.
The updated regulation expressly covers detergents containing intentionally added microorganisms, a category that has grown rapidly in recent years through “probiotic” or microbial cleaning products. Previously, these products were not fully addressed under the existing regulatory framework.
The regulation also better accommodates modern market practices such as:
- Refill stations
- Bulk sales
- Distance selling and e-commerce
- Digital information delivery
By expanding the regulatory scope, the EU aims to ensure consistent safety and compliance requirements across all detergents sold to consumers and professional users.
New Requirements for Detergents Containing Microorganisms
The rise of biological cleaning technologies prompted the EU to introduce dedicated provisions for detergents containing microorganisms.
These products must now meet specific safety and compliance requirements before being placed on the EU market. Manufacturers will need to provide evidence demonstrating that microorganisms used in detergent formulations do not present unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. For companies that are developing microbial or probiotic cleaning products, this introduces an additional layer of regulatory oversight and technical documentation requirements.
Stronger Biodegradability Requirements
Biodegradability remains a cornerstone of EU detergents legislation.
The updated regulation retains existing biodegradability obligations for surfactants while gradually extending requirements to additional ingredients over the coming years.
Future milestones include:
23 March 2032 – Films used in detergent capsules and polymers within those films must comply with biodegradability requirements.
23 March 2034 – Certain intentionally added organic substances present at significant concentrations must also satisfy defined biodegradability criteria unless an exemption applies.
These measures support broader EU sustainability objectives by reducing the environmental persistence of detergent ingredients and packaging-related materials.
Digital Product Passport: A Major Compliance Innovation
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
The DPP will create a digital record containing key compliance, safety, and product information accessible through a unique identifier linked to the product. This reflects wider EU efforts to increase transparency, traceability, and circular economy performance across product sectors.
For detergents manufacturers, the DPP will support:
- Supply chain transparency
- Regulatory compliance verification
- Market surveillance activities
- Consumer access to product information
- Digital record keeping
Manufacturers will be responsible for creating and maintaining the passport and retaining associated documentation for extended periods after products are placed on the market.
Modernised Labelling Requirements
Product labelling has also been significantly updated.
The regulation introduces a hybrid approach that combines essential physical label information with digital product information options. Product labels must continue to provide critical safety, health, and usage information directly to consumers.
Updated requirements include:
- Enhanced allergen disclosure
- Information on preservatives
- Simplified dosage instructions
- Contact details
- Hazard communication requirements
- Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) information where applicable
In addition, digital labels may supplement physical labels by providing more detailed product information through QR codes or other approved technologies.
The European Commission is expected to adopt further rules defining acceptable digital information solutions and access methods.
New Rules for Refill Sales
The new detergents regulation introduces dedicated provisions governing refill sales, ensuring that environmental benefits do not come at the expense of consumer safety or product traceability.
Businesses operating refill stations or bulk dispensing systems will need to ensure that consumers receive all required product information and that products remain compliant throughout the distribution process.
Increased Responsibilities for Economic Operators
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 aligns detergents more closely with the EU’s modern product compliance framework.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, authorised representatives and online sellers all have clearly defined obligations. Compliance is no longer limited to product formulation alone; it now extends throughout the entire supply chain.
Manufacturers must:
- Ensure product conformity
- Maintain technical documentation
- Create and manage the Digital Product Passport
- Apply compliant labelling
- Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
Importers and distributors must verify compliance before making products available within the EU market.
Reduced Reliance on Animal Testing
Consistent with wider EU chemicals policy, the regulation encourages the use of validated non-animal testing methods where possible. This reflects ongoing efforts to reduce animal testing.
What This Means for the Detergents Industry
The new regulation presents both challenges and opportunities.
For manufacturers of detergents, early preparation will be essential. Businesses should begin assessing product portfolios, reviewing ingredient data, evaluating biodegradability evidence, updating labelling systems, and planning for Digital Product Passport implementation.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- Microbial detergent products
- Online sales channels
- Refill business models
- Digital compliance infrastructure
- Future biodegradability requirements
Companies that proactively adapt to the new framework will be better positioned to maintain market access and demonstrate sustainability credentials to regulators, customers, and consumers.
Conclusion
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 marks a fundamental modernisation of the EU regulatory framework for detergents. By introducing clearer responsibilities, stronger environmental controls, digital product information tools, and requirements for emerging product categories, the EU is establishing a future-focused regulatory system that aligns with sustainability and circular economy objectives.
For organisations involved in the manufacture, import, or distribution of detergents, the coming years offer a critical window to prepare for compliance. Early investment in regulatory readiness, data management, digital traceability and sustainable product design will be best positioned to thrive under the new regime and continue serving the European market with confidence.
Stay Ahead of EU Detergent Compliance Changes
The transition to Regulation (EU) 2026/405 will require careful planning across product development, labeling, digital compliance, and supply chain management. H2 Compliance’s regulatory experts can help your organization navigate the new requirements with confidence.
Published August 27th, 2026
Article image generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.