On 2 March 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2026/405, replacing the long‑standing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and establishing a fully modernised framework for detergents and surfactants across the EU. The Regulation enters into force 20 days after publication, 22 March 2026, and becomes fully applicable on 23 September 2029, giving the sector three and a half years’ time to adapt.
The new law responds to scientific advances, digitalisation trends, sustainability goals, and gaps identified during the Commission’s evaluation of the 2004 Regulation.
Why a New Regulation Was Needed
The Commission’s evaluation of 648/2004 highlighted several issues:
- Duplicated and inconsistent information requirements, due to major changes in the EU chemical regulatory landscape.
- Growing market gaps, particularly concerning detergents containing micro‑organisms and the lack of rules for refill‑format sales.
- Complexity in consumer labelling, and opportunities for digitalisation not used under the old framework.
These gaps, together with the EU’s broader sustainability agenda (Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan), prompted a structural and content‑level overhaul.
Key Updates Introduced by Regulation (EU) 2026/405
1. Expanded Scope & Updated Definitions
The definition of detergent now explicitly includes:
- Products with intentionally added micro‑organisms,
- Products supporting the cleaning process when used with laundry or dishwasher detergents,
- Odour‑modifying products for fabrics
This closes major gaps in the 2004 framework.
2. Digital Product Passport (DPP) Becomes Mandatory
A major innovation is the introduction of a Digital Product Passport for detergents, designed to improve traceability, enforcement, and data accessibility.
For surfactants, a DPP and ingredients data sheet apply only when they are supplied directly to end‑users.
Manufacturers must keep the DPP, technical documentation, and any digital label for 10 years after placing the product on the market.
Additionally Non-EU manufacturers must designate an authorized representative within the EU, responsible for maintaining the DPP and serving as a regulatory contact point.
The introduction of Digital Product Passports to yet another product group shows a growing trend: after batteries and textiles, detergents now join the list.
Will this approach expand to other chemical regulations in the future? A question the industry should start preparing for.
3. Digital Labelling With Mandatory On‑Pack Elements
The Regulation enables digital labels to reduce label clutter and improve readability. However, critical safety and traceability elements must remain physically on the packaging like dosage instructions, allergens, and emergency handling information.
Digitalisation is emphasised as part of broader EU goals for burden reduction, market surveillance, and consumer clarity.
4. Physical Labelling Obligations for Refill Stations
Refill sales, a fast‑growing sustainable sales model in previous version almost all label information (excluding dosage) was allowed to be present in a digital form only this changed under new regulation.
Refill stations must provide:
- A physical label on the station, and
- The required data carrier for each refilled package.
These rules align refill formats with the safety expectations that apply to packaged detergents.
5. Strengthened Biodegradability Requirements
The Regulation maintains the existing complete biodegradability requirement for surfactants, but introduces a staged, forward‑looking approach:
- The Commission will develop biodegradability criteria for water‑soluble polymer films (e.g., laundry pods) and for organic substances used at high concentrations.
- Relevant test methods will be developed via delegated acts.
- Future expansion to lower‑concentration substances may be assessed.
These measures aim for steady progress toward fully biodegradable detergent systems.
6. Continuing Limits on Phosphates and Phosphorus Compounds
The updated regulation strengthens existing limits by introducing more precise conditions and restrictions on phosphorus‑containing substances in detergents, aiming to further curb aquatic pollution. Phosphorus compounds are a major contributor to eutrophication, making stricter controls essential.
Consumer laundry detergents may contain no more than 0.5 g of phosphorus per recommended wash dose, while consumer automatic dishwasher detergents are limited to 0.3 g of phosphorus per standard dose.
7. New Framework for Microbial Detergents
Detergents containing living micro‑organisms require special treatment because microorganisms can multiply, persist, and produce metabolites.
The Regulation therefore requires:
- Clear microbial identification,
- Safety‑supporting data,
- A Commission will develop risk assessment methodology, including for high‑risk formats such as sprays or food‑contact applications.
This is one of the most significant conceptual advances of the new framework.
8. Animal Testing Prohibited
Animal testing is strictly prohibited under this Regulation.
9. Authorised Representative Obligations for Non‑EU Manufacturers
Manufacturers located outside the EU must appoint an EU‑established authorised representative when placing detergents on the market via distance sales, including online marketplaces.
This representative must carry out enhanced verification of the manufacturer’s documentation and ensure cooperation with market surveillance authorities.
A Regulation Designed for a New Era
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 not only replaces its predecessor but redefines the regulatory landscape for detergents in the EU:
- It integrates principles of the Green Deal and circular economy,
- Embeds digitalisation into product compliance (DPP + digital labels),
- Expands scope to new product categories like microbial detergents and refill systems,
- Harmonises biodegradability and ingredient transparency requirements for modern formulations.
The Regulation also anticipates substantial secondary legislation, delegated acts establishing biodegradation criteria, microorganism risk methodology, and technical digital requirements.
Its combination of clarity, digitalisation, and sustainability‑driven obligations demonstrates a shift toward a more integrated, transparent, and future‑proof regulatory ecosystem.
Published March 20th, 2026
This article was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.