News Details

On 2 March 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. The new regulation updates the EU framework for detergents to reflect technological developments and new product formats, including detergents containing microorganisms and refill-based sales.

The revised legislation aims to strengthen consumer protection, improve transparency on ingredients, and enhance environmental performance across the detergents sector.

Key regulatory updates

The regulation introduces several new requirements for detergents and surfactants placed on the EU market. These include the introduction of a Digital Product Passport to provide structured product information and improve traceability, as well as the possibility to provide certain product information through digital labelling. It also updates ingredient disclosure requirements, including expanded labelling obligations for fragrance allergens.

Furthermore, the framework establishes specific provisions for detergents containing living microorganisms, including the development of appropriate risk assessment methods. In addition, the regulation prohibits animal testing carried out for the purposes of detergents regulation.

Environmental measures include strengthened biodegradability requirements for organic ingredients and new requirements for the biodegradability of polymer films used in detergent capsules.

Implementation timeline

The regulation enters into force on 22 March 2026, twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal. Its provisions will apply from 23 September 2029, allowing manufacturers and suppliers time to adapt to the new requirements.