Detergents and cleaning products

The Detergent and Cleaning Products Regulation aims to reduce risks and impact on the environment connected with detergents and to improve information to consumers. The Regulation applies to all chemical products used on solid surfaces, clothes, textiles and household utensils.

Read more about the detergent rules

The EU-commissions document with questions and agreed answers concerning implementation of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents. External link.

Consolidated text

Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning Detergents and Cleaning Products(last consolidated on 1 June 2015 External link.

Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 is repealed with effect from 23 September 2029.

Amendments

Basic regulation and all amendments are available in EUR-Lex External link.

New regulation on detergents and surfactants

EU has decided on a new regulation on detergents and surfactants. 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.

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 of the European Parliament and the Council External link. of 11 February 2026 on detergents and surfactants, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 (pdf 1720kB)