Stay compliant with national detergent regulations across the EU

The Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 lays the groundwork for harmonised rules across the EU, facilitating the free movement of detergent products and setting clear standards for labelling and ingredient datasheets – but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Several EU member states have additional requirements – ranging from extra documentation and language specifications to separate portals and fees. These variations create a complex regulatory landscape that manufacturers must navigate carefully.

Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 - now being updated 

The Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 ensures the safe use and free movement of detergents and surfactants across the EU. It sets rules to:

• Protect human health and the environment
• Ensure appropriate labelling and disclosure of ingredients
• Provide ingredient information to competent authorities and medical personnel

In 2025, the European Council and European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to revise this Regulation.

The update introduces several major enhancements aimed at aligning with innovation trends, sustainability goals and safety standards, including: stricter biodegradability requirements, particularly for water-soluble films, and improved digital access to product information for consumers and poison centres. Additionally, new rules support the use of microbial-based detergents, clarify labelling obligations and reinforce the ban on animal testing.

Products that don’t contain surfactants, such as those using soap or falling under specific detergent categories, may still fall in scope. Additionally, ingredients like enzymes and microbes, though not explicitly defined, must be listed on both the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) if present in any amount.

Labelling Requirements

Labels for detergents sold to consumers must include:

• Product name
• Contact details of the responsible party
• Access to an ingredient datasheet
• A list of certain constituents (e.g. surfactants, phosphates, hydrocarbons) if present above 0.2%; some constituents, such as enzymes, optical brighteners, disinfectants and perfumes must be listed irrespective of their concentration. 

For laundry detergents, additional information is required:

• Recommended dosage by water hardness and wash cycle
• Measuring cup capacity (ml/g)
• Estimated number of standard loads

These labelling requirements apply in conjunction with the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) which has its own specific labelling requirements for hazardous mixtures.

The upcoming revision to the Detergents Regulation will further improve labelling transparency, particularly for fragrance allergens and preservatives. Manufacturers will need to ensure that this information is digitally accessible to both consumers and authorities, supporting clearer, faster emergency response.

Ingredient datasheets: public vs. medical use

Manufacturers must make two types of datasheets available:

For Medical Personnel (Annex VII.C):

• Must be available on request, without delay or charge
• Lists all ingredients by descending concentration within these bands:
  
  • ≥10%, 1–10%, 0.1–1%, <0.1%
• Includes perfumes, colorants, and any allergenic fragrances above 0.01%

For the Public (on a website):

• Simplified version, freely accessible without login
• Lists ingredients in order of concentration
• Includes allergenic fragrances if over 0.01%
• Website link must appear on the label
• No obligation to have on your own website, but the page must be public and updated

For professional-use-only detergents, ingredient data can be included in an SDS or technical sheet (Sections 1 & 3).

The revised Regulation will mandate that more complete information be made digitally accessible, not only to the public but to poison centres and medical staff, improving cross-border emergency handling and consumer confidence.

Poison Centre Notifications (PCNs) for detergents

Detergents classified as hazardous according to the CLP Regulation, based on their health or physical effects must be notified using the harmonised PCN format via the ECHA submission portal in accordance with Article 45(1) and Annex VIII of CLP.

This step is mandatory before products are placed on the market in any EU country.

Country-specific requirements

While EU regulations provide a common foundation, some Member States impose extra requirements even for non-hazardous detergents not subject to the requirements of CLP Article 45.

These national requirements aim to improve emergency response and data accessibility, and may include:

• Use of national platforms in addition to the ECHA portal
• Notification of non-hazardous products via the ECHA portal
• Notification fees and country-specific data formats

There are 7 countries that require additional national-level actions for detergents:

• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden

New sustainability and innovation requirements

The revised Regulation reflects a growing emphasis on sustainability and product innovation. The Commission is empowered to set stricter biodegradability rules for encapsulating films and other organic substances in detergent formulations. In addition, microbial cleaning products and refillable/bulk systems are explicitly supported. The Commission will also evaluate reducing phosphorus levels in detergents, balancing environmental goals against cleaning performance, and uphold the strict ban on animal testing.

How can Ricardo help?

At Ricardo’s Chemical Risk team, we offer end-to-end support to help manufacturers remain compliant with the EU Detergents Regulation and national variations. Our services include:

• Drafting and updating SDS and Ingredient Datasheets
• Submitting Poison Centre Notifications (PCNs) via the ECHA portal and any required national systems
• Track substance classification changes that may affects your product portfolio using Chemical Compliance Monitor
• Packaging recycling labels 
• Support the assessment and generation of data to demonstrate biodegradation potential 

Whether you're launching a new product or expanding into new EU markets, we can help simplify the process and reduce your compliance burden.

Our expert-written report includes:

• Overview of the Detergent Regulation (EC No 648/2004)
• Specific labelling requirements for Detergents sold to consumers
• Member State Analysis of national requirements for submitting information on detergent products

Request a copy of the report >

Solutions for your business With experienced subject matter experts in chemical sector regulations and compliance, Ricardo can support businesses in placing, monitoring, and transporting chemical products across the globe.   Learn more >