EU Detergents Regulation
Revised detergents regulation with mandatory Digital Product Passport from September 2029. Full ingredient transparency, biodegradability data, and QR code on packaging.
Overview
The revised EU Detergents and Surfactants Regulation — Regulation (EU) 2026/405 — replaces Regulation (EC) 648/2004 and introduces a mandatory Digital Product Passport for detergents, requiring full ingredient transparency and environmental impact data.
Legal basis
- Adopted: 11 February 2026 (Regulation (EU) 2026/405 of 11 February 2026)
- Published in the Official Journal: 2 March 2026
- Entered into force: 22 March 2026
- Applies from: 23 September 2029, except Article 4(3) and (4), which have applied since entry into force
- Replaces: Regulation (EC) 648/2004
- Digital Product Passport: Article 21, with further requirements in Article 22; required from 23 September 2029
DPP requirements for detergents
Mandatory from 23 September 2029. Article 21(1): "Before placing a detergent or end-user surfactant on the market, the manufacturer shall create a digital product passport for that product." The passport must correspond to a specific model and meet the requirements of Articles 21 and 22. Its content is set out in Part A of Annex VI, and it is accessed through a data carrier (Art 21(4)).
Detergents and end-user surfactants are already named in the scope of the EU DPP registry under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1778.
- Physical data carrier (QR code) on packaging
- Registration with central EU registry before market entry
- Unique product identifier linked to compliance data
DPP content:
- Full ingredient list
- Biodegradability data
- Environmental impact data
- Usage instructions
- End-of-life/disposal information
- Safety data sheet references
Ingredients labelling changes
The regulation introduces significant changes to ingredient disclosure beyond the current Regulation (EC) 648/2004:
- Full ingredient list required in the DPP — not just the summary categories currently required on physical packaging
- Synthetic polymer microparticles must be listed if intentionally added (aligned with the Microplastics Restriction, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055)
- Micro-organisms must be listed with full taxonomic classification (genus, species, strain) where intentionally added
- Fragrance allergens must be disclosed at component level
- Physical packaging retains abbreviated labelling; the DPP QR code links consumers to the full ingredient list
Who is affected
- Manufacturers of detergents and surfactants placing products on the EU market, including household cleaners, laundry products, dishwashing products, industrial and institutional cleaners
- Importers of detergent products from outside the EU
- Distributors who rebrand or reformulate detergent products
- Contract manufacturers producing on behalf of brand owners
- Non-EU manufacturers selling directly to EU consumers through e-commerce must comply from 23 September 2029
Penalties and enforcement
The regulation does not prescribe EU-harmonised penalties. Member States establish enforcement. Non-compliance is likely to be treated under REACH-equivalent product safety enforcement, with potential consequences including:
- Market withdrawal of non-compliant products
- Administrative fines (amount set nationally)
- Prohibition on continued marketing of non-compliant formulations
Transition
Products already on the market under the old regulation (EC 648/2004) may continue to be sold. New products entering the market from 23 September 2029 must comply.
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 11 February 2026 | Regulation (EU) 2026/405 adopted |
| 2 March 2026 | Published in the Official Journal |
| 22 March 2026 | Enters into force; Article 4(3) and (4) apply |
| 23 September 2029 | Regulation applies — DPP mandatory (Art 21); Regulation (EC) 648/2004 repealed |