EU Updates Regulation (EU) 2026/405/EC on Detergents and Surfactants

SG 053/26

European Union (EU) approves Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants, effective September 23, 2029.

On March 2, 2026, the EU published Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants, modernizing and replacing the long-standing framework under Regulation (EC) 648/2004. The new regulation represents the most significant update to EU detergent legislation in two decades.

What does this regulation require?

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 expands and updates the EU rules governing detergents by introducing several new requirements:

• Expanded scope to include detergents containing microbial ingredients (e.g. probiotic detergents), refill sales, online sales and digital tools
• Stricter biodegradability limits to ensure compliance with ultimate aerobic biodegradation criteria
• Wider biodegradability testing requirements, extending obligations to films and polymers (effective March 23, 2032) and to organic substances ≥10% w/w (effective March 23, 2034)
• Updated labeling rules, adding the unique formula identifier (UFI) to the general labelling requirements, as specified in Annex V
• Labeling options updated – the physical label must contain essential safety and health information, contact details, usage instructions, hazard information, details on fragrance allergens and preservatives, simplified dosage instructions and all CLP/biocide-mandated elements. In addition, an optional digital label, e.g. via a QR code, may also contain the product’s formulation.
• Digital labeling framework – under Article 30, the European Commission will adopt delegated acts by October 1, 2028, to define acceptable IT solutions and alternative access methods
• Alignment of fragrance allergen disclosure with Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
• Mandatory use of validated non-animal testing methods for compliance demonstration
• Introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), containing product information listed in Annex VI and linked to a unique identifier in the EU registry. Use of an authorized representative is required where applicable
• New conformity assessment procedures, as outlined in Annex IV
• Enhanced market surveillance, aligned with Regulation (EU) 2019/1020

Who is impacted?

The regulation affects manufacturers, importers, distributors and online sellers of detergents and surfactants placed on the EU market.

When does it apply?

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 entered into force on March 22, 2026. It will replace Regulation (EC) 648/2004 and become applicable on September 23, 2029. Certain biodegradability testing requirements will take effect later: films and polymers on March 23, 2032, and organic substances at or above 10% w/w on March 23, 2034.

Transitional arrangements allow detergents and surfactants compliant with Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and placed on the market before September 22, 2029, to remain available indefinitely, while products placed between September 22, 2029, and September 23, 2030, may remain on the market until September 23, 2030.

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