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REPORT (COM(2023)0217 – C90154/2023 – 2023/0124(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on detergents and surfactants, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004

A-9-2024-0039

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety · Rapporteur: Manuela Ripa

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's amended version of the proposed regulation on detergents and surfactants sets rules for their placing on the market, including biodegradability, labelling, digital labels, product passports, and animal testing bans. It requires detergents to be inherently biodegradable, sets limits on phosphates, bans animal testing for compliance, and mandates that refill sales provide physical labels. It also introduces a product passport, allows digital labels under conditions, and requires manufacturers to keep documentation for 10 years.

Committee position. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety proposes amendments to the Commission proposal, strengthening biodegradability, banning animal testing, and enhancing consumer information.

Key points

  1. Organic ingredients of detergents other than surfactants must be inherently biodegradable within 4 years of delegated act adoption.
  2. Water-soluble film around detergents must be degradable within 2 years of delegated act adoption.
  3. Phosphorus limits are set for certain consumer and industrial detergents; unintentional presence from impurities is tolerated if technically unavoidable.
  4. Animal testing for detergents and surfactants is prohibited for meeting regulation requirements, with derogations possible in exceptional safety concerns.
  5. Manufacturers must keep technical documentation and product passport for 10 years after placing on the market.
  6. Labels must include contact details, allergenic fragrance information, and dosage instructions; digital labels are allowed but physical labels must remain for health and safety info.
  7. Refill sales must provide physical label and data carrier; all labelling information must be available in physical form at refill stations.
  8. Product passport must be model-specific, updated on ingredient changes, and accessible to authorities and stakeholders.
  9. Manufacturers and importers must provide information to authorities within 20 working days of request.
  10. Penalties for infringements must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive, considering turnover and SME specificities.
  11. Commission must report on regulation application, including antimicrobial resistance, misleading claims, and phosphorus phase-out feasibility.
  12. Commission must assess renewable feedstock targets and review pathogenic micro-organisms list every 3 years.

Who is affected

  • Manufacturers of detergents and surfactants must comply with biodegradability, labelling, and documentation requirements.
  • Importers and distributors have obligations to verify compliance and provide information to authorities.
  • Consumers benefit from clearer labelling and digital access, but may need alternative means if digital access is not possible.
  • Refill stations and sellers must provide physical labels and data carriers.

Figures and deadlines

  • 10 years: manufacturers must keep technical documentation and product passport.
  • 20 working days: time to provide information to authorities upon request.
  • 4 years: deadline for inherent biodegradability of organic ingredients.
  • 2 years: deadline for degradability of water-soluble film.
  • 18 months: deadline for Commission to adopt delegated acts on water-soluble film criteria.
  • 12 months: deadline for Commission to adopt implementing act on product passport requirements.
  • 24 months: minimum shelf life for detergents containing micro-organisms.
  • 1x105 CFUs per ml: standard plate count for detergents with micro-organisms.

Legal basis: Article 294(2) and Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union