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Adopted text

Detergents and surfactants

TA-9-2024-0091 · P9_TA(2024)0091 · PE753.691

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Parliament's amended version of the proposed regulation on detergents and surfactants sets harmonised rules for their placing on the market, including biodegradability, labelling, product passports and market surveillance. It introduces requirements for detergents containing micro-organisms, limits phosphates, prohibits animal testing, and allows digital labelling under conditions.

Key points

  1. Detergents and surfactants may only be placed on the market if they comply with this Regulation; member states shall not restrict compliant products.
  2. Detergents and surfactants must meet biodegradability requirements in Annex I; organic ingredients other than surfactants must be inherently biodegradable within four years of delegated act.
  3. Water-soluble film around detergents must be degradable within two years of delegated act; Commission to adopt criteria and test methods.
  4. Detergents containing micro-organisms must comply with Annex II, including restrictions on pathogenic strains, antibiotic susceptibility, and a ban on refill format.
  5. Limits on phosphates and phosphorus compounds in detergents as per Annex III; unintentional presence tolerated if technically unavoidable.
  6. Animal testing for detergents and surfactants is prohibited; safety must be established using non-animal methods, with possible derogations in exceptional circumstances.
  7. Manufacturers must draw up technical documentation, carry out conformity assessment, create a product passport, and affix CE marking where relevant.
  8. Importers and distributors have specific obligations to verify compliance, provide contact details, and cooperate with authorities.
  9. Labelling must include identification, manufacturer contact, content, and dosage information for consumer detergents; digital labels allowed under conditions.
  10. A product passport must be created for each model or batch, accessible via data carrier, and interoperable with other EU product passports.
  11. Customs authorities will verify product passport references for imported detergents and surfactants before release for free circulation.
  12. Market surveillance procedures allow authorities to require corrective action for non-compliant or risky products, with Union safeguard procedures.

Who is affected

  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors and authorised representatives of detergents and surfactants in the EU.
  • Producers of detergents containing micro-organisms, who must meet safety and labelling requirements.
  • Consumers and professional users of detergents, who receive labelling and product passport information.

Figures and deadlines

  • 10 years: manufacturers must keep technical documentation and product passport after placing on market.
  • 20 working days: time to provide information to competent authorities upon request.
  • 10 years: digital label and product passport must remain available after placing on market.
  • 30 months from entry into force: date of application of the Regulation.
  • 5 years from application: Commission to submit a report on the Regulation's application.
  • 3 years from application: Commission to assess micro-organisms requirements and renewable feedstock targets.

Legal basis: Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union