Regulation (EU) 2026/405 is the new European Union regulation on detergents and surfactants, published in the Official Journal of the EU on March 2, 2026, and repealing the previous Regulation (EC) No 648/2004.
The aim of the legislation is to promote sustainability, benefiting both the environment and consumers.
What changes with Reg. EU 2026/405?
The revised Regulation clarifies existing rules with the aim of assisting consumers, reinforcing market surveillance and providing a high level of protection for human health and the environment. The obligations and adjustments brought by the new regulation are:
- Broader definition of “detergent”
In order to include newly developed detergents, this Directive extends the definition of “detergent”. This particularly concerns products containing intentionally added microorganisms, as well as products supporting the cleaning process when used tigether with a detergent (example: products that modify the odor of fabrics).
- Regulation of new markets
The new Regulation takes into account new market developments, focusing on detergents containing micro-organisms.
These latter need clear taxonomic identification, safety testing and the development of a harmonised risk assessment methodology by the Commission.
Detergents supplied via refill systems now have an established regulatory framework.
- New biodegradability requirements
Surfactants shall be completely biodegradable, both in their intended use alone as well as in detergents.
Criteria for biodegradability shall apply to water-soluble polymer films used in detergent capsules by 2032. In addition, the criteria shall apply to all polymers in the films by 2032.
Later, by 2034, criteria shall apply to other organic substances used at concentrations of 10% w/w or higher.
- Enabling the digital transition – Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The number of products selling on the web is increasing, so digitisation efforts must be stepped up in line with the Union’s overall objectives.
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) has been introduced for this reason.
The DPP is a digital labelling providing all useful product information. It needs to show the package’s image, the complete list of ingredients and micro-organisms, and traceability data, in a single digital space. This will help strengthen transparency, traceability and accessibility of information along the entire supply chain.
Who affects Reg. EU 2026/405?
The new EU regulation on detergents and surfactants affects:
- Manufacturers: must adapt formulations, labeling, technical documentation, biodegradability requirements, and digital information systems. In particular, those who produce detergents containing microorganisms, or who use water-soluble capsules, or who must implement the new Digital Product Passport will be impacted.
- Importers: They are responsible for the product’s compliance with European requirements before marketing.
- Distributors: They must verify that the products sold are compliant and correctly labeled.
When is the regulation becoming mandatory?
Detergents and surfactants on the market before September 23, 2029, and fulfilling the requirements of the Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 shall be made available on the market without time limits. In the meantime, detergents and surfactants marketed after September 22, 2029, and before September 23, 2030 , shall be made available on the market until September 23, 2030 , taking into consideration that the products will be compliant with the Regulation (EC) No 648/2004.
In this context, Chemsafe aims to be your technical partner, offering dedicated services for drafting and updating safety data sheets and regulatory consulting activities, to support customers in ensuring regulatory compliance and safe product management throughout the entire supply chain.
