New Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants: a safer, more sustainable and digital framework for the European market

1. Reasons for the regulatory update of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

2. Most relevant changes of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

   2.1 Specific requirements for detergents with microorganisms

   2.2 Strengthening of biodegradability criteria for surfactants

   2.3 Digital Product Passport (DPP)

   2.4 General labelling requirements

   2.5 Regulation of refill sales

   2.6 Strengthening of market surveillance

   2.7 Limitation of animal testing

3. Impact of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 for industry and consumers

4. Managing regulatory compliance with eQgest

5. Frequently asked questions about Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

Recently, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents, a profound update to the regulatory framework governing detergents and surfactants in the internal market.

This new legislation replaces Regulation (EC) 648/2004 and responds to the need to adapt the regulatory framework to technological advances, new consumption practices, and European sustainability and circular economy objectives.

The new regulation introduces far-reaching changes: it expands product definitions, incorporates specific requirements for detergents with microorganisms, strengthens biodegradability criteria, modernizes labelling, and establishes the Digital Product Passport, a key tool for traceability and transparency.

Reasons for the regulatory update of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

Since the approval of Regulation 648/2004, the detergents market has undergone significant evolution, making a revision of this legislation necessary.

This revision was carried out based on several changes, among which the following stand out:

• The emergence of detergents formulated with microorganisms, which require specific safety evaluations.

• The expansion of refill and bulk sales systems.

• The need to provide clearer and more accessible information for consumers.

• New scientific knowledge on biodegradability and environmental risks.

• The transition towards digital traceability tools, aligned with the European Green Deal.

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents addresses these challenges with a more comprehensive approach aimed at strengthening the protection of human health and the environment.

At the same time, it seeks to facilitate innovation and competitiveness in the sector.

Most relevant changes of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

Expansion of the concept of detergent

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents updates the definition of detergent to include products that previously fell outside the regulatory scope.

From now on, the following are considered detergents:

• Products containing added microorganisms

• Laundry auxiliaries, such as odor modifiers

• Products intended for food-contact surfaces, including fruits and vegetables

Products marketed through refill systems

Specific requirements for detergents with microorganisms

Detergents with microorganisms represent a relevant innovation in the market.

Since microorganisms can survive, reproduce and generate metabolites, the regulation requires:

• Precise taxonomic identification

• Evidence of safety

A harmonized risk assessment methodology, which will be developed by the European Commission

Strengthening of biodegradability criteria for surfactants

Surfactants are the main ingredients in detergents, and therefore the existing biodegradability requirements must be maintained.

Since surfactants are mainly sold between companies for use in the manufacture of detergents, it is not necessary to apply the same requirements to them as to detergents.

However, they must comply with certain minimum standards, such as labelling requirements and technical information, provided by manufacturers.

To avoid unnecessary administrative burdens, the Digital Product Passport and the ingredient data sheet for health emergencies will only be mandatory when surfactants are marketed directly to consumers or end users.

Likewise, the rules relating to refill sales will also apply to surfactants intended for these types of users.

The legislation introduces a more demanding and progressive approach.

Before 23 March 2032, films and the polymers that form part of them must fully comply with the biodegradability criteria established in Annex I, Part B.

This means that the materials used must demonstrate, through recognized testing methods, that they can decompose under specific environmental conditions without generating persistent residues or substances that could be harmful to the environment.

The objective is to ensure that products placed on the market have a significantly lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

Before 23 March 2034, these requirements will also extend to other organic substances present in films or associated products, provided they are present at concentrations equal to or greater than 10% by weight.

This extension seeks to prevent secondary components, additives or organic mixtures from remaining outside the regulatory framework and compromising the overall biodegradability of the product.

In other words, it will not be sufficient for the main polymer to be biodegradable. Any relevant organic substance must also comply with the established standards.

Furthermore, surfactants and surfactants contained in detergents will be considered to achieve ultimate aerobic biodegradation if the level of biodegradability (mineralization) is at least 60% within 28 days.

Digital Product Passport (DPP)

One of the most important innovations of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), provided for in Article 21.

This instrument will bring together all essential product information in a single digital environment, allowing:

• the unequivocal identification of a specific product model

• proof of its compliance with the Regulation

• access to the minimum information required in Annex VI, Part A

The passport must remain accurate, complete and permanently updated, and must also be available in the required languages and accessible to consumers, competent authorities and economic operators.

It must also be kept for at least ten years, even if the responsible company ceases its activities.

The system will be linked to a unique identifier and must comply with a series of specific technical requirements that guarantee:

• traceability

• interoperability

• reliability of information

throughout the entire value chain.

The DPP must be available before purchase, including in online sales, and will facilitate market surveillance and access to reliable information.

General labelling requirements

The regulation unifies and simplifies the mandatory information for detergents and surfactants.

It also strengthens the visibility of fragrance allergens and key information on labels.

The Regulation requires allergens to appear highlighted, with more readable typography and placed in specific areas of the label.

Additionally, it:

• reorganizes information to make it more intuitive

• removes elements that could generate confusion

• reinforces readability criteria

including minimum font size and text contrast.

Regulation of refill sales

For the first time, the European Union establishes a specific framework for products offered through refill systems.

This framework guarantees:

• minimum safety requirements for refill stations

• the same information obligations as packaged products

Strengthening of market surveillance

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents harmonizes the obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors.

It also strengthens controls to ensure that all products marketed comply with the same standards throughout the European Union.

Limitation of animal testing

In accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, it is necessary to reduce and replace animal testing.

For this reason, the regulation prohibits new tests when alternative methods or sufficient data already exist.

Consequently, the placing on the market of detergents and surfactants that have been subject to animal testing to comply with the requirements of this Regulation is generally prohibited, although the use of historical data is still allowed.

Impact of Regulation (EU) 2026/405 for industry and consumers

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents establishes a broad transitional period, with general application starting on 23 September 2029.

Detergents and surfactants placed on the market before that date and complying with Regulation (EC) 648/2004 in force on 22 September 2029 may be marketed indefinitely.

Products placed on the market between 23 September 2029 and 22 September 2030 under the same regulatory framework may continue to be sold until 23 September 2030.

For industry, the main impacts will be:

• Adaptation to new biodegradability requirements

• Preparation of the Digital Product Passport

• Updating labels and technical documentation

• Additional evaluations for products with microorganisms

Adjustments in refill and bulk sales processes

Managing regulatory compliance with eQgest

Compliance with the EU detergents regulation requires keeping technical documentation, labelling and product safety data up to date.

With eQgest, you can create and update Safety Data Sheets for detergents, prepare ingredient lists and ingredient data sheets, review EU detergents labelling requirements, and adapt all documentation whenever legal obligations change.

This makes it possible to ensure continuous and uninterrupted compliance with Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and other applicable regulations.

You can contact our team to learn how eQgest can help you efficiently manage the regulatory documentation of your products.

Frequently asked questions about Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents

1. What is Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents?

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents is the new European legislation governing the marketing of detergents and surfactants in the European Union.

It replaces Regulation (EC) 648/2004 and introduces new requirements related to biodegradability, labelling, detergents with microorganisms, refill systems and the Digital Product Passport.

Its objective is to improve the protection of human health, reduce the environmental impact of detergents and increase transparency in the European market.

2. When does Regulation (EU) 2026/405 enter into force?

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents establishes a broad transitional period.

General application will begin on 23 September 2029.

Products that are already on the market before that date and comply with Regulation (EC) 648/2004 may continue to be marketed indefinitely.

3. What is the Digital Product Passport for detergents?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is one of the main innovations of Regulation (EU) 2026/405.

It is a digital system that gathers all essential information about a detergent or surfactant, including:

• product identification

• regulatory compliance

• technical and safety information

The DPP will improve traceability, facilitate market surveillance and provide transparent information to consumers and authorities.

4. Does Regulation (EU) 2026/405 affect surfactants?

Yes. Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents also regulates surfactants, which are the main active ingredients in detergents.

Surfactants must comply with minimum requirements for:

• biodegradability

• labelling

• technical information

Additionally, when marketed directly to consumers or end users, they must comply with additional obligations such as the Digital Product Passport and ingredient information requirements.

5. What requirements does the regulation introduce for detergents with microorganisms?

The new regulation introduces specific requirements for detergents formulated with microorganisms.

These include:

• precise taxonomic identification of microorganisms

• safety evidence

• risk assessment based on harmonized methodologies

These measures aim to ensure that products are safe for both human health and the environment.

6. How does Regulation (EU) 2026/405 affect detergent labelling?

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents introduces improvements in labelling to facilitate consumer understanding.

Among the main changes are:

• greater visibility of fragrance allergens

• stricter readability requirements

• reorganization of information on the label

The objective is to improve transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.