On 8 December 2025, the European Council approved Proposal 2023/0124 on detergents and surfactants, following the 2019 evaluation that highlighted several shortcomings of the current Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. These included the lack of provisions for new product categories and labelling requirements that were often unclear or overly burdensome.
The proposal aims to simplify labelling information, enhance regulatory effectiveness, and modernise the existing legal framework. Among the key innovations are:
- the introduction of new definitions (such as microbial detergents and authorised representative);
- the standardised introduction of digital labelling; and
- new obligations for manufacturers, importers and distributors.
Below, we take a closer look at the last two aspects.
New Obligations for Manufacturers
Manufacturers of detergents and surfactants will be required to:
- Create a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for each product and register it in the EU Product Passport Registry before placing the product on the market;
- Ensure the presence of a data carrier (QR code or equivalent digital means linking to mandatory information) and the CE marking on the product (on the label, packaging, or, in the case of bulk products, on the accompanying documentation);
- Provide an ingredient data sheet only for detergents classified as non-hazardous, whereas previously this obligation applied to all detergents regardless of CLP classification;
- Retain technical documentation for at least 10 years after the product has been placed on the market;
- Take corrective actions in cases of non-compliance (such as product withdrawal or recall) and provide information to competent authorities upon request.
Digital Labelling Rules
In line with the Commission’s digital transition agenda, digital labelling has also been introduced for detergents and surfactants. However, it does not replace physical labelling: mandatory information must generally be duplicated on the physical label.
By way of derogation, laundry detergents sold through consumer refill stations may be provided exclusively with a digital label, with the exception of dosage information, which must still appear on the physical label.
Finally, the digital label must:
- be accessible via a data carrier (QR code or similar);
- be free of charge;
- not require registration, apps or passwords; and
- be available in multiple languages, regardless of the end user’s geolocation.
Next Steps
Approval of the first-reading position represents the final step of the adoption process at Council level. The text must now be approved in a plenary session of the European Parliament. The new provisions will apply three and a half years after the regulation enters into force.
