New rules simplify the placement and free movement of detergents and surfactants in the internal market. Only products developed by using non-animal testing methods will be allowed in the EU. Non-EU manufacturers exporting detergents and surfactants into the Union will have to prove compliance with EU’s rules.
Plenary Session of the European Parliament on Thursday, 22 January adopted the Parliament’s position on a new regulation on detergents and surfactants. The latter are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. There was no proposal to amend the common position reached with the Council in June 2025. As a result, the legislative act has been adopted without voting.
The original Detergents Regulation (Regulation No 648/2004) went in force in 2004 laying down the rules that detergents need to comply with to be placed on the EU market. The current legislative changes that started with Commission’s proposal of April 2023 try to address short-comings of the original rules and solve the overlaps between the Detergents Regulation and other pieces of EU chemicals legislation.
Phosphorus reduction remains an issue
The legislative changes improve the biodegradability of surfactants in detergents (in particular in films covering capsules). It completes and makes more digitally available the information of labelling (for instance, including fragrance allergens and preservatives). It also makes the information from manufacturers available to authorities and medical personnel. The changes allow analyses of potential impacts of reducing the levels of phosphorus, and forbids animal testing.
The adopted changes call on the Commission to investigate the feasibility and the potential impacts of reducing the levels of phosphorus in detergents. In particular, the Commission should find out if the reduction of phosphorus does not compromise the effectiveness of the products. In some cases, it may be necessary to increase their use, which can have a negative impact on the environment (i.e. requiring additional cleaning cycles or hotter water). The Commission may come with new legislative proposal after its assessment to further reduce phosphorus content.
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The deal on detergents is a win for health, environment, and the single market. We are making our everyday products safer and greener. – Izabela Leszczyna, Polish Minister for Health
“The deal on detergents is a win for health, environment, and the single market. By boosting biodegradability, enabling the reduction of harmful substances and improving information on the label, we are making our everyday products safer and greener, without piling on red tape: smart regulation, clean results,” said Izabela Leszczyna, Polish Minister for Health (the common position was negotiated under Polish Presidency of the Council).
No more animal testing
The new rules include the ban of detergents and surfactants that have been produced by using animal testing. Only products developed by using non-animal testing methods will be allowed in the internal market. In very exceptional cases, the Commission will be empowered to grant a derogation to that rule. However, only on the condition that the ingredient is essential, irreplaceable, and the need for animal testing is justified.
