Brussels — In a significant move toward safer consumer products and stronger environmental protection, the European Council and the European Parliament have struck a provisional agreement to modernize EU rules on detergents and surfactants. The deal, hailed as a “win for health, environment, and the single market,” promises sweeping changes aimed at aligning legislation with current scientific knowledge, evolving consumer habits, and the urgent need to reduce chemical pollution.
At the heart of the updated regulation is a commitment to enhancing product safety without creating unnecessary burdens for industry. The reform seeks to simplify market access while addressing new developments such as microbial cleaning products, bulk detergent sales, and refill systems that are increasingly popular among environmentally conscious consumers.
Tougher Biodegradability Rules, Especially for Capsule Films
One of the most impactful elements of the agreement is the strengthening of biodegradability requirements—particularly for water-soluble polymeric films used in detergent capsules. These films, which often end up in wastewater and aquatic ecosystems, will now be subject to stricter testing and compliance criteria under powers delegated to the European Commission.
The deal also opens the door to future regulations targeting other organic substances present in detergents at concentrations above 10% by mass. A built-in revision clause ensures that standards can evolve as science advances and environmental pressures mount.
Digital Transparency and Poison Centre Access
Consumers and medical professionals alike will benefit from enhanced digital transparency measures. Product labels will now include more detailed information, including lists of fragrance allergens and preservatives—a long-standing demand from allergy sufferers and healthcare providers.
Moreover, manufacturers will be required to make critical safety data directly accessible to poison centres and relevant authorities. This change is expected to significantly improve emergency response times and treatment outcomes in cases of accidental ingestion or exposure.
Phosphorus Under Scrutiny
The agreement tasks the European Commission with conducting a comprehensive study on the feasibility and environmental impact of reducing phosphorus levels in detergents. While phosphorus has been linked to eutrophication—excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies—the review aims to ensure that any reduction doesn’t lead to diminished product performance, potentially resulting in increased usage or energy-intensive cleaning practices.
Depending on the findings, the Commission may propose further restrictions or alternative measures to manage phosphorus content effectively.
A Firm Stand Against Animal Testing
In a strong reaffirmation of EU values, the agreement bans animal testing for all detergents and surfactants placed on the internal market. Only products tested using non-animal methods will be permitted, with very limited exceptions allowed only when an ingredient is essential, irreplaceable, and no alternative testing method exists.
This provision reinforces the EU’s leadership in ethical science and its broader commitment to ending animal testing across sectors.
Ensuring Safety for Imported Products
To level the playing field and protect EU consumers, the deal introduces a requirement for non-EU manufacturers to appoint an authorized representative within the bloc. This representative will be responsible for ensuring compliance with EU standards and acting as a liaison with local authorities—an important step in strengthening market surveillance and import controls.
Modernizing Regulation for a Competitive Single Market
Polish Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna, who led the negotiations for the Council, praised the outcome as a model of smart regulation.
“Today’s deal on detergents is a win for health, environment, and the single market,” Leszczyna said. “By boosting biodegradability, enabling the reduction of harmful substances, and improving information on the label, we’re making our everyday products safer and greener, without piling on red tape: smart regulation, clean results.”
The reform addresses longstanding inconsistencies between the Detergents Regulation and other EU chemicals laws, such as REACH, streamlining labelling obligations and cutting down on duplicative reporting requirements.
Economic Impact and Industry Outlook
Detergents represent a vital segment of the EU chemicals sector, accounting for 4.2% of the industry’s total production value in 2018. With a market value exceeding €41 billion in 2020 and around 700 production sites across Europe, the sector plays a crucial role in both household and professional settings.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the update as a necessary evolution to support innovation while maintaining high safety standards.
What Comes Next?
The provisional agreement must now be formally endorsed by both the European Parliament and the Council before it can become law. If approved, the new rules will mark a turning point in the EU’s approach to chemical safety, sustainability, and consumer transparency.
As detergent use remains integral to daily life—from laundry rooms to hospital wards—this agreement underscores the EU’s determination to protect public health and the planet, one load at a time.
Council and Parliament strike provisional deal on the detergents and surfactants regulation.
