Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents

Overview

This Regulation establishes rules designed to achieve the free movement of detergents and surfactants for detergents in the internal market while, at the same time, ensuring a high degree of protection of the environment and human health. For this purpose, this Regulation harmonises the following rules for the placing on the market of detergents and of surfactants for detergents:

• the biodegradability of surfactants in detergents;
• restrictions or bans on surfactants on grounds of biodegradability;
• the additional labelling of detergents, including fragrance allergens; and
• the information that manufacturers must hold at the disposal of the Member States competent authorities and medical personnel.

For the sake of this Regulation, "detergent" means any substance or preparation containing soaps and/or other surfactants intended for washing and cleaning processes. Detergents may be in any form (liquid, powder, paste, bar, cake, moulded piece, shape, etc.) and marketed for or used in household, or institutional or industrial purposes.