Biodegradation of Surfactants Directive (73/404/EEC; 82/242/EEC; 82/243/EEC)

The objective of this European directive is environmental protection by stipulating a minimal level of surfactant biodegradability.

These directives were drafted to block the use of low-biodegradability surfactants, known to cause foaming in the rivers. The directives are:

The Master Directive, 73/404/EEC, which defines the precise biodegradability criterion for surfactants;
Two Implementation Directives:
1. 82/243/EEC, which covers the class of anionic surfactants
2. 82/242/EEC, which covers the class of non-ionic surfactants
These Implementation Directives describe the precise methodology by which the surfactants must be extracted, isolated and tested for their biodegradability.

The Manufacturer may only use those surfactants that meet the biodegradability criteria as described in 73/404/EEC, using the test methods described in the appropriate implementation directives. Using these methods, surfactant biodegradability must be no less than 80%, which translates to a "real world" biodegradability of at least 90%.
The Authorities monitor all detergents in the trade and;

• extract their surfactants
• determine biodegradability of the extracts and thereby compliance with these directives