Detergents Regulation (EC No 648/2004)
Objective
The objective of the Detergents Regulation is to place all previous directives and legislation regarding detergents 
into one single text. The regulation also introduces more stringent tests for the biodegradability of surfactants in detergents as well as extensive labelling requirements on detergent products. The overall aim of the Regulation is to ensure a high degree of protection of the environment and human health.
into one single text. The regulation also introduces more stringent tests for the biodegradability of surfactants in detergents as well as extensive labelling requirements on detergent products. The overall aim of the Regulation is to ensure a high degree of protection of the environment and human health. Background
Placing all the legislation affecting detergents in to one regulation is part of a major effort to simplify EU legislation. The Detergents Regulation will create a uniform set of rules throughout all the member states about how detergents should be tested, packaged and labelled.
Previous to this regulation, only some types of surfactants were covered in the testing of detergents. The regulation now expands the testing to all types of surfactants, making the testing more thorough.
Previous to this regulation, only some types of surfactants
were covered in the testing of detergents. The regulation now expands the testing to all types of surfactants, making the testing more thorough. Implementation
In order for a detergent to be authorized it must undergo the tests listed in the Detergents Regulation. The tests for the biodegradability of surfactants specified by the Detergents Regulation should be carried out in laboratories meeting an internationally recognized standard, namely EN/ISO/IEC/17025 or principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) . Detergents which do not fulfil the requirements of the Regulation will not be allowed to be placed on the market. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their detergents conform to the regulation.
The Detergents Regulation will enter into force on 8 October 2005 and will repeal previous legislation. After this time, authorities in each Member State monitor manufacturers for the correct implementation of classification, labelling and packaging of detergents.
of surfactants specified by the Detergents Regulation should be carried out in laboratories meeting an internationally recognized standard, namely EN/ISO/IEC/17025 or principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) . Detergents which do not fulfil the requirements of the Regulation will not be allowed to be placed on the market. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their detergents conform to the regulation.The Detergents Regulation will enter into force on 8 October 2005 and will repeal previous legislation
. After this time, authorities in each Member State monitor manufacturers for the correct implementation of classification, labelling and packaging of detergents.