EU Council Approves New Detergents and Surfactants Regulation Strengthening Safety and Sustainability

The Council of the European Union has given final approval to the new Detergents and Surfactants Regulation, marking a major update to EU rules governing these products. The legislation aims to facilitate smoother market access across the EU while reinforcing consumer, health and environmental protection. Key innovations include provisions to accommodate microorganisms in cleaning products, support refill sales, and introduce digital labelling and a digital product passport to improve transparency. The regulation enhances requirements for product safety, environmental performance, and clearer labelling, alongside stronger market surveillance—particularly for imported goods. It also improves information flows to authorities, health systems and poison centres. Notably, the regulation introduces a ban on animal testing in the production of detergents. With the Council’s first-reading position adopted, the final step is approval by the European Parliament in plenary. Once formally adopted, the new rules will apply three and a half years after entry into force.