This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Safer detergents for European consumers
Safer detergents for European consumers
Safer detergents for European consumers
Safer detergents for European consumers
SUMMARY OF:
Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents
SUMMARY
WHAT DOES THE REGULATION DO?
Detergents* can contain ingredients — surfactants* — that make them clean more efficiently but may damage water quality when released into the natural environment. As such, their use must be carefully controlled.
The regulation establishes common rules to enable detergents and surfactants to be sold and used across the EU, while providing a high degree of protection to the environment and human health.
KEY POINTS
In 2012, the legislation was amended to harmonise rules on limiting the content of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in detergents for household laundry and dishwashing machines.
FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?
It entered into force on 8 October 2005.
BACKGROUND
Previous legislation only covered the primary biodegradability of surfactants in detergents. This regulation replaces it by laying the main emphasis on ultimate biodegradability.
The 2012 amendment introduces new limits to reduce the damage phosphates from detergents may have on ecosystems and water quality, which is a phenomenon known as ‘eutrophication’.
For more information, see the European Commission’s website on chemicals legislation.
KEY TERMS
* Detergent: any substance or preparation, whether liquid, powder or other form, containing soaps and/or other surfactants to wash or clean.
* Surfactant: one of many different compounds that make up a detergent. They are added to remove dirt from skin, clothes and household articles, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. They lower the surface tension between 2 liquids or between a liquid and a solid. They may also act as wetting agents, emulsifiers and foaming agents. The term comes from ‘surface active agent’.
* Primary biodegradation: when a surfactant loses its surface-active ability. It is important for this ability to be lost so as to reduce as far as possible any negative effects on water treatment plants.
* Ultimate biodegradation: when a surfactant is broken down into carbon dioxide, water and mineral salts and absorbed into the environment.
ACT
Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents (OJ L 104, 8.4.2004, pp. 1-35)
Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
last update 15.02.2016