The new regulation for detergents is (EU) 2026/405
Regulation (EU) 2026/405, published early March 2026, replaces the existing detergents regulation from 2004. The new regulation aligns with modern safety, digital (Digital Product Passport), and environmental standards. It introduces a broader scope, stricter chemical criteria, and digital transparency requirements. Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an EU Authorised Representative (AR) to serve as a regulatory contact.
The hard deadline is 23 September 2029
There is a transition period for 3.5 years from the date of publication. The new regulation is fully enforced when the transition period ends. Detergents containing any newly banned or non-compliant restricted substances must be off the shelves in the EU by this date.
There are major chemical changes
The following table shows the differences between the old and new regulation per category.
These are the main product types impacted
There are now more products that are classified as detergents
Beyond the core categories already discussed, the update to Regulation (EU) 2026/405 significantly broadens the legal definition of a “detergent.” This means several products previously in a “grey area” or regulated under different frameworks now fall strictly under these new rules.
These products are:
These are the steps that should be followed
