Press Release: New rules for detergents on biodegradability and product labelling

A new European Regulation (Regulation 648/2004) applying to detergents came into force on 8 October 2005. It includes a two-tier testing regime on the biodegradability of the active ingredients used in many detergents (known as surfactants), and requires ingredients information to be made available on packaging and websites.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Enterprise and Industry: Chemicals: Detergents http://ec.europa.eu/comm/enterprise/chemicals/legislation/detergents/index_en.htm

United Kingdom: Pesticides Safety Directorate: Detergents guidance document, 2005 http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/detergents.asp?id=1647

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