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.

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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