New EU Regulation on Detergents and Surfactants 2026: DPP and the digital label

The European market for detergents and surfactants, with an estimated value of €41.2 billion and over 700 production sites, is facing the biggest regulatory changes of the past 20 years. On December 8, 2025, the Council of the EU gave its final approval to Proposal 2023/0124. This proposal replaces the current Regulation (EC) No 648/2004.

The text now goes to a vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament. After that follows an implementation period of 3.5 years. For manufacturers, importers and distributors of detergents, this means one thing: preparation must start immediately.

Why a new regulation?

The current Regulation 648/2004 has shown several significant shortcomings. First, it did not cover new product categories such as microbial detergents and refill stations. Second, the labelling requirements were unclear. They often contradicted other chemicals legislation such as the REACH and CLP regulations.

In addition, there were no rules for digitalizing information. Finally, market surveillance was difficult, especially for imported products.

The new regulation solves these problems through a comprehensive modernization of the requirements.

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Key changes

1. “Digital Product Passport” – a revolution in transparency

The biggest change is the introduction of a mandatory “Digital Product Passport” (DPP) for every detergent. Before placing a product on the market, the manufacturer must meet several requirements.

First, it must create a DPP for each product. Next, it must register it in the EU Product Passport Registry. It must also provide a data carrier (a QR code or equivalent) on the product. Finally, it must place the CE marking on the label, the packaging or in the accompanying documentation.

The QR code must lead to digital content that meets certain conditions:

• It is free to access
• It does not require registration, apps or passwords
• It is available in several languages, regardless of the user’s geolocation

What does this mean in practice?

Manufacturers must provide hosting infrastructure for multilingual digital labels. This infrastructure must meet GDPR and accessibility requirements. That is not a trivial IT investment, especially for smaller manufacturers.

Example of a digital label

Note: Chemplora is currently developing a “digital label” module optimized for the new “EU Detergent Regulation”. A pilot version is planned for spring 2026. The focus is on manufacturers who want to be ready before the official obligation. Interested manufacturers can sign up for the early access program.

2. Hybrid labelling combines digital and physical

It is important to note that the digital label does not replace the physical one. Mandatory information must be duplicated in both places. However, there is an important exception.

Refill stations for laundry detergents may use an exclusively digital label. The only exception is dosage information, which must be physically present.

This is a significant boost for sustainable practices. It also contributes to reducing packaging.

3. A complete ban on animal testing

The new regulation reaffirms the absolute ban on using detergents and surfactants developed through animal testing. Only non-animal testing methods validated at EU level are allowed.

Exceptions are extremely limited. The Commission may approve a derogation only if the ingredient is essential and irreplaceable. In addition, the need for animal testing must be scientifically justified.

4. Stricter biodegradability

The Commission gains the power to set stricter biodegradability requirements. There is a particular focus on two types of substances.

The first are water-soluble polymer films that wrap detergent capsules. They are a significant source of microplastics. The second are organic substances added at a concentration of ≥10% of the total mass (excluding water).

5. Authorized representative for manufacturers outside the EU

Detergent manufacturers outside the EU must appoint an authorized representative in the EU. This representative has several responsibilities.

First, it supports compliance. Second, it serves as a contact point for regulatory authorities. Third, it takes on responsibility for market surveillance.

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Specific obligations for manufacturers

In addition to the DPP, manufacturers get several additional obligations.

Technical documentation

Manufacturers must keep the technical documentation for a minimum of 10 years after placing the product on the market. This documentation must be available to the competent authorities on request.

“Ingredient data sheet” – data on ingredients

This is where an important change comes in. The “ingredient data sheet” obligation applies only to non-hazardous detergents.

Previously, it was mandatory for all detergents regardless of CLP classification. This change simplifies compliance for hazardous products. The reason is that they already have a safety data sheet (SDS) anyway.

Corrective measures

In the event of non-compliance, the manufacturer must take several steps:

First, it must withdraw the product from the market (withdrawal). Second, it must recall the product from end users (recall). Third, it must inform the competent authorities. Finally, it must demonstrate the implementation of corrective measures.

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Timeline and implementation

Current status:

The Council of the EU gave its approval on December 8, 2025. The EP vote in plenary session is the next step. Entry into force is planned 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. Implementation follows 3.5 years after entry into force.

Expected timeline:

The EP vote is expected in Q1 2026. Entry into force is planned for Q2 2026. Mandatory application is planned for the end of 2029 or the beginning of 2030.

Four years may sound far away. However, for complex IT investments such as a DPP system, it is a realistic timeframe.

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What does this mean for Serbian companies?

For manufacturers exporting to the EU

The following steps should be taken immediately:

1. Mapping the products subject to the new regulation
2. Gap analysis of the current compliance status
3. Appointing an Authorized representative in the EU
4. Planning IT investments for the DPP and the digital label.

By the end of 2026 it is necessary to:

1. Pilot test the DPP system
2. Prepare the technical documentation (10-year retention)
3. Review formulations (alignment with the biodegradability requirements)
4. Renew contracts with suppliers (verification of the animal testing ban)

In the period 2027-2029:

1. Roll out the DPP across the entire portfolio
2. Train employees on the new procedures
3. Integrate with the EU “Product Passport Registry”
4. Check/audit before final compliance

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Action plan by year

Q1 2026

• Analysis of the final version of the regulation (after the EP vote)
• Identifying the products in the portfolio that are covered
• Preliminary cost estimate for DPP implementation

Q2-Q4 2026

• Appointing an authorized representative (if needed)
• Selecting a hosting solution for digital labels and potentially DPP registration
• Pilot testing with 2-3 products
• Mapping IT integrations (ERP, PLM systems)

2027

• Roll-out of the DPP to all products
• Training program for employees
• Supplier oversight (verification of the animal testing ban)
• Documentation management system (10-year retention of documentation)

2028

• Check before the new rules apply in practice
• Correcting identified non-compliances
• Customer information campaign

2029

• Final application of the new rules
• Continuous monitoring
• Procedures for cases where non-compliance is found

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Conclusion

The new EU detergents regulation is not just a formality or a dead letter. It is a fundamental change in the way the industry communicates product information. It also changes the way product safety is proven and sustainability is demonstrated.

The “Digital Product Passport”, the ban on animal testing and stricter biodegradability requirements set a new standard. This standard will very likely also influence the harmonization of legislation in Serbia.

Three and a half years until implementation sounds far away. However, preparation requires significant IT investments. Organizational changes and supply chain verification are also needed. Companies that start now will have a competitive advantage. This advantage will not only be in compliance, but also in marketing positioning towards environmentally conscious consumers.

The question is not “whether preparation starts”. The real question is “how late is it to start now”.

References:

• Council of the EU decision on the detergents and surfactants regulation
• Proposal for a regulation on detergents and surfactants
• Example of a multilingual digital label