The European Commission is embarking on an Evaluation and Fitness Check (REFIT) for EU Regulation 648/2004 aka the Detergents Regulation.

This European Regulation establishes rules for the free movement of detergents and surfactants for detergents in the internal market while protecting the environment and human health. The Regulation requires that all detergents placed on the EU market must have fully biodegradable surfactants. Plus, all labelling must contain information about the ingredients (including fragrance allergens) and recommended dosage. There are also specifications as to the information that manufacturers have available for national authorities and medical personnel as well as limitations on the amount of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in consumer laundry products.

In 2014 the Commission completed an evaluation of whether limitations on the content of phosphates and of other phosphorus compounds in consumer automatic dishwasher detergents should be modified.

There will now be a public consultation as well as more information sought from stakeholders as to the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and EU-added value of the Regulation. Plus, a further study of the detergents market and the sustainability aspects of detergents.

This is part of the wider REFIT on chemicals legislation (excluding REACH) currently in progress.