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Background

  • EU Parliament have commissioned the generation of new EU Detergent Regulations to update the current regulation (from 2004). 
  • The new regulation will maintain the same aims and objectives as the previous, however it introduces many changes. 
  • The new regulation is yet to be published in the EU Detergent Regulation in the Official Journal.  
  • The regulation includes a lengthy transition period of 42 months. This time frame starts after the new regulation is published in the Official Journal and comes into effect twenty days later.
  • Defra are in the process of informing the Minister of the implications of the new regulation and forming the UK stance on the changes this new regulation imposes, bearing in mind the implications for NI also.
  • Timeline: At this stage the regulation would come into force around September 2029. 

Key Amendments to the EU Detergent Regulation

Retailer implications written in blue.

  • Aligned labelling of detergents under CLP regulation and minimisation of duplication in terms of labelling.
    → Retailers to inform supply chain accordingly for relevant products. 
  • Improved enforcement of environmental standards. 
  • Biodegradability of packaging and biodegradability data monitoring to be improved. 
    →The role of retailers in monitoring this aspect has not been established yet.
  • New test methods for microbial cleaning products. 
  • Use of Digital Product Passports 
    ⇒This is a current grey area, development of DPP in the UK is developing as well as in the EU. 
    Join our meeting on 3rd March to discuss the DPP requirements (read more here). 
  • Expansion of non-animal testing protocols for product development.
    Note: This has been introduced and incorporated into the testing of cosmetic products heavily. 

Defra’s Current Work:

  • In discussion with industry Defra recognises the need for alignment with the EU 
  • Some manufacturers may have issues with some of the requirements with the new EU regulation however it is difficult to navigate individual divergence cases when the intention is to adopt the entire regulation. 
  • Defra are in discussion with NI colleagues to determine how the regulation will sit. There is also interest around the use of Stormont Brake and the implications this made have for trade. 
  • Defra plans to map stakeholders to guide domestic legislation, aiming for clear direction from all parties by early next year. Unless the UK’s EU stance changes significantly, the legislation will align with EU regulations.

Next Steps: 

  • Defra to inform the BRC when the regulation is published in the EU Official Journal.
  • Defra to continue carrying out stakeholder mapping exercises                                                                   ⇒ Defra to attend BRC’s product safety meeting in May to discuss the new regulation and implications for members. To read more about the meeting and to register click here. 

 

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