The new Detergents Regulation is official: A defining moment for the sector
The revised Detergents and Surfactants Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2026/405) has been officially published today in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking a major step in modernising the legal framework applicable to detergents and cleaning products across Europe.
The Regulation will enter into force on 22 March 2026, formally becoming part of EU law. Its provisions will, however, apply from 23 September 2029, when the new obligations will start to take effect for companies, market actors, and national authorities.
A legislative journey reaching its destination
Today’s publication concludes a comprehensive legislative process that began with the European Commission’s proposal in 2023. The discussions that followed—spanning the Council, the European Parliament, and the trilogue negotiations—reflect the importance of this file for ensuring clarity, high consumer protection, and a coherent framework for the marketplace. The political agreement reached in June 2025 paved the way for the finalisation of the text now officially published.
Throughout this journey, A.I.S.E. has actively accompanied the Detergents Regulation revision, providing science‑based expertise, consolidating industry viewpoints, and engaging with policymakers at every stage of the process.
A turning point for the industry
With publication now complete, attention turns to the implementation phase, which will set the course for how the new framework will be put into practice by companies and authorities over the coming years.
Julie Janssis, Head of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at A.I.S.E., commented on the significance of today’s publication:
“The publication of the new Detergents Regulation marks an incredible milestone for our industry. It closes a complex and intensive legislative chapter, while opening a new horizon of opportunities for innovation and digitalisation. As we look ahead, the coming years will be decisive in translating the legislation into practical, workable solutions for companies of all sizes. A.I.S.E. is fully committed to guiding our sector through this transition and ensuring that implementation is both robust and future‑proof.”
A.I.S.E. will continue to accompany the sector as the implementation phase unfolds. The coming years will bring a substantial amount of secondary legislation—delegated acts and implementing acts—that will shape how the new framework operates in practice. These acts are expected to provide essential clarifications on several core elements of the Regulation, such as the development of the risk assessment methodology linked to microorganisms or the technical requirements linked to the digital product passport. Such detailed provisions will be critical to help companies plan ahead, adapt their processes, and ultimately achieve full compliance by the 2029 application date. As these developments progress, A.I.S.E. will remain fully engaged—monitoring each step, contributing with technical insights, and ensuring that its members receive timely, clear, and actionable guidance to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence.
With today’s publication, a new chapter begins for our industry—one that brings clarity, modernisation, and new opportunities. We look forward to working together toward a smooth, successful and forward-looking transition for all actors involved.