Welcome to the Detergents Home Page

This page provides guidance and information on the UK implementation of Regulation European Community (EC) No 648/2004, which came into force on 8 October 2005.

Regulation 648/2004 on Detergents

photo: close up of a childs hands being washed

As a Regulation (as opposed to a Directive) 648/2004 is “directly applicable” and applies throughout the European Union on its own, without the further need for domestic United Kingdom (UK) legislation.

However, domestic legislation will be made setting out the process for handling derogation applications and to provide for enforcement measures - including criminal penalties for breach of Regulation 648/2004.

The Detergents Regulations 2005 have been introduced setting out measures to enforce Regulation 648/2004. They came into force on 8 October 2005.

Regulations setting out the procedure for handling derogation applications will be introduced in 2006 following a round of public consultation carried out between November 2005 and February 2006.

Latest News: Detergents

Regulation 648/2004: Procedures for Handling Derogation Applications

27 April 2006: A summary of responses to the consultation on the Government's proposals for the handling of derogation applications under articles 5 and 6 of Regulation (EC) NO 648/2004 on detergents is now available.

Detergents Guidance Document

12 July 2005: This document provides guidance on Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents, which comes into force on 8 October 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 October 2005: Can't find the information you need. Read our Frequently Asked Questions on the new detergents regulations.

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