Detergents and end-user surfactants placed on the EU market will require a Digital Product Passport under Regulation (EU) 2026/405. The passport will connect each product model to structured identification, manufacturer, compliance and composition information.
The Regulation already defines the core Digital Product Passport requirements, including the mandatory dataset, model-level passport, data carrier, EU DPP Registry registration and 10-year availability period.
What is the Digital Product Passport for detergents?
The Digital Product Passport for detergents is a digital record required under Regulation (EU) 2026/405 for detergents and surfactants intended for end-users. Before placing a covered product on the EU market, the manufacturer must create a DPP corresponding to a specific product model. The passport must demonstrate compliance with the Regulation, contain the mandatory information defined in Annex VI, remain accurate and up to date, and be connected to a persistent unique product identifier through a data carrier. It must remain available for 10 years after the product is placed on the market.
Detergents Digital Product Passport regulatory framework
The Digital Product Passport requirement is established directly by Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants, which replaces Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. The Regulation introduces DPPs alongside new requirements covering digital labelling, refill sales, detergents containing microorganisms, biodegradability and product information. It also aligns the DPP infrastructure with the framework established under the ESPR.
DETERGENTS & SURFACTANTS REGULATION
In force
Establishes the DPP requirement for detergents and end-user surfactants
ANNEX VI
Adopted
Defines the mandatory DPP dataset
DPP TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Implementing act to follow
Will define data carriers, layout, positioning, access rights and further technical requirements
The Regulation applies from 23 September 2029. Transitional provisions allow certain products compliant with the previous Regulation to continue being placed or made available on the market for a limited period.
Products within the Detergents DPP scope
The Regulation defines a detergent as a substance, mixture, microorganisms, or combination of these intended to:
clean fabrics, dishes or surfaces, soak, rinse or bleach fabrics, dishes or surfaces, modify the feel or odour of fabrics as part of the washing process, support cleaning when used together with laundry or automatic dishwasher. The DPP obligation applies to detergents and surfactants intended for end-users, including both consumers and professional end-users.
PRODUCTS COVERED CAN INCLUDE
- Laundry detergents
- Automatic dishwasher detergents
- Surface cleaning products
- Fabric rinsing and bleaching products
- Cleaning preparations
- Detergents containing microorganisms
- Industrial and institutional detergents
- End-user surfactants
- Detergents sold through refill systems
Digital Product Passport data requirements for detergents
The mandatory Digital Product Passport dataset is defined in Annex VI, Part A of Regulation (EU) 2026/405. It includes:
- Trade name and unique product identifier
- Colour image of the product packaging or label
- Manufacturer information
- Importer or authorised representative information, where applicable
- Manufacturer's unique operator identifier
- DPP service provider reference for the passport back-up copy
- Product identification information enabling traceability
- Manufacturer responsibility statement
- Commodity code, where applicable
- Statement of compliance with the Regulation
- References to other applicable EU legislation, where relevant
- Full list of intentionally added substances
- Intentionally added microorganisms, including genus, species and strain name or code
The full-list-of-substances obligation does not apply to industrial and institutional detergents or surfactants where equivalent information is provided through a REACH safety data sheet.
Additional labelling information may also be included in the Digital Product Passport.
DPP data carrier requirements
The Digital Product Passport must be connected to a persistent unique product identifier through a data carrier.
The data carrier must be:
- printed or otherwise physically present on the label or packaging
- placed on accompanying documentation for products transported in bulk
- indelible
- positioned so that it can be automatically processed by digital devices
- present on the refill station when products are sold through refill
- accompanied by wording such as “Please scan for more comprehensive information on the product”
- visible before purchase, including for distance sales
The specific data carrier technology, layout and positioning will be further defined through a Commission implementing act.
Digital labelling and the Digital Product Passport
The Regulation introduces both digital labelling and the Digital Product Passport, with the two serving related but distinct functions.Certain mandatory labelling information may be provided digitally, while specific information must remain on the physical label. The digital label must be searchable, accessible across the EU and available through the same data carrier used for the Digital Product Passport. Where information required under different EU rules is provided digitally, the Regulation is designed around a single data carrier, reducing duplication across product information systems.
Digital Product Passport Registry for detergents
Before placing a detergent or end-user surfactant on the market, the relevant economic operator must upload its unique product identifier and unique operator identifier to the EU Digital Product Passport Registry.
The Registry will also support customs controls for products entering the EU. Customs verification will connect the Registry with the EU Customs Single Window and check the unique registration identifier against the information stored in the Registry.
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