EU detergents · Reg (EC) 648/2004
What must your detergent label show?
The EU Detergents Regulation sets out what a detergent's packaging must display — content declarations, the ingredient website, dosage for consumer laundry detergents, and more. Pick your audience and type to get the required label elements.
The rule, in one line
Under Regulation (EC) 648/2004 (Article 11 + Annex VII), a detergent sold to the general public must show content declarations of its constituents (phosphates, surfactants and other classes, in ranges), name its preservatives and any allergenic fragrances present at or above 0.01%, give a website where the full ingredient list can be found, and show the responsible party's name, address and telephone. Consumer laundry detergents must also give recommended dosages and the number of standard washing-machine loads per pack.
Official sources: Regulation (EC) 648/2004 · EUR-Lex consolidated text · European Commission — Detergents
Required label elements
5
5 label elements are required for your detergent.
- Content declarationsDeclare the constituents present (phosphates, surfactants, etc.) in the ranges set out in Annex VII.
- Preservation agents namedName any preservatives, using the INCI name where available.
- Allergenic fragrances named (≥ 0.01%)Name allergenic fragrances present at or above 0.01% by weight.
- Website with the full ingredient listGive a website (Annex VII) where the full ingredient list can be obtained — unrestricted access, kept up to date.
- Responsible-party detailsName/trade name or trademark, full address and telephone of the party placing the detergent on the market.
Per-product memo
Detergent label memo (PDF) · €29
A print-ready pack for one detergent: every required label element, the Annex VII basis, the consumer-laundry dosage rules, and source links — for your packaging compliance file.
This is guidance, not legal advice. The export lists the label elements your inputs trigger; it does not draft your label or compute concentration ranges.
What this tool is — and isn't
This checker lists the detergent labelling elements for the audience and type you pick under Regulation (EC) 648/2004 (EUR-Lex + the European Commission). It is an estimate and orientation, not legal advice, and it does not draft your label, compute concentration ranges, list the full Annex VII detail, or reflect a future revised Detergents Regulation. Verify against the linked official sources.
How the determination works
1. Who it's for
The full consumer label provisions (content declarations, allergenic fragrances, website) apply to detergents sold to the general public. Industrial/institutional products have a lighter set.
2. The base elements
Consumer detergents declare their constituents in ranges, name preservatives and allergenic fragrances (≥0.01%), give an ingredient website, and show the responsible party's contact details.
3. Laundry adds dosage
Consumer laundry detergents must also give recommended dosages for different water hardness and the number of standard washing-machine loads per pack.
Frequently asked questions
- What must a consumer detergent label show?
- Content declarations of its constituents in ranges, named preservatives and allergenic fragrances (≥0.01%), a website with the full ingredient list, and the responsible party's name, address and telephone.
- What extra do laundry detergents need?
- Consumer laundry detergents must also give recommended dosages for different washes and the number of standard washing-machine loads that the pack will wash.
- What is the ingredient website for?
- Annex VII requires a website on the packaging where the full ingredient list can be obtained — with unrestricted access and kept up to date.
- Do I name fragrances?
- You must name allergenic fragrances present at or above 0.01% by weight, alongside the other content declarations.
- Are professional detergents different?
- The full consumer label provisions target products sold to the general public. Industrial/institutional detergents have a lighter set — responsible-party details, the website, and the Annex VII ingredient data sheet made available on request.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This tool lists the label elements your inputs trigger under Regulation (EC) 648/2004. It is orientation, not legal advice, and does not draft your label. Verify against the linked official sources.