How the new Regulation (EU) 2026/405 affects detergent labeling

We analyze how the new Regulation (EU) 2026/405 affects detergent labeling, which standard is still in force today and what changes manufacturers will have to prepare before 2029.

As of today, the current framework for the manufacture and labeling of detergents in the European Union continues to be the Regulation (EC) no. 648/2004approved in 2004. However, the industry already has to prepare for the Regulation (EU) 2026/405of 11 February 2026, which repeals and replaces it and will become generally applicable on 23 September 2029. The regulation itself also establishes a transitional regime for certain products placed on the market during this period.

The new regulatory change will directly affect label design, the organization of mandatory information, the digitization of content and the ability of production lines to handle new requirements without losing efficiency.

New regulation 2026/405

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 was created to modernize a legal framework that had fallen short in the face of market developments. The new regulation not only updates the marketing conditions for detergents and surfactants, but also incorporates key issues such as sustainability, digitalization, refill sales, online marketing and the future digital product passport.

In practice, this means that labeling ceases to be a purely informative or graphic element and becomes a central part of compliance. Companies will have to review what information they display on the packaging today, what content must remain physically visible and what part can be offered digitally under the conditions provided for by the new standard.

2. The new labeling

If there is one area where the impact of the new regulation will be most noticeable, it will be in labeling. The European objective is to combine a clear and useful physical label with new digital information tools that improve traceability and facilitate user access to extended information.

Regulation (EU) 2026/405 introduces digital labeling and creates the legal basis for the Digital Product Passport for detergents and surfactants intended for end users.

a) What is the Digital Product Passport?

The Product Digital Passport (PDP) is a new obligation introduced by the EU for different product categories to improve traceability, transparency and access to key information along the supply chain. In the case of detergents, Regulation (EU) 2026/405 incorporates this approach into the new sectoral framework, so that the PDP will be used as a a digital system that will allow easy access to key product information and improve control by authorities and operators. In practice, it will be an important part of the new labeling architecture, alongside the physical label and digital labeling.

b) What companies should review

Companies in the sector should start working on several critical points now:

• Hierarchy of information: distinguish between essential information that must remain on the package and expanded information that can be transferred to digital media.

• Label design: reorganize contents to gain clarity without cluttering the available space.

• Digital access: prepare QR, product pages or digital environments that are robust, stable and easy to consult.

• Traceability: connect best lot, reference, market, language and associated documentation.

• Format management: adapt the operation to bottles, carafes, sprays, doypacks or refill formats.

This becomes even more important in references with limited label space or in catalogs with multiple variants by language, channel or country.

c) Online sales, refills and digital passport: labeling no longer ends at the package

One of the clearest messages of the new regulation is that product information can no longer be thought of only for the physical shelf. The regulation expressly contemplates new forms of marketing, including online sales and sales via reloading, and pushes companies towards more structured and accessible information management.

In addition, the European Commission will have to establish specific requirements for digital labeling of detergents by October 1, 2028 at the latest, which gives a very clear hint of the actual timetable for adaptation.

d) A practical example

Consider a manufacturer that markets a multi-purpose cleaner in spray bottles for retail and in carafes for the professional channel. With the new regulatory framework, this company may be forced to manage:

• a physical front label with clear product identification,

• a back label with mandatory information,

• a QR code with access to extended information,

• variable lot and date data,

• different versions by language or market,

• and, in addition, a recharge format for certain customers.

The challenge is not only legal. It is also technical and operational: the line must be able to correctly apply different labels, change formats quickly, avoid errors between references and maintain traceability of each unit.

3. Adaptation of the labeling system

This is one of the points that is often underestimated. Adaptation to the new Regulation (EU) 2026/405 will not only depend on the regulatory or quality department. It will also require production, maintenance and packaging to be aligned.

In many cases it will require more flexibility on the line to work with multiple labels per product, more variable data, more reference changes and more control over the exact label application.

a) How can MarCoPack help in this new scenario?

For manufacturers of detergents, cleaning products and chemical formulations, this is where it makes sense to rely on industrial labeling solutions prepared for demanding environments. MarCoPack can add value in projects where regulatory compliance must coexist with speed, accuracy and format flexibility.

Check out our industrial labeling solutions and find the one that best suits your needs, contact our sales team to define your needs and receive an offer!