ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS ON THE LABEL OF DETERGENT PRODUCTS

Content addition date : 16-05-2025

As a basic rule, product labels must comply with the current legislation of the country in which the product is marketed. Therefore, the labels are expected to be up-to-date and accurate in terms of legislation.

Detergents are covered by 3 basic regulations. These are;

• Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 – classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
• Regulation (EC) 648/2004 on detergents
• If supplied to the market in aerosol form, Aerosol Dispensers Directive (ADD) 75/324/EEC

The basic elements of the information that labels should contain to ensure compliance with legal regulations and legislation are as follows:

1. Name and Address of the Manufacturer
The name and full address of the company producing the product is necessary for consumers to obtain information about the product and to contact the manufacturer when necessary.

2. Product Name and Brand
The trade name and brand of the detergent is an important element that enables the product to be recognised in the market and can be easily remembered by consumers.

3. Intended Use
Information on the purpose and place of use of the product helps consumers to use the product correctly.

4. Product Instructions for Use
Detailed instructions on how to use the detergent help prevent accidents and health problems that may occur as a result of improper use.

5. Elements specified in the Regulation on Detergents and its Annexes
According to the Regulation on Detergents, the function of the substances in detergents and the amount of use in range

The following classes of constituent, if added, shall be listed irrespective of their concentration: 
Preservation agents
Allergen names (if exceeding 0.01% by weight)
Enzymes,
Disinfectants,
Optical brighteners

6. Unique Formula Identifier (UFI Code)
UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) code is mandatory for detergent products. UFI code is required for mixtures classified especially in terms of health or physical hazards. UFI code provides fast and precise identification of products and plays a critical role in providing correct intervention in emergency situations. This code should be included on product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

7. Classification Information
Product hazard classification and label elements (hazard symbol, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements) should be prepared in accordance with the labelling rules of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 – classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

8. Ingredient Data Sheet Information
A document called “Ingredient Data Sheet” is a mandatory document for detergent products. This document must be published on your website or in a digitally accessible area. The link to where it was published must be on the label and must be stated as “Ingredient Data Sheet is available at this address”. This obligation does not apply to industrial or institutional detergents and surfactants of industrial or institutional detergents that have a technical data sheet or safety data sheet.

These elements include the basic information required for detergent labels to ensure consumer safety and comply with legal regulations. Accurate and complete information on labels allows consumers to use products safely and minimizes potential health risks. In addition, labelling in accordance with legal regulations prevents manufacturers from encountering legal problems and ensures the sustainability of their products in the market. Therefore, accurate and complete labeling is of great importance both for consumer safety and for manufacturers' legal compliance and to prevent them from being subject to criminal proceedings. 

You can contact the CRAD Chemical Risk Assessment team to receive support on labelling detergent products in accordance with legislation and preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS).