Chemical compliance

What’s happening? Here is an update for May 2026:

Omnibus: simplification measures for chemical industry
Detergents: EU Regulation updated

Omnibus: simplification measures for chemical industry

The European Commission released a proposal for a chemicals industry simplification package, the so-called 6th Omnibus in July 2025.

The initial proposal faced controversy, particularly over provisions extending the timeline for phasing out carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances in cosmetic products and allowing more flexibility for hazard labelling.

On 29 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted its position on the package, which will amend the CLP, cosmetic products and fertilising products regulations. Its position differs from both the Commission’s initial proposal and Parliament Committees’ initial joint report .

The Chemicals Omnibus aims to streamline and simplify several EU legislations to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for companies, especially SMEs, while upholding a high standard of protection for human health and the environment.

The measures include:

simplifying hazardous chemicals labelling rules under the Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) Regulation. In its position, the Parliament reversed a Commission proposal to scrap the additional formatting requirements introduced in the 2024 revision of CLP, but supported extending the fixed six-month deadline for updating labels to 18 months
clarifying the Cosmetics Products Regulation (CPR): in its latest vote, the Parliament removed proposed changes to Article 15 of the CPR, which would have allowed carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances to be used in some cosmetics when their classification was based on oral or inhalation exposure
easing registration for fertilising products by aligning information requirements with standard REACH rules for chemicals

Parliament will now enter into institutional negotiations on the Omnibus package with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.

The Chemicals Omnibus does not touch upon the revision of the REACH Regulation which is being addressed in a separate long-delayed process as of the Environment Commissioner’s latest statement appears to be forthcoming.

Detergents: EU Regulation updated

EU Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants, replacing the long‑standing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and establishing a fully modernised framework for detergents and surfactants across the EU entered into force on  22 March 2026.

Its provisions become fully applicable on  23 September 2029, giving the sector three and a half years’ time to adapt.

The new law responds to scientific advances, digitalisation trends, sustainability goals, and gaps identified during the Commission’s evaluation of the 2004 Regulation. It introduces a comprehensive ban on animal testing for detergents and surfactants.

The regulation expands its scope to include innovative products like microbial cleaners which use beneficial bacteria and establishes clearer rules for refill stations and online sales to encourage the circular economy and reduce plastic waste.

One of the most significant technical advancements is the introduction of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) and updated labelling requirements.

While essential safety information, usage instructions, and hazard warnings must remain on a physical label, manufacturers now have the option to provide supplemental data through digital labels, such as QR codes.

The DPP will serve as a centralised digital record for each product, allowing customs authorities and consumers to verify compliance, ingredients, and environmental impact more efficiently, thereby reducing administrative burdens on businesses while increasing transparency.