Update on issues related to the EU Ecolabel EUEB Meeting 18 June 2013, Brussels DG ENVIRONMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Amendment Detergents and Cleaning Products This implied that the majority of readily-degradable workhorse surfactants currently used in detergents and cleaning products has become classified as Chronic category 3 (H412) and in some cases even Chronic category 2 (H411), and therefore are banned from use in EU Ecolabelled products. As surfactants are usually used in surfactants mixtures, it is very difficult to estimate the possibility of replacing them. This would not only imply that it would be almost impossible for detergents and cleaning products existing on the market to apply for the EU Ecolabel, but that almost all licences awarded to more than 2900 of these products before 1st December 2012 will have to be withdrawn. Amendment Detergents and Cleaning Products The issue: 1/12/12: Provisions of Regulation No 286/2011 amending CLP Regulation for the purposes of its adaptation to technical and scientific progress, became applicable in respect of substances This Regulation added new classification criteria for long-term aquatic hazard based on aquatic chronic toxicity and biodegradability data. The majority of readily-degradable workhorse surfactants currently used in detergents and cleaning products has become classified as Chronic category 3 (H412) and in some cases even Chronic category 2 (H411), and therefore banned from EU Ecolabelled products It is very difficult for detergents and cleaning products existing on the market to apply for the EU Ecolabel Almost all licences awarded to more than 2900 of these products before 1st December 2012 would have to be withdrawn.

In line to what done by the Nordic Swan we are proposing the following amendments: To derogation table in EU Ecolabel criteria for Hand dishwashing detergents (+ related Assess.& Verif.text): Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product**** H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52-53   Surfactants in total concentrations < 2,5 % in the final product**** H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R51-53 To derogation table in EU Ecolabel criteria for all other Detergents and Cleaning products (+ related Assess.& Verif.text): Surfactants in total concentrations < 25 % in the final product**** H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52-53   (****) This exemption is applicable provided that they are ready degradable and anaerobically degradable

Thank You! 4