The EU Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 is the primary European legislation governing the composition, labelling, and biodegradability of detergents — including all car wash chemicals. Any product sold in the EU market must comply with its requirements.
Key requirements for car wash products:
- Ultimate biodegradability — all surfactants must achieve at least 60% biodegradation within 28 days under OECD 301 test conditions.
- Ingredient disclosure — product labels must list surfactant types and concentration ranges, preservatives, fragrances, and enzymes.
- Safety Data Sheets — a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available for every product, detailing hazards, handling, and first aid.
- Phosphate restrictions — limits on phosphorus content to protect waterways from eutrophication.
What this means for operators:
When you purchase products from reputable manufacturers like Fortis Foam, compliance is built into the formulation. Both Fortis Foam PRO and Fortis Foam ECO meet all Regulation 648/2004 requirements.
However, operators also have responsibilities: proper chemical storage, correct dilution ratios, functional oil separators, and compliant wastewater discharge. Non-compliance can result in fines and operating licence revocation.
The regulation works alongside REACH, which governs the registration and safety assessment of individual chemical substances. For more on environmental compliance, read about biodegradability of car wash chemicals.