Detergents

The Icelandic regulation on detergents, No 300/2014, implements EU Regulation No 648/2004 and its amendments.

Detergent means any substance or preparation containing soaps and/or other surfactants intended for washing and cleaning processes. Detergents may be in any form (liquid, powder, paste, bar, cake, moulded piece, shape, etc.) and marketed for or used in household, or institutional or industrial purposes.

Labelling

The labelling of detergents shall contain the following information in Icelandic, English or Nordic languages other than Finnish (see further Annex VII in the EU Regulation):

• Product name and trade name
• Full address and phone number of the party responsible for placing the product on the market.
• Address, e-mail and telephone number where you can access a data sheet of ingredients.
• Ingredients:
  • The following weight percentage ranges should be used to indicate the content of constituents if added in concentrations greater than 0.2% by weight: <5%, ≥5% - <15%, ≥15% - <30% and ≥30%.
  • The following classes of constituents, if added, shall be listed irrespective of their concentration, although the concentration is less than 0.2%: Enzyme, disinfectant. optical brighteners, perfumes and preservatives.
  • If an allergic-releasing agent is added to a concentration of more than 0,01% by weight, it shall be indicated on the packaging in accordance with the name system of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
  • Provide a website where a data sheet of ingredients can be obtained.
• Instructions for use and special precautions if necessary.
• Dosage in laundry detergents:
  • The recommended quantities and/or dosage instructions expressed in millilitres or grams appropriate to a standard washing machine load, for soft, medium and hard water hardness classes and making provision for one or two cycle washing processes. The drinking water in Iceland is in most cases soft (in the lowest category).
  • The number of washing doses should be given in a package based on average water for slightly, normally or heavily soiled laundry.
  • The capacity of any measuring cup, if provided, shall be indicated in millilitres or grams, and markings shall be provided to indicate the dose of detergent appropriate for a standard washing machine load for soft, medium and hard water hardness.

It should be noted that if a detergent is also a subject to the CLP Regulation, the labelling items affected by that regulation must be in Icelandic.