Phosphorus is another key ingredient used in detergents. However, phosphorus and its compounds cause damage to ecosystems and aquatic environments as they contribute to eutrophication. Significant progress is expected to be made for the recovery of phosphorus from urban wastewater under Directive (EU) 2024/3019. It is nevertheless important to continue addressing the issue at source by limiting the content of phosphorus in the types of detergents which are used in the highest volumes. Therefore, to further ensure a high degree of protection of the environment, and to reduce the contribution of detergents to eutrophication, it is necessary to maintain the harmonised limits on the content of phosphates and phosphorus compounds in consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents. Given the significant consequences eutrophication can have, the Commission should assess the feasibility of further reducing such limits and of introducing new limits for other categories of products and, where appropriate, adopt a proposal to amend such essential elements of this Regulation.
Text as published in the Official Journal, reproduced verbatim (including any typographical quirks of the source). For the authentic version, see EUR-Lex.
