Selling cleaning products in the UK and EU: hazard labels, detergent rules and claims
By Drew Cooper, Founder & CEO · Last reviewed: 12 November 2026
Household cleaning products sold in Great Britain and the EU need a hazard label under CLP if the formula is classified, a detergent ingredient statement, and the name and address of a supplier based in that market. In the EU, hazardous mixtures also need a UFI code and a poison centre notification. A US label written for EPA and OSHA rules almost always needs redesigning. Claims such as "kills 99.9% of germs" bring in biocide rules, the most common reason a cleaning product cannot launch on time.
Who this guide is for
Overseas brands selling surface cleaners, laundry and dishwasher detergents, air fresheners, descalers and similar household products into the UK or EU.
1. Start with classification
How your formula is classified decides almost everything else. The EU uses the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Great Britain uses GB CLP, kept up to date by the Health and Safety Executive. The two hazard lists are starting to diverge, so the same formula can be classified differently in each market.
US classifications under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard are a useful start but not a substitute. OSHA does not cover environmental hazards, so aquatic toxicity, which often triggers the "environment" pictogram in the UK and EU, is frequently missing from US paperwork.
2. What goes on a CLP label
- Product identifier and, for consumer packs, the nominal quantity
- Name, address and telephone number of the supplier based in GB or the EU
- Hazard pictograms, signal word ("Danger" or "Warning"), hazard statements and precautionary statements
- Supplementary information where required
- In the EU, the UFI code for hazardous mixtures
The label must be in the official language or languages of each country where the product is sold. Words such as "non-toxic", "non-harmful", "non-polluting" and "ecological" must not appear on the label or packaging of a hazardous mixture.
The EU revised CLP in 2024 through Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, adding rules on label formatting, refill sales and hazard information in online listings. Parts of it are being phased in and some formatting rules are under review through the EU's chemicals simplification package, so check the current position before you print.
3. UFI codes and poison centre notification
In the EU, mixtures classified for health or physical hazards need a poison centre notification under Annex VIII of CLP, submitted through the European Chemicals Agency portal for each country where you sell, and a 16-character UFI printed on the label. Great Britain did not adopt the EU system, so a UFI is not required there, although it can stay on a shared label.
4. Detergent rules
Detergents have their own regulation in both markets: Regulation (EC) 648/2004 in the EU and the retained version in GB. The label must show:
- Ingredient groups in weight bands (less than 5%, 5% to 15%, 15% to 30%, 30% and over), such as anionic or non-ionic surfactants
- Enzymes, disinfectants, optical brighteners, perfumes and preservatives, whatever the amount
- Named allergenic fragrances above 0.01%
- A website address where the full ingredient list can be found
- Dosing instructions for laundry and dishwasher detergents
Surfactants must meet biodegradability rules, and phosphorus is restricted in consumer laundry and automatic dishwasher detergents. The EU is revising the Detergents Regulation, so expect changes to these rules.
5. Germ-killing claims make it a biocide
If a product claims to kill or control bacteria, viruses or mould, it is a biocidal product as well as a detergent. In the EU this falls under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012, and in GB under GB BPR, enforced by the HSE.
- The active substance must be approved, or still under review, for the right product type
- The supplier of the active substance must be on the official approved list (the Article 95 list, with a separate GB list)
- Many products need a national authorisation or fall under national transitional rules
- The label needs extra biocide information
Removing the claim is often the fastest route to market. The product can then be sold as a cleaner, and the claim can return once the biocide work is done.
6. Child-resistant closures and tactile warnings
Some hazardous mixtures sold to the public must have child-resistant fastenings and a tactile warning of danger for people with impaired sight. Liquid laundry capsules have specific rules on packaging, bittering agents and warnings.
7. The business responsible, and REACH
The supplier named on the label must be based in the market: a GB business for GB and an EU business for the EU. Separately, under EU REACH and UK REACH, substances imported above 1 tonne a year, including within mixtures, must be registered by the importer or by an only representative appointed by the non-EU manufacturer. Professional and industrial users must also receive a safety data sheet in their language.
At a glance
| Requirement | Great Britain | EU |
|---|---|---|
| Classification and labelling | GB CLP | EU CLP |
| UFI on label | Not required | Required for hazardous mixtures |
| Poison centre notification | Not under the EU system | Through the ECHA portal, per country |
| Detergent ingredient labelling | Retained Detergents Regulation | Regulation (EC) 648/2004 |
| Germ-killing claims | GB BPR | EU BPR plus national rules |
| Supplier on label | GB-based | EU-based |
| Language | English | Official language(s) of each country |
Questions we get asked
Can I sticker over my US label?
Sometimes. A durable over-label can work if it carries every CLP element and stays readable, but conflicting US hazard information left visible causes problems. Most brands move to a dedicated UK and EU label.
Do I need a UFI for the UK?
No. UFIs are an EU requirement. You can keep the EU UFI on a shared UK and EU label.
Can I call my product non-toxic or eco-friendly?
Not if the mixture is classified as hazardous. CLP bans terms such as "non-toxic" and "ecological" on hazardous products, and environmental claims are also policed under consumer protection law.
My label says "kills 99.9% of bacteria". Is that a problem?
It makes the product a biocide, so the active substance and its supplier must be approved for that use. If they are not, remove the claim before launch.
How Lantara helps
Lantara reviews your formula paperwork and labels against GB and EU CLP, detergent and biocide rules, translates labels for each EU country, and acts as your Responsible Person in each market. Start with a free readiness check of up to 10 SKUs, or read about UK product compliance and EU compliance.