BIH: What is the Detergent Composition Data List?

Previously, I wrote about how general-purpose detergents are labeled.

At that time, I promised to write in more detail about the Ingredient Datasheet for Detergents. So, let's begin.

The content of this document is regulated in the Republic of Srpska by the Detergent Regulation. As you know, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regulations on detergents have not yet been adopted.

In the European Union, this document ("ingredient datasheet") is defined by the Regulation No. 648/2004 on Detergents.

This document contains information that must be made available to medical personnel or the competent authority, without delay and free of charge. The data is kept confidential and used exclusively for medical purposes.

The obligation to create an Ingredient Datasheet for cleaning products is also prescribed by the Regulation on the Safety of Consumer Goods ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska", no. 17/15, 13/17, and 39/23).

The content of the Ingredient Datasheet is detailed in Annex 8, Part V of the Detergent Regulation. According to this, the Ingredient Datasheet for Detergents includes:

• the name of the detergent,
• the manufacturer's name,
• a list of ingredients listed in descending order of mass share.

The list of ingredients is divided into the following mass percentage ranges:

• 10% and above,
• from 1% to 10%,
• from 0.1% to 1%,
• less than 0.1%.

Note: the concentration ranges differ from those indicated on the label.

For each ingredient, the following is provided: the common chemical name or IUPAC name, the name according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), the CAS number, and the name from the European Pharmacopoeia, if available.

Some ingredients do not need to be listed individually but are listed as mixtures of different substances. This is the case with perfumes or essential oils, which are considered individual ingredients. However, similar to the label, if a perfume contains fragrance substances with allergenic properties, they must be listed as individual ingredients.

The label of a general-purpose detergent should include a phone number where the Ingredient Datasheet can be requested.

Only parts of the Ingredient Datasheet must be available to the public, and the manufacturer should publish them on their website. Access to the website should be unrestricted.

When published, concentration ranges and CAS numbers are omitted. Ingredient names are listed according to INCI nomenclature or the European Pharmacopoeia. If these names are not available, common or IUPAC names are used.

An Ingredient Datasheet is not required for detergents used for industrial or institutional purposes. It is assumed that an adequate level of information is provided through the safety/technical data sheet.

And don't forget: detergents, like any other chemical, must be entered into the Chemical Inventory.

If you don't have time to prepare the documentation required for this process, or you need help creating the Ingredient Datasheet, feel free to write to me at nina.pajovic@bens-consulting.eu.