HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"L 169/52
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
29.6.2011
COMMISSION DECISION
of 28 June 2011
on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel to all-purpose cleaners and
sanitary cleaners
(notified under document C(2011) 4442)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2011/383/EU)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
criteria set out in Decision 2005/344/EC, so that they
have sufficient time to adapt their products to comply
with the revised criteria and requirements. Producers
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
should also be allowed to submit applications based on
Union,
the criteria set out in Decision 2005/344/EC or on the
criteria set out in this Decision until the lapse of validity
of that Decision.
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU
Ecolabel ( 1 ), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,
(7) The
measures
provided
for
in
this
Decision
are
in accordance with the opinion of the Committee
established by Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010,
After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Whereas:
(1)
Under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel
Article 1
may be awarded to those products with a reduced
The product group ‘All-purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners’
environmental impact during their entire life cycle.
shall comprise: all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, and
sanitary cleaners.
(2) Regulation
(EC)
No
66/2010
provides
that
specific
EU
Ecolabel criteria are to be established according to
product groups.
(a) All-purpose cleaners comprising detergent products
intended for the routine cleaning of floors, walls, ceilings,
windows and other fixed surfaces, and which are either
(3) Commission
Decision
2005/344/EC
(
diluted in water prior to use or used without dilution.

2 ) has established
the ecological criteria and the related assessment and
All-purpose cleaners shall mean products intended for
verification requirements for all-purpose cleaners and
indoor use in buildings which include domestic, commercial
cleaners for sanitary facilities which are valid until
and industrial facilities.
30 June 2011.
(b) Window cleaners comprising specific cleaners intended for
(4) Those
criteria
have
been
further
reviewed
in
the
light
of
the routine cleaning of windows, and which are used
technological developments. The new criteria, as well as
without dilution.
the related assessment and verification requirements,
should be valid for 4 years from the date of adoption
of this Decision.
(c) Sanitary cleaners comprising detergent products intended
for the routine removal, including by scouring, of dirt
(5) Decision
2005/344/EC
should
be
replaced
for
reasons
of
and/or deposits in sanitary facilities, such as laundry
clarity.
rooms, toilets, bathrooms, showers and kitchens. This
subgroup thus contains bathroom cleaners and kitchen
cleaners.
(6) A
transitional
period
should
be
allowed
for
producers
whose products have been awarded the Ecolabel for all-
purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners on the basis of the
The product group shall cover products for both private and
professional use. The products shall be mixtures of chemical
( 1 ) OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.
substances and must not contain micro-organisms that have
( 2 ) OJ L 115, 4.5.2005, p. 42.
been deliberately added by the manufacturer.

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29.6.2011 Official
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Article 2
Article 6
For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall
Decision 2005/344/EC is repealed.
apply:
Article 7
1. ‘substance’ means a chemical element and its compounds in
1. By
derogation
from
Article
6,
applications
for
the
EU
the natural state or obtained by any production process,
Ecolabel for products falling within the product group
including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of
‘all-purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners’ submitted before
the product and any impurity deriving from the process used
the date of adoption of this Decision shall be evaluated in
but excluding any solvent, which may be separated without
accordance with the conditions laid down in Decision
affecting the stability of the substance or changing its
2005/344/EC.
composition;
2. Applications
for
the
EU
Ecolabel
for
products
falling
2. ‘product’ (or ‘mixture’) means a mixture or solution of two
within the product group ‘all-purpose cleaners and sanitary
or more substances, which do not react.
cleaners’ submitted from the date of adoption of this Decision
but by 30 June 2011 at the latest may be based either on the
criteria set out in Decision 2005/344/EC or on the criteria set
Article 3
out in this Decision.
In order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC)
No 66/2010, an item of all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner or
Those applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the
sanitary cleaner shall fall within the product group ‘all-purpose
criteria on which they are based.
cleaners and sanitary cleaners’ as defined in Article 1 of this
Decision and shall comply with the criteria as well as the related
assessment and verification requirements set out in the Annex
3. Where the Ecolabel is awarded on the basis of an appli
to this Decision.
cation evaluated in accordance with the criteria set out in
Decision 2005/344/EC, that Ecolabel may be used for
12 months from the date of adoption of this Decision.
Article 4
The criteria for the product group ‘all-purpose cleaners and
Article 8
sanitary cleaners’, as well as the related assessment and verifi
cation requirements, shall be valid for 4 years from the date of
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
adoption of this Decision.
Done at Brussels, 28 June 2011.
Article 5
For the Commission
For administrative purposes the code number assigned to the
product group ‘all-purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners’ shall
Janez POTONIK
be ‘020’.
Member of the Commission

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L 169/54
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
29.6.2011
ANNEX
FRAMEWORK
The aims of the criteria
The criteria aim, in particular, at promoting products that have a reduced environmental impact by limiting the quantity
of harmful substances, by reducing the quantity of detergent used and by reducing packaging waste. The criteria
furthermore aim at reducing or preventing of risks for the environment and for human health related to the use of
hazardous substances, minimising packaging waste, providing information that will enable the consumer to use the
product in the way that is efficient and minimising environmental impact.
CRITERIA
1. Toxicity to aquatic organisms
2. Biodegradability of surfactants
3. Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
4. Fragrances
5. Volatile organic compounds
6. Phosphorus
7. Packaging requirements
8. Fitness for use
9. User instructions
10. Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
11. Professional training
Assessment and verification requirements
(a) Requirements
The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.
Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses test reports, or other evidence to show
compliance with the criteria, it is understood that these may originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or
their supplier(s) etc., as appropriate.
Where possible, the testing should be performed by laboratories that meet the general requirements of EN ISO 17025 or
equivalent.
Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if the competent body
assessing the application accepts their equivalence.
Appendix I makes reference to the Detergents Ingredients Database (DID) list which contains the most widely used
ingredients used in detergent formulations. It shall be used for deriving the data for the calculations of the Critical
Dilution Volume (CDV) and for the assessment of the biodegradability of the ingredients. For substances not present on
the DID list, guidance is given on how to calculate or extrapolate the relevant data. The latest version of the DID list is
available from the EU Ecolabel website or via the websites of the individual competent bodies.
Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifi
cations.
(b) Measurement thresholds
All substances in the product, including additives (e.g. preservatives or stabilisers) in the ingredients, of which the
concentration exceeds 0,010 % by weight of the final formulation shall comply with the EU Ecolabel criteria, except
for Criterion 1, where each intentionally added substance should be included, irrespective of its weight. Impurities
resulting from the production of the ingredients which are present in concentrations > 0,010 % by weight of the final
formulation shall also comply with the criteria.

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(c) Reference dosage
For all-purpose cleaners which are diluted in water prior to use the dosage in grams of the product recommended by the
manufacturer for preparing 1 litre of washing water for cleaning of normally soiled surfaces is taken as the reference
dosage for the calculations aiming at documenting compliance with the EU Ecolabel criteria and for testing of cleaning
ability.
EU ECOLABEL CRITERIA
Criterion 1 — Toxicity to aquatic organisms
The critical dilution volume (CDV chronic ) is calculated for each substance (i) using the following equation:
CDV chronic X CDV i X weight i DF i
TF
1 000
chronici
where weight (i) is the weight of the substance (in grams) contained in the dosage recommended by the manufacturer for
1 litre of washing water (for all-purpose cleaners which are diluted in water prior to use) or per 100 grams of product
(all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners and sanitary cleaners which are used without dilution). DF (i) is the degradation
factor and TF chronic(i) is the toxicity factor of the substance (in milligrams/litre).
The values of DF and TF chronic shall be as given in the detergent ingredient database list-Part A (DID list-Part A) (Appendix
I). If the substance in question is not included in the DID list-Part A, the applicant shall estimate the values following the
approach described in the DID list-Part B (Appendix I). The CDV chronic is summed for each substance, making the
CDV chronic for the product.
For all-purpose cleaners which are diluted in water prior to use, the CDV chronic shall be calculated on the basis of the dosage
in grams of the product recommended by the manufacturer for preparing 1 litre of washing water for cleaning of
normally soiled surfaces. The CDV chronic of the recommended dose expressed for 1 litre of washing water shall not exceed
18 000 litres.
For all-purpose cleaners which are used without dilution, the CDV chronic for 100 g of the product shall not exceed
52 000 litres.
For window cleaners, the CDV chronic for 100 g of the product shall not exceed 4 800 litres.
For sanitary cleaners, the CDV chronic for 100 g of the product shall not exceed 80 000 litres.
Assessment and verification: the exact formulation of the product shall be provided to the competent body, together with
the details of the CDV chronic calculations showing compliance with this Criterion.
Criterion 2 — Biodegradability of surfactants
(a) Ready biodegradability (aerobic)
Each surfactant used in the product shall be readily biodegradable.
Assessment and verification: the exact formulation of the product as well as a description of the function of each substance
shall be provided to the Competent Body. The DID list-Part A (Appendix I) indicates whether a specific surfactant is
aerobically biodegradable or not (the surfactants with an entry of ‘R’ in the column on aerobic biodegradability are readily
biodegradable). For surfactants which are not included in the DID list-Part A, the relevant information from literature or
other sources, or appropriate test results, showing that they are aerobically biodegradable shall be provided. The tests for
ready biodegradability shall be as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents ( 1 ). Surfactants shall be considered as readily biodegradable if the level of
biodegradability (mineralisation) measured in accordance with one of the five following tests is at least 60 % within 28
days: CO 2 headspace test (OECD 310), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) Evolution Modified Sturm test (OECD 301B; Council
Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 ( 2 ) method C.4-C), Closed Bottle test (OECD 301D; Regulation (EC) No 440/2008
method C.4-E), Manometric Respirometry (OECD 301F; Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 method C.4-D), or MITI (I) test
(OECD 301C; Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 method C.4-F), or their equivalent ISO tests. Depending on the physical
characteristics of the surfactant, one of the following tests might be used to confirm ready biodegradability, if the level of
biodegradability is at least 70 % within 28 days: Dissolved Organic Carbon DOC Die-Away (OECD 301A; Regulation (EC)
No 440/2008 method C.4-A) or Modified OECD Screening DOC Die-Away (OECD 301E; Regulation (EC) No 440/2008
method C.4-B), or their equivalent ISO tests. The applicability of test methods based on measurement of dissolved organic
carbon needs to be appropriately justified as these methods could give results on the removal and not on the biode
gradability. Pre-adaptation is not to be used in tests for aerobic ready biodegradability. The 10 days window principle
shall not apply.
( 1 ) OJ L 104, 8.4.2004, p. 1.
( 2 ) OJ L 142, 31.5.2008, p. 1.

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L 169/56
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Official Journal of the European Union
29.6.2011
(b) Anaerobic biodegradability
Surfactants that are not biodegradable under anaerobic conditions may be used in the product within specified limitations
provided that the surfactants are not classified with H400/R50 (Very toxic to aquatic life) within the limit specified below.
For all-purpose cleaners to be diluted with water prior to use, the total weight of anaerobically non-biodegradable
surfactants must not exceed 0,40 g of the recommended dose expressed for 1 litre of washing water.
For all-purpose cleaners to be used without dilution, the total weight of anaerobically non-biodegradable surfactants must
not exceed 4,0 g per 100 g product.
For sanitary cleaners, the total weight of anaerobically non-biodegradable surfactants must not exceed 2,0 g per 100 g
product.
For window cleaners, the total weight of anaerobically non-biodegradable surfactants must not exceed 2,0 g per 100 g
product.
Assessment and verification: the exact formulation of the product as well as a description of the function of each substance
shall be provided to the competent body. The DID list-Part A (Appendix I) indicates whether a specific surfactant is
anaerobically biodegradable or not (the surfactants with an entry of ‘Y’ in the column on anaerobic biodegradability are
biodegradable under anaerobic conditions). For surfactants which are not included in the DID list-Part A, the relevant
information from literature or other sources, or appropriate test results, showing that they are anaerobically biodegradable
shall be provided. The reference test for anaerobic degradability shall be OECD 311, ISO 11734, ECETOC No 28 (June
1988) or an equivalent test method, with the requirement of a minimum of 60 % ultimate degradability under anaerobic
conditions. Test methods simulating the conditions in a relevant anaerobic environment may also be used to document
that 60 % ultimate degradability has been attained under anaerobic conditions.
Criterion 3 — Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
The requirements stated in (a), (b) and (c) below shall apply to each substance, including biocides, colouring agents and
fragrances, that exceeds 0,010 % by weight of the final product. This includes also each substance of any mixture used in
the formulation that exceeds 0,010 % by weight of the final product. Nanoforms intentionally added to the product shall
prove compliance with the Criterion 3(c) for any concentration.
(a) Specified excluded substances
The following substances shall not be included in the product, either as part of the formulation or as part of any mixture
included in the formulation:
— Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and derivatives thereof
— EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic-acid) and its salts
— 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
— 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
— Diazolinidylurea
— Formaldehyde
— Sodium hydroxy methyl glycinate
— Nitromusks and polycyclic musks, including for example:
— Musk xylene: 5-Tert-butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene,
— Musk ambrette: 4-Tert-butyl-3-methoxy-2,6-dinitrotoluene,
— Moskene: 1,1,3,3,5-Pentamethyl-4,6-dinitroindan,
— Musk tibetine: 1-Tert-butyl-3,4,5-trimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzene,
— Musk ketone: 4′-Tert-butyl-2′,6′-dimethyl-3′,5′-dinitroacetaphenone,
— HHCB (1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran),
— AHTN (6-Acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethyltetralin).
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration supported by declarations from manufacturers of
substances, as appropriate, confirming that the listed substances have not been included in the product.

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(b) Quaternary ammonium salts
Quaternary ammonium salts that are not readily biodegradable shall not be used, either as part of the formulation or as
part of any mixture included in the formulation.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide documentation showing the biodegradability of any quaternary
ammonium salt used.
(c) Hazardous substances and mixtures
According to the Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the product or any part of it shall not contain substances
(in any forms, including nanoforms) meeting criteria for classification with the hazard statements or risk phrases specified
below in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 1 ) or Council
Directive 67/548/EEC ( 2 ) nor shall it contain substances referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the
European Parliament and of the Council ( 3 ). The risk phrases below generally refer to substances. However, for mixtures of
enzymes and fragrances, where information on substances cannot be obtained, the classification rules for mixtures shall
be applied.
List of hazard statements and risk phrases:
Hazard Statement ( 1 ) Risk
Phrase
( 2 )
H300 Fatal if swallowed R28
H301 Toxic if swallowed R25
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways R65
H310 Fatal in contact with skin R27
H311 Toxic in contact with skin R24
H330 Fatal if inhaled R23;
R26
H331 Toxic if inhaled R23
H340 May cause genetic defects R46
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects R68
H350 May cause cancer R45
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation R49
H351 Suspected of causing cancer R40
H360F May damage fertility R60
H360D May damage the unborn child R61
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child R60-61
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child R60-63
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility R61-62
H361f Suspected of damaging fertility R62
H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child R63
H361fd Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. R62-63
H362 May cause harm to breast-fed children R64
H370 Causes damage to organs
R39/23; R39/24; R39/25;
R39/26; R39/27; R39/28
H371 May cause damage to organs
R68/20; R68/21; R68/22
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
R48/25; R48/24; R48/23
( 1 ) OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1.
( 2 ) OJ 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1.
( 3 ) OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

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L 169/58
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Official Journal of the European Union
29.6.2011
Hazard Statement ( 1 ) Risk
Phrase
( 2 )
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
R48/20; R48/21; R48/22
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life R50
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R50-53
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R51-53
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52-53
H413 May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life R53
EUH059 Hazardous to the ozone layer R59
EUH029 Contact with water liberates toxic gas R29
EUH031 Contact with acids liberates toxic gas R31
EUH032 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas R32
EUH070 Toxic by eye contact R39-41
Sensitising substances
H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled R42
H317: May cause allergic skin reaction R43
( 1 ) As provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
( 2 ) As provided for in Directive 67/548/EEC.
Substances or mixtures which change their properties upon processing (e.g. become no longer bioavailable, undergo
chemical modification) so that the identified hazard no longer applies are exempted from the above requirement.
Derogations: the following substances or mixtures are specifically exempted from this requirement:
Surfactants
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life R50
In concentrations < 25 % in the product (*)
Fragrances H412
Harmful
to
aquatic
life
with
long-lasting
R52-53
effects
Enzymes (**) H334:
May
cause
allergy
or
asthma
symptoms
R42
or breathing difficulties if inhaled
Enzymes (**) H317:
May
cause
allergic
skin
reaction R43
NTA as an impurity in MGDA and GLDA (***) H351
Suspected
of
causing
cancer R40
(*) The percentage must be divided by the M-factor established in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
(**) Including stabilisers and other auxiliary substances in the preparations.
(***) In concentrations lower than 1,0 % in the raw material as long as the total concentration in the final product is lower than 0,10 %.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the exact formulation of the product to the competent body. The
applicant shall demonstrate compliance with this Criterion for substances in the product on the basis of information
consisting as a minimum of that specified in Annex VII to the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Such information shall be
specific to the particular form of the substance, including nanoforms, used in the product. For that purpose, the applicant
shall provide a declaration of compliance with this Criterion, together with a list of ingredients and related Safety Data
Sheets in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for the product as well as for all substances listed
in the formulation(s). Concentration limits shall be specified in the Safety Data Sheets in accordance with Article 31 of
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
(d) Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
No derogation from the exclusion in Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 may be given concerning substances
identified as substances of very high concern and included in the list foreseen in Article 59 of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006 present in mixtures in concentrations higher than 0,010 %.

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Assessment and verification: the list of substances identified as substances of very high concern and included in the
candidate list in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 can be found here:
http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/authorisation_process/candidate_list_table_en.asp
Reference to the list shall be made on the date of application.
Concentration limits shall be specified in the safety data sheets in accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006.
(e) Biocides
(i) The product may only include biocides in order to preserve the product, and in the appropriate dosage for this
purpose alone. This does not refer to surfactants, which may also have biocidal properties.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide copies of the material safety data sheets of any preservatives
added, together with information on their exact concentration in the product. The manufacturer or supplier of the
preservatives shall provide information on the dosage necessary to preserve the product.
(ii) It is prohibited to claim or suggest on the packaging or by any other communication that the product has an
antimicrobial action.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the texts and layouts used on each type of packaging and/or an
example of each different type of packaging to the competent body.
(iii) Biocides, either as part of the formulation or as part of any mixture included in the formulation, that are used to
preserve the product and that are classified H410/R50-53 or H411/R51-53 in accordance with Directive
67/548/EEC, Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 1 ) or Regulation (EC) No
1272/2008, are permitted but only if their bioaccumulation potentials are characterised by log Pow (log
octanol/water partition coefficient) < 3,0 or an experimentally determined bioconcentration factor (BCF) ≤ 100.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide copies of the material safety data sheets for all biocides, together
with a documentation of the concentrations of the biocides in the final product.
Criterion 4 — Fragrances
(a) The product shall not contain perfumes containing nitro-musks or polycyclic musks (as specified in Criterion 3(a)).
(b) Any substance added to the product as a fragrance must have been manufactured and/or handled in accordance with
the code of practice of the International Fragrance Association. The code can be found on IFRA website: http://www.
ifraorg.org
(c) Fragrance substances subject to the declaration requirement provided for in Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 (Annex VII)
and which are not already excluded by Criterion 3(c) and (other) fragrance substances classified H317/R43 (May cause
allergic skin reaction) and/or H334/R42 (May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled)
shall not be present in quantities ≥ 0,010 % (≥ 100 ppm) per substance.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with each part of Criteria (a) and (b). For
Criterion (c), the applicant shall provide a signed declaration of compliance indicating the amount of fragrances in the
product. The applicant shall also provide a declaration from the fragrance manufacturer specifying the content of each of
the substances in the fragrances which are listed in Annex III, Part I to Council Directive 76/768/EEC ( 2 ) as well as the
content of (other) substances which have been assigned the risk phrases R43/H317 and/or R42/H334.
Criterion 5 — Volatile organic compounds
The final products of all-purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners (as sold) shall not contain more than 6 % (by weight) of
volatile organic compounds with a boiling point lower than 150 °C. Alternatively, for concentrated products to be diluted
in water, the total concentration of volatile organic compounds with a boiling point lower than 150 °C shall not exceed
0,2 % (by weight) in the washing water.
The final products of window cleaners (as sold) shall not contain more than 10 % (by weight) of volatile organic
compounds with a boiling point lower than 150 °C.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide copies of the material safety data sheets of each organic solvent
together with details of the calculations of the total concentration of volatile organic compounds with a boiling point
lower than 150 °C.
( 1 ) OJ L 200, 30.7.1999, p. 1.
( 2 ) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 169.

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L 169/60
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Official Journal of the European Union
29.6.2011
Criterion 6 — Phosphorus
The total quantity of elemental phosphorous in the product shall be calculated on the basis of the dosage of the product
recommended by the manufacturer for preparing 1 litre of washing water for cleaning of normally soiled surfaces (for
products diluted in water prior to use) or per 100 g of product (for products used without dilution) taking into account
all substances containing phosphorus (e.g. phosphates and phosphonates).
For all-purpose cleaners, which are diluted in water prior to use, the total phosphorus content (P) shall not exceed 0,02 g
of the dosage of the product recommended by the manufacturer for 1 litre of washing water.
For all-purpose cleaners, which are used without dilution, the total phosphorus content (P) shall not exceed 0,2 g per
100 g of product.
For sanitary cleaners, the total phosphorus content (P) shall not exceed 1,0 g per 100 g of product.
Substances used in window cleaners must not contain phosphorus.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the exact formulation of the product to the competent body,
together with the details of the calculations showing compliance with this Criterion.
Criterion 7 — Packaging requirements
(a) Sprays containing propellants must not be used.
(b) Plastic materials that are used for the main container shall be marked in accordance with the European Parliament and
Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste ( 1 ), or DIN 6120 Parts 1 and 2
in connection with DIN 7728 Part 1.
(c) If the primary packaging is made of recycled material, any indication of this on the packaging shall be in conformity
with the ISO 14021 standard ‘Environmental labels and declarations — Self declared claims (type II environmental
labelling)’.
(d) Products packaged in trigger sprays must be sold as a part of a refillable system.
(e) Only phthalates that at the time of application have been risk assessed and have not been classified according to
Criterion 3(c) may be used in the plastic packaging.
(f) The weight utility ratio (WUR) of the primary packaging must not exceed the following values:
Product type WUR
Concentrated products, including liquid concentrates and 1,20 gram packaging per litre use solution (washing
solids, that are diluted in water prior to use
water)
Ready-to-use products, i.e. products used without further 150 gram packaging per litre use solution (washing
dilution
water)
WUR is calculated only for the primary packaging (including caps, stoppers and hand pumps/spraying devices) by
using the formula below:
WUR P W i U i =D i r i ,
where
W i = The weight (g) of the primary packaging (i) including label if applicable.
U i = The weight (g) of non-recycled (virgin) material in the primary packaging (i). If the proportion of recycled
material in the primary packaging is 0 %, then U i = W i .
D i = The number of functional doses (= number of the dosage volume which is recommended by the manufacturer
for 1 litre of washing water) contained in the primary packaging (i). In the case of ready-to-use products that
are sold pre-diluted, D i = product volume (in litres).
r i = Recycling figure, i.e. the number of times the primary packaging (i) is used for the same purpose through a
return or refill system (r i = 1, if the packaging is not reused for the same purpose. If the packaging is reused, r i
is set to 1 unless the applicant can document a higher number.
( 1 ) OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.

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Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a calculation of the WUR of the product to the competent body,
together with a declaration of compliance with each part of this Criterion. For Criterion (e) the applicant shall provide
completed and signed declaration of compliance.
Criterion 8 — Fitness for use
The product shall be fit for use, meeting the needs of the consumers.
(a) All-purpose cleaners and window cleaners
For all-purpose cleaners, only fat-removing effects must be documented. For window cleaners, stripe-less drying must be
documented.
The cleaning ability must be equivalent to or better than that of a market-leading or generic reference product, approved
by a competent body.
Assessment and verification: the performance of the product must either be tested by:
— an adequate and justifiable laboratory test, or
— an adequate and justifiable consumer test.
Both tests must be carried out and reported within specified parameters as stated in the framework described in
‘Framework for testing the performance of all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners and sanitary cleaners’ that can be
found here:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ecolabelled_products/categories/purpose_cleaners_en.htm
(b) Sanitary cleaners
Sanitary cleaners include bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners and kitchen cleaners. For bathroom cleaners, both limesoap
and limescale removal shall be documented. For acidic toilet cleaners, only limescale removal shall be documented. For
kitchen cleaners fat removing effects shall be documented.
The cleaning ability must be equivalent to or better than that of the generic reference detergent specified below.
Assessment and verification: the performance of the product must either be tested by:
— an adequate and justifiable laboratory test, or
— an adequate and justifiable consumer test.
Both tests must be carried out and reported within specified parameters as stated in the framework described in
‘Framework for testing the performance of all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners and sanitary cleaners’. The generic
reference detergent shall be the one prescribed in IKW performance test ‘Recommendation for the quality assessment of
acidic toilet cleaners’ (SFW-Journal, 126, 11, pp. 50-56, 2000). The reference detergent is applicable for toilet cleaners
and bathroom cleaners; however the pH must be reduced to 3,5 for the testing of bathroom cleaners.
The IKW performance test ‘Recommendation for the quality assessment of acidic toilet cleaners’ (SFW-Journal, 126, 11,
pp. 50-56, 2000) can be downloaded from
http://www.ikw.org/pdf/broschueren/EQ_WC_Reiniger_Englisch.pdf
Criterion 9 — User instructions
(a) Dosage instructions
Information on the recommended dosage of all-purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners shall appear on the packaging in a
reasonably sufficient size and against a visible background. In the case of a concentrated product, it shall be clearly
indicated on the packaging that only a small quantity of the product is needed compared to normal (i.e. diluted) products.
The following text (or equivalent text) shall appear on the packaging:
‘Proper dosage saves costs and minimises environmental impacts’.
The following text (or equivalent text) shall appear on the packaging of ready-to-use all-purpose cleaners: ‘The product is
not intended for large-scale cleaning’.

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(b) Safety advice
The following safety advice (or equivalent) shall appear on the product in text or as pictogram:
— ‘Keep away from children’,
— ‘Do not mix different cleaners’,
— ‘Avoid inhaling sprayed product’ (only for products that are packaged as sprays).
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a sample of the product packaging, including the label to the
competent body, together with a declaration of compliance with each part of this Criterion.
Criterion 10 — Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
Optional label with text box shall contain the following text:
‘— reduced impact on aquatic life,
— reduced use of hazardous substances,
— reduced packaging waste,
— clear user instructions.’
The guidelines for the use of the optional label with text box can be found in the ‘Guidelines for the use of the EU
Ecolabel logo’ on the website:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/promo/logos_en.htm
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a sample of the label, together with a declaration of compliance with
this Criterion.
Criterion 11 — Professional training
For detergents, which are used by professional users, the producer, its distributor or a third party shall offer training or
training materials for cleaning staff. These shall include step-by-step instructions for proper dilution, use, disposal and the
use of equipment.
Assessment and verification: a sample of training material containing step-by-step instructions for proper dilution, use,
disposal and the use of equipment and a description of training courses shall be provided to the competent body.

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Appendix I
Detergents Ingredients Database (DID) list
The DID list (Part A) is a list containing information of the aquatic toxicity and biodegradability of ingredients typically
used in detergent formulations. The list includes information on the toxicity and biodegradability of a range of
substances used in washing and cleaning products. The list is not comprehensive, but guidance is given in Part B of
the DID list concerning the determination of the relevant calculation parameters for substances not present on the DID
list (e.g. the Toxicity Factor (TF) and degradation factor (DF), which are used for calculation of the critical dilution
volume). The list is a generic source of information and substances present on the DID list are not automatically
approved for use in EU Ecolabelled products. The DID list (Parts A and B) can be found on the EU Ecolabel
website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ecolabelled_products/categories/did_list_en.htm
For substances with no data regarding aquatic toxicity and degradability, structure analogies with similar substances may
be used to assess the TF and DF. Such structure analogies shall be approved by the competent body granting the EU
Ecolabel license. Alternatively, a worst case approach shall be applied, using the parameters below:
Worst case approach:
Acute toxicity Chronic
toxicity Degradation
Ingredient LC50/EC50 SF (acute)
TF (acute)
NOEC (*) SF (chronic) (*) TF (chronic)
DF Aerobic Anaerobic
‘Name’ 1
mg/l 10
000 0,0001 0,0001
1
P
N
(*) If no acceptable chronic toxicity data are found, these columns are empty. In that case TF (chronic) is defined as equal to TF (acute) .
Documentation of ready biodegradability
The following test methods for ready biodegradability shall be used.
(1) Until 1 December 2010 and during transition period from 1 December 2010 to 1 December 2015:
The test methods for ready biodegradability provided for in Directive 67/548/EEC, in particular the methods detailed
in Annex V.C4 to that Directive, or their equivalent OECD 301 A-F test methods, or their equivalent ISO tests.
The 10-days window principle shall not apply for surfactants. The pass levels shall be 70 % for the tests referred to in
Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 method C.4-A and C4-B (and their equivalent OECD 301 A and E tests and ISO
equivalents), and shall be 60 % for methods C4-C, D, E and F (and their equivalent OECD 301 B, C, D and F tests and
ISO equivalents).
(2) After 1 December 2015 and during transition period from 1 December 2010 to 1 December 2015:
The test methods provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Documentation of anaerobic biodegradability
The reference test for anaerobic degradability shall be EN ISO 11734, ECETOC No 28 (June 1988), OECD 311 or an
equivalent test method, with the requirement of 60 % ultimate degradability under anaerobic conditions. Test methods
simulating the conditions in a relevant anaerobic environment may also be used to document that 60 % ultimate
degradability has been attained under anaerobic conditions.
Extrapolation for substances not listed in the DID list
Where the ingredients that are not listed in the DID list the following approach may be used to provide the necessary
documentation of anaerobic biodegradability:
1. Apply reasonable extrapolation. Use test results obtained with one raw material to extrapolate the ultimate anaerobic
degradability of structurally related surfactants. Where anaerobic biodegradability has been confirmed for a surfactant
(or a group of homologues) in accordance with the DID list, it can be assumed that a similar type of surfactant is also
anaerobically biodegradable (e.g. C12-15 A 1-3 EO sulphate [DID No 8] is anaerobically biodegradable, and a similar
anaerobic biodegradability may also be assumed for C12-15 A 6 EO sulphate). Where anaerobic biodegradability has
been confirmed for a surfactant by use of an appropriate test method, it can be assumed that a similar type of
surfactant is also anaerobically biodegradable (e.g. literature data confirming the anaerobic biodegradability of
surfactants belonging to the group alkyl ester ammonium salts may be used as documentation for a similar
anaerobic biodegradability of other quaternary ammonium salts containing ester-linkages in the alkyl chain(s)).

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2. Perform screening test for anaerobic degradability. If new testing is necessary, perform a screening test by use of EN ISO
11734, ECETOC No 28 (June 1988), OECD 311 or an equivalent method.
3. Perform low-dosage degradability test. If new testing is necessary, and in the case of experimental problems in the
screening test (e.g. inhibition due to toxicity of test substance), repeat testing by using a low dosage of surfactant
and monitor degradation by 14 C measurements or chemical analyses. Testing at low dosages may be performed by use
of OECD 308 (August 2000) or an equivalent method.

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