Laundry detergent production analytics
1. Definition and types
In Russian legislation, washing powders are synthetic detergents intended for washing textile products.
In Russia, washing powders are classified on various bases, including the following types of washing products:
1. By purpose:
- for hand washing;
- for machine washing;
- universal;
- specialized.
2. By composition:
- with phosphates;
- phosphate-free;
- eco-powders.
3. By form of release:
- loose;
- gel;
- capsule;
- tablet.
4. According to the peculiarities of application:
- For cold water;
- for heavy soiling;
- hypoallergenic.
But despite the allocation of different types of powders, in general they are subject to the same legislative requirements. Laundry powders in capsules must comply with the general requirements for laundry products, taking into account the specifics of their form of release.
2. Normative regulation
The main requirements for the quality and safety of detergents are established in the following state standards:
- GOST 25644-96
defines physico-chemical parameters such as acidity level (pH), phosphate content, foaming capacity and washing efficiency.
- GOST 32479-2013
Establishes safety requirements for detergents, including restrictions on toxic substances and allergens.
- GOST 22567.1-87
Establishes a method for determining the foaming capacity of synthetic detergents.
- GOST 22567.5-93
specifies methods for measuring hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in detergents.
- GOST 22567.7-93
specifies methods for determining the mass fraction of phosphoric acid salts in synthetic detergents.
- GOST 22567.10-93
describes methods for determining the mass fraction of active oxygen in detergents.
- GOST 22567.15-95
presents the methodology for determining the washing ability of synthetic detergents.
- Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU) 017/2011 “On safety of chemical industry products”
defines general safety requirements for chemical products, including detergents.
- Decision of the Customs Union Commission No. 299 “Uniform sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary-epidemiological supervision (control)”
establishes sanitary standards for such products, including washing powders.
In general, the current legislation of the Russian Federation sets a rather large list of requirements for washing powders. But compliance with these standards and regulations ensures the quality of detergents produced and sold in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The main requirements for manufacturers of laundry detergents of any kind are the following:
1. obtaining a certificate of state registration (SGR);
2. obtaining a declaration of conformity;
3. compliance with the requirements for production (requirements for production facilities and manufacturing of laundry products);
4. requirements for storage of laundry detergent;
5. compliance with requirements for transportation (shipping);
6. requirements for labeling and packaging of products.
3. Obtaining a certificate of state registration (SGR)
For legitimate sales of detergents on the territory of the Russian Federation it is necessary to obtain a certificate of state registration (SGR), confirming the compliance of products with sanitary and epidemiological standards.
The procedure for obtaining a SGR for the production of laundry detergent consists of the following stages:
Stage 1 - preparation and submission of a set of documents
The set for state registration consists of the following documents:
- application for state registration;
- constituent documents of the company (extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, charter and others);
- developed regulatory documents for products (TU, GOST or STO);
- safety data sheet for chemical products;
- detailed product description, including detailed composition;
- product label layout with the composition, recommendations for use and precautions;
- documents confirming the right of ownership or lease of production facilities that comply with the requirements of current legislation.
Stage 2 - laboratory tests (expertise) and protocols execution
To pass this stage it is necessary to select samples of washing powder for testing.
The samples are examined in accredited laboratories to assess the sanitary-chemical, toxicological and microbiological indicators of products. According to the results of the tests, the relevant protocols are drawn up.
The protocols are used to form an expert opinion on the safety (unsafety) of a particular washing product.
Stage 3 - registration and obtaining SGR
All collected documents and test results are submitted for consideration to Rospotrebnadzor.
In case of a positive assessment by Rospotrebnadzor specialists, Rospotrebnadzor enters the product into a special register and issues a SGR to the manufacturer. In case of a negative decision, the products are not registered and the manufacturer does not receive a certificate.
Meanwhile, the initial denial of registration is not an obstacle to reapply for state registration, but only if the previously identified non-compliance of the product is eliminated.
The procedure of obtaining SGR for washing powder usually takes from 3 to 4 weeks. The cost of registration depends on the specifics of the product and the volume of required tests, but the price of state registration starts from 40,000 rubles (for the simplest compositions of washing products).
After obtaining the SGR, the manufacturer also needs to issue a Declaration of Conformity in the GOST R system, confirming the conformity of products to national quality standards.
4. Obtaining a declaration of conformity
A declaration of conformity for laundry detergent confirms that the products meet the established quality and safety standards.
The stages of obtaining a declaration of conformity for powder are as follows:
Stage 1 - preparation and submission of a set of documents
The set for obtaining a declaration of conformity includes the following documents:
- application for product declaration;
- constituent documents of the company (extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, charter and others);
- developed normative and technical documents for products;
- safety data sheet for chemical products drawn up in accordance with GOST 30333-2022;
- label layout with indication of composition, recommendations for use and precautions.
Stage 2 - conducting tests (examination) and drawing up protocols
With regard to the washing powder, samples are taken. Samples are examined in special accredited laboratories to verify the compliance of products with sanitary-hygienic and technical standards.
According to the results of the tests, the conclusion is given whether the washing products meet or do not meet the above norms.
Stage 3 - registration of the declaration
On the basis of the submitted package of documents and received test reports, in the case of conformity of products to all requirements of the current legislation of the Russian Federation, a Declaration of Conformity is issued.
The document is registered with the Federal Accreditation Service (Rosakkreditatsiya).
For mass-produced products the declaration is valid from 1 to 3 years. For individual batches - the declaration is issued without limitation of validity.
There is also a procedure for obtaining a Voluntary Certificate of Conformity under the GOST R system for detergents. This document confirms additional indicators of product quality, which are not mandatory, meanwhile such a certificate increases consumer confidence.
Certificate of State Registration and Declaration of Conformity together guarantee that detergents meet Russian quality and safety standards, which allows them to be legally sold in the territory of the Russian Federation.
5. Requirements for production
5.1 Requirements for production facilities
Production facilities engaged in the production of detergents must comply with a number of sanitary, technical and environmental requirements to ensure product quality and safety for workers and the environment.
Technological equipment must meet safety standards and have special protective devices on moving and heated parts. The equipment must be made of materials resistant to chemical components of detergents.
Production facilities should be divided into functional areas: production, storage, household and administrative, taking into account the flow of technological processes and prevention of cross-contamination.
Manufacturers of detergents must continuously monitor emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and water bodies and comply with the established maximum permissible concentrations.
Also, special sanitary protection zones must be established between the production facility itself and residential areas.
5.2 Product requirements
Physicochemical indicators of washing powders are established by GOST 25644-96. Such mandatory indicators include the following:
- acidity level (pH) in the range of 7.5-11.5;
- maximum phosphate content not more than 22%;
- foaming capacity not more than 200 mm;
- detergent capacity not less than 85% (for powdered, granulated, agglomerated and molded products (including capsules);
- bleaching ability not less than 80%.
Also GOST 25644-96 establishes quantitative indicators for synthetic detergent powders:
- mass fraction of water not more than 7%;
- mass fraction of water insoluble residue not more than 0,5%;
- mass fraction of dust not more than 0.6%.
GOST 32479-2013 establishes quantitative requirements for physical and chemical safety indicators of detergents, namely the following:
- hydrogen ion activity index (pH) from 5.0 to 11.5;
- mass fraction of phosphoric acid salts (in terms of P₂O₅) not more than 17%;
- mass fraction of active oxygen (for products with bleaching properties) not more than 6.0%;
- foam column height not more than 180 mm, maximum foam height not more than 90% of the scale (for products with normalized foaming).
Among other things, GOST 32479-2013 requires indication on the packaging of the presence of potential allergens, if their content exceeds 0.01% in non-washable products and 0.1% in washable products.
6. Requirements for storage
Since detergents are specific products that can potentially pose a risk to human life and health, current legislation imposes storage requirements for detergents.
The storage requirements regulated by national standards must also be complied with in order to ensure the quality of detergents for a longer period of time.
The following requirements are imposed on the storage of detergents:
- temperature regime
Washing powders should be stored in dry rooms at temperatures between 0 °C and +35 °C.
- humidity
The relative humidity in the room should not exceed 85% to prevent the powder from sticking and clumping.
- protection from sunlight
During storage, direct exposure of the packaging to sunlight should be avoided, as UV radiation may lead to decomposition of the active ingredients.
- distance from heat sources
Do not place products near heaters or other sources of heat to avoid overheating of the detergent.
- ventilation
Adequate ventilation should be provided in storage areas to prevent the accumulation of vapors and odors.
Laundry detergent packaging should be tightly closed to prevent the ingress of moisture and foreign matter.
If large quantities of laundry detergents are stored at the same time, the expiration dates on the packaging must be observed. Laundry detergents usually retain their properties for 2 to 5 years if stored correctly. If the detergent packaging has already been opened, it should be stored for 6 - 12 months.
7. Transportation requirements
The transportation of laundry detergents must be carried out in compliance with the requirements aimed not only at ensuring product safety but also environmental safety.
During transportation, all the same requirements as for storage of the products are applied with regard to temperature, humidity and other factors.
For transportation purposes, detergents are packed in strong, airtight packages resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. Most often cardboard boxes or plastic bags are used.
Each package should be clearly and legibly labeled with information on the name of the product, composition, date of manufacture, expiration date, storage conditions and manufacturer's data.
When placed in a vehicle, packages with washing powder must be securely fastened to prevent their movement and damage during transportation. Laundry detergents should not be transported together with many other products, including foodstuffs, to avoid possible contamination.
Loading and unloading personnel must have the necessary qualifications and be instructed on precautions when handling chemicals.
For example, personnel should be clearly aware that if packaging is damaged and powder is scattered, it should be collected immediately using personal protective equipment and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
8. Labeling and packaging requirements
Labeling and packaging of detergents in the Russian Federation are regulated by state standards such as GOST 32479-2013 and GOST 25644-96. These standards establish mandatory requirements for the information presented on the packaging and for the characteristics of the packaging itself.
Mandatory information to be placed on the packaging are the following:
- product name: the exact name of the laundry detergent;
- composition: a list of all the ingredients contained in the detergent;
- purpose: an indication of the types of fabrics and washing methods for which the powder is intended;
- method of use: detailed instructions for use, including dosage and temperature settings;
- precautions: recommendations for safe use and storage, as well as actions in case of contact with skin or eyes;
- storage conditions: optimal conditions to preserve product quality;
- date of manufacture and shelf life: information on the date of manufacture and the period during which the product retains its properties;
- manufacturer information: name, address and contact details of the manufacturing company.
Additionally, the following information may be indicated on the e:
- warning signs: if necessary, pictograms indicating the hazardous properties of the product are placed on the package;
- environmental information: information on the biodegradability of components and their impact on the environment.
In addition to the mandatory labeling requirements, there are a number of requirements for laundry detergent packaging.
Laundry detergent can be packed in consumer and transportation containers. Consumer packaging is individual packaging for retail sale. Transport packaging is packaging for the transportation and storage of large quantities of products. Both consumer and transport packaging for the transportation of laundry detergent must meet a number of requirements.
The packaging must be strong and airtight, as well as chemical resistant. The packaging must protect the powder from moisture, contamination and mechanical damage, and the materials must not react with the detergent components.
The transport container should also be labeled. It is applied manipulation marks in accordance with GOST-14192 “Marking of cargoes”, which indicate the peculiarities of handling such cargo as washing powder.
In addition, the powders in capsules are subject to requirements regarding their biodegradability. According to GOST 25644-96 biodegradability should be at least 80%. The manufacturer should use capsule shells made of polymers capable of decomposition under the influence of microorganisms, which reduces the load on the environment.
9. Main conclusions
The business of production and realization of washing powders is quite specific, but at the same time profitable. Meanwhile, the current legislation imposes a large number of requirements for such production.
Production, transportation, storage and sale of detergents in the Russian Federation are strictly regulated by state standards. Regulatory legal acts and other documents establish clear requirements for the composition, physical and chemical properties, packaging, labeling, storage and transportation of products. The main attention is paid to ensuring product safety for consumer health, minimizing environmental impact, as well as preserving the quality of powders at all stages of their circulation.
Compliance with all requirements set by the Russian legislation guarantees that detergents are safe to use and meet high quality standards. Also, the very process of product certification (from laboratory tests to obtaining the Certificate of State Registration and Declaration of Conformity) is aimed at confirming that the goods meet sanitary and technical requirements.
In any case, when starting to conduct this type of business or already its active functioning, legal support is required at all stages from the registration of a legal entity to the sale of a particular type of detergent to the end consumer.
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David Glickstein, manager. I write articles, looking for interesting information and suggesting ways to use it in practice. I believe that through quality legal analytics, clients come to the law firm, not the other way around. Wouldn't you agree?
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