Consequently, this class of detergents has been effectively restricted for commercial "down-the-drain" applications in Europe, and these compounds are no longer used by U.S. laundry manufacturers. On January 14, 2016, the European Commission amended existing restriction on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation, limiting NPE residues on textile articles to 0.01% by weight, effective February 3, 2021.
As a result, this detergent type has been restricted for commercial "down-the-drain" applications in Europe. These compounds are no longer used by U.S. laundry manufacturers. On January 14, 2016, the European Commission amended existing restrictions on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) under REACH legislation to set a limit of 0.01% NPE residues on textile articles effective February 3, 2021.