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.
This detergent class has been restricted for commercial "down-the-drain" applications in Europe and is 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 limit NPE residues on textile articles to 0.01% by weight effective February 3, 2021.