Liquid laundry detergent capsules

10.3.2017

Question for written answer E-001666-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Julie Girling (ECR) , Cristian-Silviu Buşoi (PPE)

The joint Commission-OECD Global Awareness-raising Campaign on Laundry Detergent Capsules and Packets[1] noted over 16 000 cases globally of people (mostly children) suffering accidental poisonings and other health effects from laundry liquid detergent capsules due to ingestion and exposure to the eyes and skin.

Liquid laundry detergent capsules are now common household products. Their bright colours and candy-like aesthetics are increasingly sophisticated, and their small and squeezable toy-like nature make them appealing to young children. These capsules are becoming increasingly prevalent across the EU as they become more affordable; however, this increases the potential risk to children.

The CLP Regulation clearly states in Article 35(2) that: ‘Packaging containing a hazardous substance or a mixture supplied to the general public shall not have either a shape or design likely to attract or arouse the active curiosity of children or to mislead consumers, or have a similar presentation or a design used for foodstuff or animal feeding stuff or medicinal or cosmetic products, which would mislead consumers.’

In light of the above legal provision, and considering that safe alternative formats for laundry detergents have already been available for some time, has the Commission given any consideration to introducing measures to limit or restrict the use of laundry capsules in order to protect consumer and child safety?

• [1] http://www.oecd.org/sti/consumer/Laundry-Detergent-Awareness.htm