New Swedish limit for phosphates in detergents

As of 1 July 2011, the content of phosphates in dishwasher detergents will be restricted in Sweden. It will not be per¬mitted to sell or supply detergents containing phosphates to consumers if the total phosphorus content exceeds 0.5 per cent. This was decided by the Swedish Government in March 2010. Dishwasher detergents which have been produced before 1 July 2011 may, despite the ban, be marketed and supplied until 31 December 2011.

One reason for the decision is the necessity to reduce emissions of phosphorus to the Baltic Sea.
In Sweden, the sale and supply of textile detergents con¬taining phosphates to consumers for their private use is prohibited since 2008. The total phosphorus content in textile detergents containing phosphates should not exceed 0.2 per cent.