This European Standard sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based surfactants as to whether they: are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties; comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general surfactants; are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass; and comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (non-bio-based) surfactants. The criteria of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [11] also apply to bio-based surfactants. NOTE EN 16575 defines the term bio-based as derived from biomass and clarifies that bio-based does not imply biodegradable . In addition, biodegradable does not necessarily imply the use of bio-based material.