Abstract: A shaped body of detergent composition comprising a chemically and/or physically cross-linked dissolution retarding agent, and at least one of a surfactant and/or builder. The dissolution retarding agent is preferably a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and a cross-linking agent, or a salt thereof. The shaped bodies dissolve predominantly in the main wash of an automatic washing process and do not dissolve significantly in the pre-wash and are of particular application in automatic dishwashing.