BIOCIDES REGULATIONS

Biocidal products reduce unwanted organisms on surfaces and products. Thus, they help prevent humans from getting sick. However, they can also be toxic to people, animals, and the environment. Therefore, biocides regulations are in effect to protect public health and the environment.

Enviropass Compliance Services for Biocides Regulations

Regarding biocides, Enviropass is here to help you:

Assess your products against the presence of active biocides;
Submit your dossier of biocidal products and treated articles for approval;
Label your products;
Comply with other applicable requirements like EU REACH and Safety Data Sheets.

Request your free online consultation!

Biocides

In short, biocides are substances that control harmful organisms such as

Pests,
Fungi,
Bacteria,
Yeasts,
Molds,
Algae, or
Viruses.

Some of them can have effects at the nanomaterial level.

Biocides can be chemical in makeup, such as with silver and titanium additives or ions. However, they can also be micro-organisms that are harmful to the unwanted organisms listed here in turn.

Biocidal Products

Essentially, biocidal products are substances or mixtures with active biocide substances. They include:

Disinfectants:
- For human and veterinary hygiene
- For food and feed area
- For drinking water
Preservatives:
- Film and polymerized materials preservatives
- Construction material preservatives
Pest controls:
- Rodenticides
- Avicides
- Molluscicides
- Vermicides
- Piscicides
- Insecticides
- Acaricides
- Repellents
- Attractants
Other biocidal products:
- Antifouling agents
- Embalming agents
- Taxidermy products

Various articles contain biocidal products. These so-called treated articles include:

Electrical and electronic products (light switches, radiators, refrigerators, headphones, etc.);
Paints, inks, and wallpapers;
Bathroom articles (toilet brushes and bags)
Clothes, pillows, blankets, etc.;
Toys;
Wood articles;
Many other products.

Because of their inherent properties, biocidal products can cause toxic or other harm to non-target organisms, humans, pets, and the environment.

The EU Biocidal Products Regulation

Regulation (EU) 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products has been in force in the European Union since September 1st, 2013. Also called the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), it replaces the EU Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC.

As outlined in article 1, the BPR’s objective is to harmonize biocidal product rules within the EU and to protect public health and the environment.

Regulation (EU) 1062/2014 “[for] the systematic examination of […] active substances [in] biocidal products” applies when the European Chemicals Agency must examine submitted active chemicals via a systematic process.

The EU BPR Obligations

As a manufacturer or an importer, you can’t place treated articles into the EU market with active biocide substances unless approved.

Specific labels, conditions, and restrictions also apply to some active substances. Label details include the names of the active substances, their properties, and instructions for use.

Additionally, within 45 days upon request, manufacturers and importers must give information on the biocidal treatments on treated articles.

EU Public Information on Biocides

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) provides details on biocides accessible online, including:

A list of biocidal active substances containing:
- substance CAS number
- product classification
- chemical approval status
A list of biocidal products authorized in the EU market as per 98/8/EC
A list of active substances and suppliers.

Contact Enviropass today and talk to our team about biocides regulations, and how they may affect your products.