The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has concluded its November meeting with significant updates in the regulation of biocidal products. These updates include decisions on the renewal and approval of active substances, as well as Union authorizations for biocidal product families, shaping the regulatory landscape for companies in the biocide industry.

The BPC adopted six opinions on active substances, including:

• Renewal of Epsilon-Metofluthrin for product-type 18 (insecticides, acaricides, and other arthropod control products).

• Approval of 2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA) for product-type 11 (preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems).

• Approval of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT) and 2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1,2-thiazol-3-one hydrochloride (MIT HCl) for product-type 6 (preservatives for products during storage).

• Approval of Peracetic acid generated from 1,3-diacetyloxypropan-2-yl acetate and hydrogen peroxide for product-type 2 (disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals).

The committee, however, did not support the approval of Epsilon-Metofluthrin for product-type 19 (repellents and attractants).

In addition, the BPC adopted three opinions on Union authorizations for biocidal product families, supporting:

• A biocidal product family containing Propan-1-ol/Propan-2-ol for product-types 1 (human hygiene), 2, and 4 (food and feed area).

• A biocidal product family containing Propan-2-ol for product-type 1 (two opinions).

The committee did not support a major change to a Union authorization for a biocidal product family containing Active chlorine released from sodium hypochlorite for product-type 2.

The European Commission, along with EU Member States, will make the final decisions based on these opinions. The adopted opinions will soon be available on ECHA’s website, and the next BPC meeting is scheduled for 24–28 February 2025.

Source: ECHA