Every third biocide tested proves to be non-compliant

Image: Karolina Grabowska

National enforcement authorities in 29 countries tested more than 3,500 biocides. In total, 37% of the biocides tested did not meet at least one of the legal requirements tested.

The figures in a row

18% of the products tested did not meet the essential requirements that affect their safe use. Most of these had no product authorization or contained unauthorized active substances. Most of the biocides with such high non-compliance were disinfectants, insecticides and insect repellents/attractants. The inspectors found around 60 active substances that are not permitted in these products. All products that were not authorized or contained unauthorized active ingredients were withdrawn from the market. In some cases, criminal charges or fines were imposed.
The remaining 19% of non-compliant products were found to have minor defects that did not affect their safe use, such as missing contact information from the supplier. In these cases, the national enforcement authorities issued advice or administrative orders.

Non-compliance with disinfectants

A high level of non-compliance was found for disinfectants sold to consumers. Of the almost 1,900 disinfectants tested, 265 disinfectants were found to be non-compliant. That is 14%. And we are also talking about serious compliance gaps, such as a lack of approval or incorrect labeling. Deficiencies that usually led to the disinfectants being withdrawn from the market.

Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic

Inspectors focused on disinfectants as new manufacturers with biocides entered the market in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these disinfectants did not fully comply with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the associated national transitional requirements for biocides.

unauthorized active substances in biocides
Approval of active substance suppliers (Article 95);
Obligations on labeling, packaging and advertising of biocides.

The national enforcement authorities carried out the inspections in 2022. If necessary, the checks also include chemical analyses of biocides.

More information

Forum project report: Harmonized enforcement project for biocidal products with approved/non-approved active substances [PDF][EN]
Enforcement Forum

Scource: ECHA
Also Read: ECHA recommends more transparency in trade in dangerous chemicals

Reservation
This information has been compiled with the greatest possible care, in some cases from different information sources. (Interpretation) errors are not excluded. No legal obligation can therefore be derived from this text. Everyone dealing with this subject has the responsibility to delve into the matter!