The Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) held a meeting in February. During the meeting, the use of ethanol as an active substance was approved for the following product types:
- Product-type 1: Human hygiene products, such as hand disinfectants;
- Product-type 2: Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct contact with humans or animals; and
- Product-type 4: Products used in food and feed areas.
The use of ethanol within these product types was supported by the Biocidal Products Committee. For ethanol in these uses, no new hazard classification was proposed. Therefore, it has been concluded that the safe use of ethanol has been demonstrated for these product types.
What Happens Next?
Following the Biocidal Products Committee’s opinion, ECHA will submit it to the European Commission in the coming days for the adoption of a final decision. The Commission will prepare a regulation concerning the final decision and submit it to the EU Member States for vote by the competent authorities. If the Commission formally adopts the decision, it will become legally binding.
If the decision is approved, biocidal products containing ethanol may be authorised authorisation under the Biocidal Products Regulation. In such a case, companies will be required to apply either for Union authorisation or for product authorisation at national level. If the decision is not approved, products containing the substance must be withdrawn from the EU market within the applicable transitional period, as stated by ECHA.
You may access ECHA’s related news by clicking here.
This article was originated from ECHA.
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