EC tables changes to rules on biocide approvals

The European Commission has tabled changes to the 2012 regulation on biocide approvals to correct errors and inconsistencies in the legislative text.

As it stands, the law will prohibit sales of new articles treated with biocides that have been approved by member states but not at EU level. Such products may include antibacterial wipes and fencing painted with wood preservative.

In its new legislative proposal issued last week, the commission suggests allowing them on the market if companies seek EU approval by September 2016.

As highlighted in March, the EU executive also seeks to clarify that a ban on biocides containing substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) also applies to mixtures.

Article 19 now states the ban applies to biocidal products that “consists of, contains or generates a substance that meets the criteria for being PBT or vPvB in accordance with Annex XIII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006”.

The commission also wants a rule on protecting data submitted when applying for products containing low-risk biocides to be authorised for sale.

An official blamed the shortcomings on a lack of time during final negotiations on the 2012 regulation. He said the changes were unlikely to be adopted by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament before September, when the regulation takes effect. But an agreement is likely by the end of the year.