EU to impose strict rules on biocides

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: Biocides ranging from rat poisons to disinfectants will be subject to tougher safety checks, following a European Parliament vote. The updated rules aim to better protect human health and the environment, while streamlining the marketing approval process. The most problematic substances such as those that are carcinogenic, affect genes or hormones or are toxic to reproduction should be banned. Approvals and renewals will be time-limited, while safer alternatives are developed.

The new legislation further harmonises the EU market for biocidal products and sets deadlines for applications to be assessed. The recognition of approvals among member states will be improved and the possibility to apply for authorisation at EU level will be phased in from 2013, becoming possible for most biocidal products by 2020. To avoid duplicating tests on animals, companies will be required to share data in exchange for fair compensation.

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