What is a Biocidal Product?

A Biocidal Product contains a preparation of one or more active substances, in the form in which it is supplied to the user.

Borderline-cases

Since the definitions are rather complex, many border-line cases have arisen. These have been discussed within an expert group of all Member States and the Commission, with a Manual of Decisions being published based on these meetings.

All new active substances (those placed on the market after 14 May 2000) are authorised as described in the Directive. Existing active substnaces (those place on the market before 14 May 2000) will contine to be marketed if identified or notified by 28th March 2002. The existing active substances will be assessed under a 10-year review program. The  European Chemicals Bureau (ECB)  has produced a list of existing active substances via the ECB website.