Biocidal products for non-agricultural uses: common rules for national authorisations

OBJECTIVE: to harmonize regulations concerning the placing on the market of biocidal products and their active substances with a view to facilitating the proper operation of the internal market and ensuring a high level of protection of health and the environment.

COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market.

SUBSTANCE: the Directive concerns a wide range of types of products (which are listed in Annex V to the Directive): disinfectants, preservatives, pest control products and antifouling products. It lays down a Community legislative framework of procedures and conditions for authorization enabling the national competent authorities to decide whether to authorize a product after assessing the technical information submitted by parties interested in placing biocidal products on the market. Once authorized in one Member State, a product must be mutually recognized and therefore authorized in any other Member State. As regards substances which serve as active ingredients of biocidal products, the Directive institutes a system of Community authorization. By means of positive lists, these substances are to be authorized as the occasion arises over a period of 10 years, after their risks have been assessed, and subject to any limits on their use to allow their inclusion in biocidal products.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 14/05/1998

DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 14/05/2000.