ECHA postpones the decision on the approval of ethanol as a biocide until 2026

The European Chemicals Agency postpones the decision on the approval of ethanol under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) until 2026. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that its Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) was unable to reach a consensus on approving ethanol as an active substance in disinfectant products. The final decision has been postponed until at least May 2026, when the European Commission is expected to make a definitive resolution.

Ethanol is widely used in biocidal products, especially in hand and surface disinfectants (product types TP1 and TP2), as well as in food-related environments (TP4). Its review is part of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), which requires all active substances to be assessed to ensure their safety and effectiveness before being authorized on the European market.

During the evaluation process, the hazardous properties of ethanol, its effectiveness, and the risks associated with its use have been analyzed. At the same time, ECHA has launched public consultations to identify possible alternatives, in line with the substitution criteria established by the BPR. These consultations seek options that pose lower risks to human, animal, and environmental health without compromising effectiveness or causing significant economic disadvantages.

The lack of agreement within the BPC reflects the complexity of the debate: although ethanol is considered safe under controlled conditions, there are concerns about its classification under the CLP Regulation and the availability of alternatives. If approved, its authorization could be limited to specific uses and for a maximum period of five years.

Source: All news - ECHA