Disinfectants play an important role in preventing infectious diseases. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased need of disinfectants with at least "limited virucidal" activity, i.e. substances that are effective against enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Disinfectants are biocidal products and the quantity of biocidal products authorized in the EU until March 2020 turned out to be insufficient.
Aiming to improve and maintain hygiene both in professional and private settings, ECHA and the national authorities of the EU member states decided to authorize certain biocidal products for a period of at least 6 months, by way of exception pursuant to Article 55(1) of the biocidal products regulation (BPR).
Therefore, most of the national competent authorities in the EU have published a list of agreed formulations and active substances that can be temporarily marketed under the current general decree (Article 55(1)).
Unfortunately, as far as is known today, a variety of non-compliant products have been brought to the market in 20 EU Member States, with deficiencies ranging from missing hazard labels to ineffective formulations and products posing health risks to users.
As scientists with many years of experience in biocide registration, we support our clients with scientific advice on suitable formulations that comply with the general decree. We can advise clients on regulatory issues in the context of authorization under the BPR and on formulations that will ensure the desired efficacy. Effects on human health are, of course, taken into account as well. Since the outbreak of the corona pandemic, we have already responded to several inquiries regarding hand, surface and air disinfectants that can help contain this pandemic.
Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine