Assessment and authorization of biocides

Regulatory research beyond standard toxicology

Hand disinfection
© ok-foto/Adobe Stock
© BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock

Biocidal products are used daily in a broad range of application areas: to protect human health, improve hygiene, extend the shelf life of numerous products, or help sustain smooth production processes. This is achieved by targeted use of biocides against harmful organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, algae, viruses, insects or other organisms.

The authorization of biocidal products and their active ingredients is subject to a systematic but complex authorization procedure according to the Biocidal Product Regulation (EU) 528/2012 (BPR).

We have more than 20 years' experience preparing dossiers for biocidal active substances and biocidal products in different product categories on behalf of our clients. Fraunhofer ITEM can support its clients with any scientific and regulatory issues. This includes the evaluation of all data, identification and assessment of critical substances, and dossier preparation and submission.

For questions beyond standard toxicology, we develop tailored solutions for our clients by applying read-across/bridging principles or integrated testing strategies, such as in-vitro methods.

Our aim is to point out risks to health and the environment, to reduce these, and at the same time not to lose sight of the desired efficacy against harmful target organisms.

Our services

We support you with regulatory affairs in the authorization of your biocides.

Scientific and regulatory support

  • Development of a registration strategy and support for the implementation of regulatory requirements
  • Communication with competent authorities
  • Letter of access negotiations (LoA)
  • Notification of biocides in different countries

 

Data collection and study monitoring

  • Identification of data gaps
  • Development of testing strategies and use of (Q)SAR
  • Commissioning and monitoring of analytical studies and in-vitro and in-vivo studies
  • Efficacy assessment and consultancy on label claims

 

Risk assessment of active substances, biocidal products/families

  • Assessment of the hazard profile including classification and labeling
  • Substance of concern (SoC) identification and evaluation
  • Evaluation of endocrine disrupting criteria (ED assessment)
  • Exposure and risk assessment for humans and the environment
  • In-house exposure measurements and analytics

 

Dossier preparation and submission

  • Dossier preparation for authorization of biocidal active substances and biocidal products/families according to the BPR (including IUCLID file; draft risk assessment (DRA) and summary of product characteristics (SPC))
  • Dossier submission via R4BP
  • Response to further inquiries and additional data requests by the authorities

Further services

  • Training courses
  • Development of models for exposure and emission evaluation
  • Assistance with strategic decisions and product development
  • Inhouse exposure measurements and analytics
 

Endocrine disruptors and biocides

In 2018, a new guidance for the identification of endocrine disruptors (ED) came into force. It lays down the implementation of ED criteria in the context of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

Classification of biocidal products (ECHA)

According to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) biocidal products are classified into 22 biocidal product types, grouped into four main areas: disinfectants, preservatives, pest control and other biocidal products. 

Expertise in human and environmental toxicology

Your contact for the assessment and authorization of biocides

Ariane Zwintscher

Contact Press / Media

Ariane Zwintscher

Head of Department of Regulatory Issues

Phone +49 511 5350-312