Biocides

When used correctly and safely, chlorine-based biocides are essential tools in keeping our recreational, home and work environments clean and healthy. There are even suggestions that, in just 100 years, active chlorine biocides have saved more lives than any other single health development in history.

In the EU, the Biocidal Products Regulation EU/528/2012 (BPR) seeks to establish a high level of protection for humans and the environment, and to eliminate barriers to trade by harmonizing the processes involved in placing biocidal products on the European market. But it also dramatically transforms the biocidal industry, as it has implications for those who produce, distribute and use active substances.

The BPR was adopted on 22nd May 2012, and entered into force on 1st September 2013. This regulation repealed and replaced the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD), and introduced a range of changes. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is responsible for administrative duties under the European biocides legislation and more detailed information can be found on the ECHA website.

Euro Chlor follows the progress of this regulation as it relates to the chlorinated biocides (such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite). Given the importance of chlorinated biocides in disinfecting water, we closely monitor the most recent health science related to swimming pool disinfection (such as any link between swimming and childhood asthma).

Status update

Euro Chlor is no longer involved in any registration activities so, for information on active substance registration activities (and letters of access), please contact the new supplier (SCC GmbH) .