What is a biocidal product?

A biocidal product as defined by the Biocidal Products Directive is “a substance intending to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by any means other than mere physical or mechanical action”.

These products surround us in everyday life, from our places of work, education or the home. However the industry for a long time has remained largely unregulated and there is little the consumer can do to ensure what they are using is safe, ethical and fit for the intended purpose.

This is where regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 or the BPR comes in. The BPR has separated these products into 22 product types and is helping regulate the market making it clearer for the end user what they are buying.

What is the BPR?

The BPR is a piece of EU legislation released in 2012 replacing the Biocidal Product Directive. This was done to improve the functioning of the internal market in biocidal products without reducing the protection provided by these products. This legislation makes it illegal to sell a product which does not meet its requirements in the UK and European market.

The key changes from the old regulations to the new included, treated articles being classed as biocides, the ability to share data, strict data requirements for products and streamlining the Union authorisation system. These changes also encourage a reduction in animal testing across Europe by creating this obligation to share data.

The rules of BPR apply to the products in the form in which they are supplied to the user and not to the manufacturer or distributor, e.g. raw materials used in the manufacture of a biocidal product.

How does the BPR effect your Products?

The BPR requires the manufacturer to prove that everything claimed about a product is accurate including its lifespan, it’s effectiveness in use and its contents, they will also have to ensure a product is safe to use and to make all this information clear and easy to interpret for the end user on the label.

A product must make claims suitable to its purpose and area of use and have evidence in the form of testing to back up these claims. This requires extensive research and development from the manufacturer as without the correct testing or reaching the minimum requirements for its intended purpose, whilst remaining safe to use and stable a product could be removed from the market in both the UK and Europe once its deadline has passed.

This means a clock has already started and failing to get your range ready in time may mean being blocked from huge parts of your market.

How can MSL help with your progress through BPR?

MSL can act as your experts throughout BPR, we are a Microbiology Laboratory that offers a wide range of testing and regulatory services for organisations worldwide ensuring their products remain available to their markets in a cost effective and timely manner.

We also provide support to organizations to ensure that they meet all BPR requirements. This includes support for IUCLID, SDS, REACH, dossier preparation. We also provide representative services.

We cover the entire range of biocidal product types, including disinfectants, preservatives, and pest control. Additionally, we provide organisations with consultation services and all the technical support that they may need during the process. Our services are tailored to our clients; needs and unique requirements.

Contact us today for comprehensive testing and regulatory services.

References for your own research

https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/legislation

https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/understanding-bpr

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/21742587/pg_on_bpr_en.pdf

https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/product-types