ECHA has Adopted Several Opinions on Active Substances Applications

On 14 March 2022, ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has adopted several approval opinions on the application of active substances applications, including methylene dithiocyanate, propiconazole and acetone.

Details are as follows:

• BPC recommends that methylene dithiocyanate is not approved for use in slimicides (product-type 12) as it is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects leading to environmental risks, which cannot be mitigated. The substance is used in papermaking processes to prevent or control the growth of slime.
• On the propiconazole in wood preservatives (product-type 8), BPC concluded that as the substance is toxic to reproduction and an endocrine disruptor, it meets the exclusion criteria. However, it could be approved if one of the derogations to the exclusion criteria is met. The European Commission will take further action to gain more information on this application and the derogation to the exclusion criteria, in particular on suitable and sufficient alternatives for the different use classes.
• BPC supports the approval of (13Z)-Hexadec-13-en-11-yn-1-yl acetate, a pheromone used in repellents and attractants (product-type 19). However, it considers that the approval should be limited to the specific use and application method specified by the applying company.

Moreover, BPC adopted the following four positive opinions:

• Propan-1-ol for use in human hygiene (product-type 1);
• Propan-2-ol for use in disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct use on people or animals (product-type 2) and in disinfectants for surfaces which come into contact with food and animal feed (product-type 4);
• L-(+) Lactic acid for product-type 2;
• Active chlorine released from sodium hypochlorite for product-type 2.

In the European Union, biocidal products refer to any substance or mixture, consisting of, containing or generating one or more active substances, with the intention of destroying, deterring, rendering harmless, preventing the action of, or otherwise exerting a controlling effect on, any harmful organism by any means other than mere physical or mechanical action. Biocidal products are governed by Regulation (EU) 528/2012 concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products. Active substances must be approved by the competent authority (ECHA) before they can be in biocidal products.

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Further Information

Highlights from March BPC Meeting