28 February 2025

What are biocidal products?

Every day we use various chemicals that help us maintain hygiene, protect our health and protect our surroundings from pests. This group includes biocidal products - substances that are designed to eliminate or stop the development of harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects or rodents.

What exactly are biocidal products?
Biocidal products are preparations containing one or more active substances that affect harmful organisms. These can be disinfectants, insecticides, rodenticides, wood preservatives, and other substances that prevent the development of microorganisms.

Examples of biocidal products:

hand disinfectants,
preparations to fight mold and fungi,
insecticides (e.g. against mosquitoes and ticks),
products to protect wood from pests.

Legal basis of biocidal products
Biocidal products are subject to strict legal regulations both at the level of the European Union and in Polish law. Their use must be safe for humans, animals and the environment.

1. European Union law
In the EU, the basic legal act regulating biocidal products is Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products. It specifies the rules for registration, evaluation and authorisation of these products for marketing in the Union. Key aspects of this regulation are:

obligation to obtain a permit for marketing a biocidal product,
requirement to use only approved active substances,
necessity to meet standards regarding efficacy and safety.

2. Polish law
In Poland, issues related to biocidal products are regulated by the Act of 9 October 2015 on biocidal products. It complies with EU regulations and specifies, among others:

principles for the registration of biocidal products in the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products (URPL),
requirements for composition and labelling,
supervision of safety of use.

Why are regulations so important?
Biocidal products, although effective, can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore, strict regulations help protect the health of humans, animals and the natural environment from the potentially harmful effects of these substances.

Summary
Biocidal products are an integral part of our lives - they help us fight harmful organisms and maintain hygiene. However, their use requires compliance with strict legal standards both at the EU level and in Poland. If you use such products, always check their composition, method of use and marketing authorisations to be sure that they are safe and effective.

If you need to obtain a permit for a biocidal product in Poland, e.g. under your own brand, or you would like to conduct the mutual recognition process for a biocidal product registered in European procedures, please contact me. Additionally, I help with creating, analyzing and updating safety data sheets, introducing the GPRS regulation, or adjusting the company to labor law regulations regarding contact with hazardous substances/mixtures. Or maybe you biocidal products as dangerous goods?

Photo by Aleksandarlittlewolf from Freepik

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