European Parliament’s bid for safer Biocides

The Commission’s proposal for Biocidal Products was approved at a first reading by the European Parliament by 550 votes in favour to 22 against with 80 abstentions.  The MEP votes favored the adoption of most of the amendments in the proposed EU biocides Regulation, with agreement that the assessment of new and ‘low-risk’ biocidal products should take place by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)  from 2013 and most other biocides from 2017.

The broad aim of the draft regulation is to update EU rules that govern products ranging from insect repellents to water treatment chemicals. (Agricultural pesticides are covered by separate legislation.)  For the first time, materials treated with biocides will also be regulated.  Parliament adopted a number of amendments to the draft legislation that will now have to be considered by the Council of Ministers. Further details of the vote are expected to allow a more in-depth review of the implications.  If you would like to discuss possible implications with one of our experts, call 01423 520245.