This topic area will help you identify biocides and work out whether your products are affected by the laws that govern them.
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
Following evaluation/withdrawal of support under the EU BPR, a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect NI:
- (RS)-3-Allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2- enyl-(1R,3R;1R,3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2- methylprop-1-enyl)-cyclopropanecarboxy late (mixture of 4 isomers 1R trans, 1R:1R trans, 1S: 1R cis, 1R: 1R cis,1S 4:4:1:1) (d-Allethrin) (CAS 231937-89-6 EC n/a) in product type 18
Biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 26 March 2024; or
- used in NI after 26 September 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 26 March 2024.
New treated articles containing this active substance in the relevant product type cannot enter the supply chain or be imported into NI after 22 September 2024. Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used.
Find out more about treated articles at the link below:
Any affected NI product approvals under the COPR will be revoked in line with the above dates.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
EU active substance expiry dates postponed
Active substance expiry dates postponed whilst the renewal evaluation is completed in the EU
For reasons beyond the control of the applicants, the approvals of the active substance/product type combinations listed below were likely to expire before a decision could be taken on their renewal under the EU BPR.
To allow sufficient time for the renewal evaluation to be completed, a decision has been taken to postpone the expiry of the approvals until the following dates. This affects NI:
- 4,5-Dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (4,5-Dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (DCOIT)) (CAS 64359-81-5 EC 264-843-8) in product type 8
31 December 2025 - (2E)-1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl) methyl]-N-nitroimidazolidin-2- imine (Imidacloprid) (CAS 138261-41-3 EC 428-040-8) in product type 18
31 December 2025
If you want to supply new biocidal products containing these active substances, you can still apply for EU BPR product authorisation. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
HSE will provide separate updates on the renewal decisions when relevant.
For further information in relation to Product Authorisation please follow the link below:
Non-approval decision to be taken for unsupported active substance in the EU
Following an opportunity for any person, company or taskforce/consortium to support the active substance/product type combinations listed below in the EU Review Programme, no compliant notifications were received. This affects NI:
- Potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate (CAS 128-03-0 EC 204-875-1) in product types 9, 11 and 12
This active substance/product type combination will now be subject to an EU non-approval decision.
Once a decision is taken, biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product types will have to be removed from the NI market. HSE will provide separate updates on the decision and relevant phase-out periods.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market
Under the EU BPR, active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects NI:
- 3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS,3RS;1RS,3SR)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (Permethrin) (CAS 52645-53-1 EC 258-067-9) in product types 8 and 18
27 October 2024
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter.
Check the EU Article 95 List to see who the original supporters were at the link below:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in NI.
New EU active substance approval decision
Apply for product authorisation by the deadline to keep your products on the NI market
Following evaluation under the EU BPR, a decision has been taken to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect NI:
- Alkyl (C12-16) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC/BKC (C12-16)) (CAS 68424-85-1 EC 270-325-2) in product type 1
To view the specific document in relation to this Product Authorisation please click on the link below:
Action for biocidal product suppliers
If you supply biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type, you must apply for EU BPR product authorisation by 1 July 2024 to keep them on the NI market. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
For more information on EU Bicidal Products Regulation Product Authorisation please click on the link below:
Action for active substance suppliers
If you supply this active substance for use in biocidal products of the relevant product type, you may need to apply for technical equivalence. If you haven’t demonstrated technical equivalence for your manufacturing source, EU BPR product authorisation cannot be granted for biocidal products containing your active substance.
For more information and how to apply for technical equivalence please follow the link below:
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
Following evaluation/withdrawal of support under the EU BPR, a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect NI:
- 2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA) (CAS 10222-01-2 EC 233-539-7) in product type 4
Biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 23 March 2024; or
- used in NI after 23 September 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 23 March 2024.
New treated articles containing this active substance in the relevant product type cannot enter the supply chain or be imported into NI after 19 September 2024. Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used. Find out more about treated articles.
Any affected NI product approvals under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) will be revoked in line with the above dates.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
For further information please click on the link below:
Two consultations for alternatives launched
- formaldehyde released from the reaction products of paraformaldehyde and 2-hydroxypropylamine (ratio 1:1)
- formaldehyde released from the reaction products of paraformaldehyde and 2-hydroxypropylamine (ratio 3:2)
To view the consultation please click on hte link below:
Comment deadline 26 May 2023.
Upcoming EU active substance expiry dates
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
The active substance/product type combinations listed below are due to expire under EU BPR on the following dates. This affects NI:
- (RS)-4-hydroxy-3-(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)coumarin (Warfarin) (CAS 81-81-2 EC 201-377-6) in product type 14
30 June 2024 - Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride with a mean number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 1600 and a mean polydispersity (PDI) of 1.8 (PHMB (1600;1.8)) (CAS 27083-27-8 / 32289-58-0 EC n/a) in product types 2, 3 and 11
30 June 2024
Once the approvals expire, the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in NI.
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, we will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval. You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the expiry of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
Want to keep using silver adsorbed on silicon dioxide as a preservative?
Companies have withdrawn their interest in getting silver adsorbed on silicon dioxide approved as a preservative for fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials (product-type 9) under the biocides Review Programme.
Notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 28 February 2024 to keep this substance in the Review Programme.
For more information, please see the following link:
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
The active substance/product type combinations listed below are due to expire under the EU BPR on the following dates. This affects NI:
- Margosa extract from the kernels of Azadirachata Indica extracted with water and further processed with organic solvents (CAS 84696-25-3 EC 283-644-7) in product type 18
30 April 2024 - Undecan-2-one (methyl nonyl ketone) (CAS 112-12-9 EC 203-937-5) in product type 19
30 April 2024
Once the approvals expire, the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in NI.
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, we will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval.
You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the expiry of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
Want to keep using p-[(diiodomethyl)sulphonyl]toluene as a preservative?
Companies have withdrawn their interest in getting
p-[(diiodomethyl)sulphonyl]toluene (EC 243-468-3, CAS 20018-09-1) approved as a preservative for products during storage (product-type 6), film (product-type 7), fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials (product-type 9) and construction materials (product-type 10) under the biocides Review Programme.
Notify ECHA by 2 February 2024 to keep this substance in the Review Programme.
For further information please see the ECHA website at the following links:
Which Member States allow creosote-treated wood to be placed on the market?
ECHA have published a list of Member States where creosote-treated railway sleepers and utility poles may still be on the market for the first time. The information in the list comes directly from the Member States.
From 30 April 2023 onwards, placing these railway sleepers and utility poles on the market is only allowed in Member States that have informed The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) about their permission and are listed on ECHA website.
For more information please see the following links:
Upcoming EU active substance open invitation deadlines
Submit a notification by the deadline to keep active substances in the EU Review Programme
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published open invitations to provide an opportunity for a person, company or task force/consortium to notify an intention to take up or take over the role of participant in the EU Review Programme for the following active substance/product type combinations.
This affects Northern Ireland. Anyone wishing to support one of the active substance/product type combinations listed below in the EU will need to submit a notification to ECHA by the following deadlines:
- Biphenyl-2-ol (CAS 201-993-5 EC 90-43-7) in product type 7
30 June 2023 - Hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1 EC 231-765-0) in product types 11 and 12
25 November 2023
If a notification to take over the role of participant is not received, these active substance/product type combinations will be subject to an EU non-approval decision.
Biocidal products containing active substances with EU non-approval decisions for the relevant product types will have to be removed from the NI market. HSE will provide separate updates on these where relevant.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSENI.
Consultation on proposed restriction of creosote and creosote-related substances
France has submitted a proposal to restrict the placing on the market, re-use and secondary use of wood treated with creosote or creosote-related substances.
This consultation is open from 21 December 2022 to 22 June 2023 (23:59 Helsinki time).
Our scientific committees welcome early comments by 25 January 2023 to help them in the first discussion of the proposal in February/March 2023.
For more information please see the following link:
New EU active substance non-approval decisions
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market.
Following withdrawal of support under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combinations. This will affect Northern Ireland (NI):
- Sodium N-chlorobenzenesulphonamide (Chloramine-B) (CAS 127-52-6 EC 204-847-9) in product types 2, 3, 4 and 5
- 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(methoxymethyl)benzyl (EZ)-(1RS,3RS;1SR,3SR)- 2,2-dimethyl-3-prop-1-enylcyclopropanecarboxylate (Metofluthrin) (CAS 240494-71-7 EC n/a) in product type 19
- 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT) (CAS 2634-33-5 EC 220-120-9) in product type 10
Biocidal products containing these active substances in the relevant product types can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 14 December 2023
- used in NI after 14 June 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 14 December 2023.
New treated articles containing these active substances in the relevant product types cannot be entered into the supply chain or imported into NI after 12 June 2023. Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used. To find out more please see the following link:
Any affected NI product approvals under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) will be revoked in line with the above dates.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance expiry dates
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market.
The active substance/product type combination listed below is due to expire under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR) on the following date. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- Abamectin as a mixture of avermectin B1a (EINECS 265-610-3) and avermectin B1b (EINECS 265-611-9) (CAS 71751-41-2 EC n/a) in product type 18 – 30 June 2023
Once the approval expires, the active substance can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, we will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval. You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the expiry of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market.
Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CAS 7758-99-8 EC 231-847-6) in product type 2 - 28 December 2023
- Bis(1-hydroxy-1H-pyridine-2-thionato- O,S)copper (Copper pyrithione) (CAS 14915-37-8 EC 238-984-0) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- Copper flakes (coated with aliphatic acids) (CAS 7440-50-8 EC 231-159-6) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- Copper thiocyanate (CAS 1111-67-7 EC 214-183-1) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- Dichloro-N-[(dimethylamino)sulphonyl] fluoro-N-(ptolyl)methanesulphenamide (Tolylfluanid) (CAS 731-27-1 EC 211-986-9) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- Dicopper oxide (CAS 1317-39-1 EC 215-270-7) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- N-(Dichlorofluoromethylthio)-N′,N′- dimethyl-N-phenylsulfamide (Dichlofluanid) (CAS 1085-98-9 EC 214-118-7) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
- N-(trichloromethylthio)phthalimide (Folpet) (CAS 133-07-3 EC 205-088-6) in product type 6 – 29 June 2024
- Pythium oligandrum, Chromista - Stramenopila (CAS n/a EC n/a) in product type 10 – 29 June 2024
- Zinc ethylenebis(dithiocarbamate) (polymeric) (Zineb) (CAS 12122-67-7 EC 235-180-1) in product type 21 – 29 June 2024
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter. For more information see the following link:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
EU active substance expiry date postponed
Active substance expiry date postponed whilst the renewal evaluation is completed in the EU.
For reasons beyond the control of the applicant, the approval of the active substance/product type combination listed below was likely to expire before a decision could be taken on its renewal under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR). To allow sufficient time for the renewal evaluation to be completed, a decision has been taken to postpone the expiry of the approval until the following date. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole (Propiconazole) (CAS 60207-90-1 EC 262-104-4) in product type 8 – 31 December 2023
If you want to supply new biocidal products containing this active substance, you can still apply for EU BPR product authorisation. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
HSE will provide a separate update on the renewal decision when relevant.
For more information please see the following link:
Manufacture of hand sanitiser products in the UK
Current arrangements for Article 95 compliance come to an end
In response to the pandemic, HSE took steps to assist industry’s efforts to increase the availability of hand sanitisers to help reduce the spread/transmission of COVID-19.
One of these steps was adopting a pragmatic and proportionate approach to the requirement for all biocidal products supplied in the UK to contain active substances sourced from suppliers on the Article 95 list.
Information gathered from a range of stakeholders suggests that hand sanitiser manufacturers are no longer experiencing any difficulties in sourcing their active substance from an Article 95 supplier.
This means that the proportionate approach to the Article 95 requirement, put in place at the beginning of the pandemic for hand sanitiser products, will be discontinued.
Accessing the UK market
Businesses wishing to supply hand sanitiser products must ensure that their active substance is sourced from a supplier on:
- the GB Article 95 List, in Great Britain
- the EU Article 95 List, in Northern Ireland
Alternatively, businesses may apply to get on the relevant Article 95 list themselves:
- GB Article 95: How to apply - (HSE GB website)
- Application and assessment procedure EU Article 95 List - (ECHA website)
Background
Article 95 of the BPR aims to create a level playing field across industry by ensuring that all suppliers of biocidal products have paid a share of the cost of supporting the active substance dossier through an evaluation process.
The BPR requires either the supplier of the active substance used in a biocidal product, or the supplier of that biocidal product, to be included on the Article 95 list for the relevant active substance / product type combination.
This requirement applies to all biocidal products made available on the UK market, including:
- products authorised under the BPR
- products in the process of getting a BPR authorisation
- products regulated under other national legislation in the UK, such as the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR)
- products where the active substance / product type combination is still being reviewed e.g. ethanol
To aid the rapid supply of hand sanitiser products, HSE adopted a pragmatic and proportionate approach to these regulatory requirements, focussing on ensuring that high levels of safety and efficacy of hand sanitiser products were maintained.
As part of the approach, HSE expected product manufacturers to have taken all reasonable steps to comply with Article 95 obligations. At all times, manufacturers were expected to continue to be mindful of maintaining high levels of safety and efficacy of the products they were making available to the public and others.
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
Following evaluation under the EU BPR, a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect NI:
Biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 13 November 2023
- used in NI after 13 May 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 13 November 2023.
New treated articles containing this active substance in the relevant product type cannot be entered into the supply chain or imported into NI after 12 May 2023. Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used.
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market.
Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- (RS)-α-cyano-3phenoxybenzyl-(1RS)-cis, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (Cypermethrin) (CAS 52315-07-8 EC 257-842-9) in product type 8 – 28 November 2023
- Carbon dioxide (CAS 124-38-9 EC 204-696-9) in product type 15 – 28 November 2023
- 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole (Propiconazole) (CAS 60207-90-1 EC 262-104-4) in product type 9 – 28 November 2023
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter. For more information please see the following link:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
EU active substance approval cancelled
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market.
Following a review under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a decision has been taken to cancel the following active substance approval. This affects Northern Ireland (NI). For more information please see the following link:
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, we will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval. You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the cancellation of the approvals of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE (GB).
New EU active substance non-approval decision
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market.
Following evaluation under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect Northern Ireland (NI). Please see the following like for further information:
Biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 13 November 2023
- used in NI after 13 May 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 13 November 2023.
New treated articles containing this active substance in the relevant product type cannot be entered into the supply chain or imported into NI after 12 May 2023. Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used. To find out more about treated articles, please see the following link:
Any affected NI product approvals under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) will be revoked in line with the above dates.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
New EU active substance approval decisions
Apply for product authorisation by the deadline to keep your products on the NI market.
Following evaluation under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a decision has been taken to approve the following active substance/product type combinations. This will affect Northern Ireland (NI):
- Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (CAS 7173-51-5 EC 230-525-2) in product types 1 and 2
- Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract from open and mature flowers of Tanacetum cinerariifolium obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide (CAS 89997-63-7 EC 289-699-3) in product type 19
- Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract from open and mature flowers of Tanacetum cinerariifolium obtained with hydrocarbon solvents (CAS 89997-63-7 EC 289-699-3) in product type 19
Action for biocidal product suppliers
If you supply biocidal products containing these active substances in the relevant product types, you must apply for EU BPR product authorisation by 1 February 2024 to keep them on the NI market. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
Action for active substance suppliers
If you supply these active substances for use in biocidal products of the relevant product types, you may need to apply for technical equivalence. If you haven’t demonstrated technical equivalence for your manufacturing source, EU BPR product authorisation cannot be granted for biocidal products containing your active substance.
New EU active substance renewal decision for creosote
Due to changes to EU Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) the permitted uses for Creosote and Creosote treated wood will be changing in 2023.
Creosote has been renewed as a biocidal product for use as a wood preservative. Conditions of use have been placed on the use of creosote and restrictions have been placed on what uses are permitted for creosote treated wood.
For all information on the changes to the permitted uses for creosote please visit the HSE (GB) website at the link below:
EU active substance expiry dates postponed
Active substance expiry dates postponed whilst the renewal evaluation is completed in the EU.
For reasons beyond the control of the applicants, the approvals of the active substance/product type combinations listed below were likely to expire before a decision could be taken on their renewal under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR). To allow sufficient time for the renewal evaluation to be completed, a decision has been taken to postpone the expiry of the approvals until the following dates. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- Acrylaldehyde (Acrolein) (CAS 107-02-8 EC 203-453-4) in product type 12 – 28 February 2025
- Spinosad as a mixture of 50-95 % spinosyn A and 5-50 % spinosyn D (Spinosad) (CAS 168316-95-8 EC 434-300-1) in product type 18 – 30 April 2025
- medetomidine (CAS 86347-14-0 EC n/a) in product type 21 – 30 June 2025
- Reaction mass of N,N- Didecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium Carbonate and N,N-Didecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium Bicarbonate (DDACarbonate) (CAS 894406-76-9 EC 451-900-9) in product type 8 – 30 June 2025
- 3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC) (CAS 55406-53-6 EC 259-627-5) in product type 8 – 31 July 2025
- 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol (Tebuconazole) (CAS 107534-96-3 EC 403-640-2) in product type 8 – 30 June 2026
- 3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylether (Etofenprox) (CAS 80844-07-1 EC 407-980-2) in product type 8 – 31 October 2026
- Cyclohexylhydroxydiazene 1-oxide, potassium salt (K-HDO) (CAS 66603-10-9 EC n/a) in product type 8 – 31 December 2026
If you want to supply new biocidal products containing these active substances, you can still apply for EU BPR product authorisation. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
HSE (GB) will provide separate updates on the renewal decisions when relevant.
For more information please see the following link:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance open invitation deadlines
Submit a notification by the deadline to keep active substances in the EU Review Programme.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published open invitations to provide an opportunity for a person, company or task force/consortium to notify an intention to take up or take over the role of participant in the EU Review Programme for the following active substance/product type combinations. This affects Northern Ireland (NI). Anyone wishing to support one of the active substance/product type combinations listed below in the EU will need to submit a notification to ECHA by the following deadlines:
- ‘Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[2-(didecylmethylammonio)ethyl]- .omega.- hydroxy-, propanoate (salt) (“Bardap 26”)’ other than ‘reaction mass of N,N-didecyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium propionate and N,N-didecyl-N-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl)-N-methylammonium propionate and N,N-didecyl-N-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-N-methylammonium propionate’ (CAS 94667-33-1 EC n/a) in product types 2, 4 and 10 – 4 October 2023
If a notification to take over the role of participant is not received, these active substance/product type combinations will be subject to an EU non-approval decision. Biocidal products containing active substances with EU non-approval decisions for the relevant product types will have to be removed from the NI market. HSE (GB) will provide separate updates on these where relevant.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE GB.
For more information please see the following links:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market.
Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-ethoxymethyl-5-trifluoromethylpyrrole-3-carbonitrile (Chlorfenapyr) (CAS 122453-73-0 EC n/a) in product type 8 – 28 October 2023
- 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl trans-2-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-3,3-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (Transfluthrin) (CAS 118712-89-3 EC 405-060-5) in product type 18 – 29 April 2024
- 3-(N-acetyl-N-butyl)aminopropionic acid ethyl ester (Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535)) (CAS 52304-36-6 EC 257-835-0) in product type 19 – 29 April 2024
- Lauric acid (CAS 143-07-7 EC 205-582-1) in product type 19 – 29 April 2024
- methyl (E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate (Azoxystrobin) (CAS 131860-33-8 EC n/a) in product types 7, 9 and 10 – 29 April 2024
- Synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide (nano) (CAS 112926-00-8 EC 231-545-4) in product type 18 – 29 April 2024
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter. For more information please see the following link:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market
Under the EU BPR, active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects NI:
- 3-phenoxybenzyl(1R,3R)-2,2-dimethyl- 3-(2-methylprop-1- enyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate (1R-trans-Phenothrin) CAS 26046-85-5 EC 247-431-2 in product type 18
28 February 2024 - bis(N-cyclohexyl-diazenium-dioxy)-copper (Cu-HDO) CAS 312600-89-8 EC n/a in product type 8
28 February 2024 - Iodine (CAS 7553-56-2 EC 231-442-4) in product types 1, 3, 4 and 22
28 February 2024 - Isopropyl-(2E,4E,7S)-11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodeca-dienoate (S-methoprene) CAS 65733-16-6 EC n/a in product type 18
28 February 2024 - n-Decanoic acid (Decanoic acid) CAS 334-48-5 EC 206-376-4 in product types 4, 18 and 19
28 February 2024 - n-Octanoic acid (Octanoic acid) CAS 124-07-2 EC 204-677-5 in product types 4 and 18
28 February 2024 - Polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine CAS 25655-41-8 EC n/a in product types 1, 3, 4 and 22
28 February 2024
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter.
Check the EU Article 95 List to see who the original supporters were at the following link:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
Declaration of interest to notify “Capsicum oleoresin expeller pressed”
ECHA have published a declaration of interest to notify "Capsicum oleoresin expeller pressed" for use in repellents and attractants (product-type 19).
The deadline is 9 September 2023 to have this substance evaluated in the Review Programme.
Active substances no longer supported in the EU
Non-approval decisions to be taken for unsupported active substances in the EU
Following an opportunity for any person, company or taskforce/consortium to support the active substance/product type combinations listed below in the EU Review Programme, no compliant notifications were received. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- Reaction mass of titanium dioxide and silver chloride (CAS n/a EC n/a) in product types 10 and 11
- 7a-ethyldihydro-1H,3H,5H-oxazolo[3,4-c]oxazole (EDHO) (CAS 7747-35-5 EC 231-810-4) in product types 6 and 13
- cis-1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1- azoniaadamantane chloride (cis CTAC) (CAS 51229-78-8 EC 426-020-3) in product types 6 and 13
- Methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride (CTAC) (CAS 4080-31-3 EC 223-805-0) in product types 6, 12 and 13
These active substance/product type combinations will now be subject to an EU non-approval decision.
Once a decision is taken, biocidal products containing these active substances in the relevant product types will have to be removed from the NI market. HSE will provide separate updates on the decision and relevant phase-out periods.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE (GB).
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market
Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile (Tralopyril) (CAS 122454-29-9 EC n/a) in product type 21 – 28 September 2023
- Nonanoic acid (Pelargonic acid) (CAS 112-05-0 EC 203-931-2) in product type 2 – 29 March 2024
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter. Check the EU Article 95 List to see who the original supporters were at the link below:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance expiry date
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
The active substance/product type combination listed below is due to expire under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR) on the following date. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- (±)-5-amino-1-(2,6- dichloro-α,α,α,- trifluoro-p-tolyl)-4- trifluoromethylsulfinylpyrazole-3-carbonitrile (1:1) (Fipronil) (CAS 120068-37-3 EC 424-610-5) in product type 18 – 30 September 2023
Once the approval expires, the active substance can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product type in Northern Ireland.
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, we will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval. You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the expiry of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE (GB).
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
Open invitation to notify Glucoprotamin for product-type 2 and 4
Companies have withdrawn their interest in getting "Reaction products of: glutamic acid and N-(C12-C14-alkyl) propylenediamine (Glucoprotamin)" approved in the biocides Review Programme for use in Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals (product-type 2) and Food and feed area (product-type 4).
Notify ECHA by 4 August 2023 to keep this substance in the Review Programme.
The following deadlines are listed to help companies to comply with their obligations under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the Review Programme Regulation (RPR):
New EU active substance non-approval decision
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
Following evaluation/withdrawal of support under the EU BPR, a decision has been taken not to approve the following active substance/product type combination. This will affect NI:
- N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine (Diamine) (CAS 2372-82-9 EC 219-145-8) in product type 8
To view the decision please see the following link:
Biocidal products containing this active substance in the relevant product type can no longer be:
- supplied in NI after 14 July 2023
- used in NI after 14 January 2024
You must manage your stocks of the affected products to ensure they are removed from the NI supply chain by 14 July 2023.
New treated articles containing this active substance in the relevant product type cannot be entered into the supply chain or imported into NI after 10 January 2023.
Treated articles that have entered NI supply chains before this date can continue to be supplied and used.
Any affected NI product approvals under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) will be revoked in line with the above dates.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the non-approval of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE.
Now available: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opinions on companies’ requests to classify changes to their biocidal product authorisations
Companies can make changes to their authorised biocidal products by either notifying the authorities or by submitting an application. The process depends on the level of change the company would like to make to the existing authorisation: administrative, minor or major. Various change types are listed in the annex of the European Commission’s Implementing Regulation on changes of authorised biocidal products (No 345/2013).
If the foreseen change is not listed in the annex, a company has the possibility to request ECHA’s opinion on the classification of the change. The classification will help companies understand which type of application they should submit to change their biocidal product authorisations.
For more information please see the following links:
- Opinions on union authorisation - (ECHA website)
- Regulation (EU) No 354/2013 - (EUR-LEX website - PDF format)
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance dossier submission deadline
Take action to keep your active substance in the EU Review Programme
The active substance/product type combinations listed below have been successfully notified into the EU Review Programme following open invitations.
The next step is for a full active substance dossier to be submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by the following deadlines. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- 2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA) (CAS 10222-01-2 EC 233-539-7) in product type 2
19 June 2023
Only the person, company or taskforce/consortium that successfully notified the active substance/product type combinations listed above can submit a dossier.
If any of these active substance/product type combinations are important to you, consider contacting the notifier to let them know. You may even be able to join them in supporting the active substance.
If a dossier is not submitted by the deadline, this active substance/product type combination will be subject to an EU non-approval decision. Biocidal products containing active substances with EU non-approval decisions for the relevant product types will have to be removed from the NI market. HSE will provide separate updates on these where relevant.
Open invitation to notify silver-polyethylenimine-chloride
Companies have withdrawn their interest in getting silver-polyethylenimine-chloride approved in the biocides review programme for use in:
- human hygiene (product-type 1)
- disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals (product-type 2)
- fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives
(product-type 9)
Notification must be made by 23 May 2023 to keep this substance in the review programme.
For more information please see the following link at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market.
Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
- 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol (Tebuconazole) (CAS 107534-96-3 EC 403-640-2) in product types 7 and 10 – 28 December 2023
- 2-bromo-ethanoic acid (Bromoacetic acid) (CAS 79-08-3 EC 201-175-8) in product type 4 – 28 December 2023
- 3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC) (CAS 55406-53-6 EC 259-627-5) in product type 6 – 28 December 2023
- 3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylether (Etofenprox) (CAS 80844-07-1 EC 407-980-2) in product type 18 – 28 December 2023
- Benzoic acid (CAS 65-85-0 EC 200-618-2) in product types 3 and 4 – 28 December 2023
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter.
You can check the EU Article 95 List to see who the original supporters were at the following link:
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance expiry date
Biocidal products must be phased off the NI market
The active substance/product type combination listed below is due to expire under the EU BPR on the following date. This affects NI:
- Carbon dioxide (CAS 124-38-9 EC 204-696-9) in product type 18 - 31 October 2023
- 2,2-dimethyl-1,3- benzodioxol-4-yl methylcarbamate (Bendiocarb) (CAS 22781-23-3 EC 245-216-8) in product type 18 – 31 January 2024
Once the approval expires, the active substance can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product type in NI.
If you hold an affected EU BPR product authorisation or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) product approval, HSE will contact you about cancelling or revoking your authorisation or approval. You will have an opportunity to submit comments or additional information and we will take account of these when finalising our decision.
If you are aware of any disproportionate negative effects that are likely to arise from the expiry of any of the active substance/product type combinations listed above, please contact HSE (GB).
Recommendations on preparing a summary of product characteristics
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published recommendations on preparing a Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for biocidal products and biocidal product families.
They were developed to help applicants and Member State competent authorities prepare a clear and comprehensible SPC which follows the requirements of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
The document compiles agreements from the Coordination Group, Biocides competent authority meetings and Biocidal Products Committee meetings and is applicable to single products and biocidal product families.
To view these recommendations please see the following link:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance renewal submission deadlines
Apply for active substance renewal by the deadlines to keep products on the Northern Ireland market
Under the EU BPR, active substance approvals will expire unless a renewal application is submitted at least 550 days before their expiry date.
The 550-day deadlines are coming up for the following active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR. This affects NI:
- 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea (Diflubenzuron) (CAS 35367-38-5 EC 252-529-3) in product type 18 - 31 July 2023
- 4-phenoxyphenyl (RS)-2-(2-pyridyloxy)propyl ether (Pyriproxyfen) (CAS 95737-68-1 EC 429-800-1) in product type 18 - 31 July 2023
- Alkyl (C12-16) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC/BKC (C12-16)) (CAS 68424-85-1 EC 270-325-2) in product type 8 - 31 July 2023
- Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) (CAS 7173-51-5 EC 230-525-2) in product type 8 - 31 July 2023
- Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0 EC 200-001-8) in product types 2 and 3 - 31 July 2023
- Powdered corn cob (CAS n/a EC n/a) in product type 14 - 31 July 2023
- Thiamethoxam (CAS 153719-23-4 EC 428-650-4) in product type 18 - 31 July 2023
- Methyl-benzimidazol-2-ylcarbamate (Carbendazim) (CAS 10605-21-7 EC 234-232-0) in product types 7 and 10 - 31 July 2023
Any person, company or taskforce/consortium can support an active substance/product type combination for renewal – it doesn’t have to be the original supporter.
Check the EU Article 95 List to see who the original supporters were - European Chemicals Agency (echa.europa.eu)
If a renewal application is not submitted for the above active substance/product type combinations under EU BPR, the approvals will expire. This means the active substances can no longer be used in biocidal products of the relevant product types in Northern Ireland.
EU active substance expiry dates postponed
Active substance expiry dates postponed whilst the renewal evaluation is completed in the EU
For reasons beyond the control of the applicants, the approvals of the active substance/product type combinations listed below were likely to expire before a decision could be taken on their renewal under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR).
To allow sufficient time for the renewal evaluation to be completed, a decision has been taken to postpone the expiry of the approvals until the following dates. This affects Northern Ireland (NI):
28 February 2024:
28 February 2024:
30 June 2024:
31 July 2024:
30 September 2024:
30 November 2024:
31 January 2025:
If you want to supply new biocidal products containing these active substances, you can still apply for EU BPR product authorisation. New products (including new trade names) must not be supplied in NI until product authorisation is granted.
HSE (GB) will provide separate updates on the renewal decisions when relevant.
Are your contact details up to date?
Make sure you are receiving important information about your product authorisations and approvals.
Businesses that hold product authorisations and approvals in Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the GB and EU Biocidal Products Regulations (GB BPR and EU BPR) or the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) should make sure HSE (GB) has the right contact details.
If the details they hold are out of date, you may not receive important information about your product authorisation or approval. To update your details please email:
Biocides in Northern Ireland
New guidance available for accessing the Northern Ireland Biocide market:
The HSE (GB) website has been updated to outline changes to processes and explain how the EU Biocidal Products Regulations (EU BPR) regulations continue to apply in Northern Ireland.
If you wish to make an application for:
- product authorisation
- active substance approval
- inclusion in the EU Article 95 list
Please visit the HSE (GB) website to find out who you need to submit your application to:
Reminder – upcoming EU active substance approval dates
You must apply for product authorisation by the deadlines to keep products on the NI market.
EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR) active substance approval dates are coming up and more details can be found at the following link:
Product Application Forms
New combined Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) product application forms are now available online.
A single form now allows businesses to submit:
- a GB only application
- a NI only application or
- a joint GB and NI application
For more information on the different product application types please visit the HSE (GB) website at:
Updated BPR Active substance and Authorised products Lists
Information on Active substances and products authorised for the NI market are now available. The HSE (GB) website now provides separate information about active substances and biocidal products for the GB and the NI markets.
For the lastest updates to the BPR Active Substance List for GB and NI, and the UK Authorised Biocidal Products List, please see the following links:
- BPR Active Substance list for GB and NI - HSE (GB) website
- UK Authorised Biocidal Products list - HSE (GB) website
Biocides News
Latest information for businesses regarding Brexit is available at the following link:
HSE will continue to deliver Competent Authority functions for Northern Ireland for biocides following the end of the Transition Period. Businesses wishing to make a biocidal product available on the GB market should submit their applications following the guidance provided on the HSE (GB) website. This guidance can be viewed at the following link:
Businesses who want to make a biocidal product available on the NI market should until further guidance is provided, contact HSE (GB) at the following email address:
Enquiries regarding applications under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR): pa.copr@hse.gov.uk
Enquiries regarding applications under the EU Biocides Products Regulations (EU BPR) soon to be GB BPR: pa.biocides@hse.gov.uk
Other Biocides Enquiries: biocidesenquiries@hse.gov.uk
Biocides Stakeholder Event
HSE (GB) and (DEFRA) have hosted virtual stakeholder events covering actions businesses need to take when the UK Transition ends and how the new GB regulatory regime for chemicals may impact their work.
To view the virtual Biocides Stakeholder Event, please see the following Youtube link:
HSE biocides fact sheets
This guidance contains a series of fact sheets for businesses that want to gain, or maintain, access to the GB market after 31 December 2020. Each fact sheet addresses a different scenario and clearly presents what action you need to take, when you need to do it, and the consequences if you don’t. Click on the link below to view:
Keep up-to-date
If you want to keep up-to-date with news in relation to chemicals in the UK or any other subjects, please register on the HSE (GB) website at the following link:
During registration you can select which topics are relevant to you, such as REACH, Chemicals, Biocides, PIC and many others.