On 25 February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the possible designation of ethanol as a candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). The consultation is open until 28 April 2025 and invites stakeholders to provide input on alternative substances.
Ethanol Biocidal Products
Ethanol is widely used in biocidal products, including:
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Product type 1 – Human hygiene products.
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Product type 2 – Disinfectants and algaecides not for direct human or animal use.
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Product type 4 – Food and feed area disinfectants.
Ethanol has been identified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its hazardous properties. Under the BPR, substances that meet substitution criteria will be reviewed for potential phase-out if safer alternatives are available.
Rules for Candidates for Substitution under the BPR
Under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) (Regulation (EU) 528/2012), substances are identified as Candidates for Substitution if they meet specific hazard criteria, such as being carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR), endocrine disrupting, or persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT/vPvB). These substances are subject to stricter approval conditions, and their use is only permitted if no suitable alternatives exist. If an active substance is listed as a candidate for substitution, all biocidal products containing it must be evaluated against possible safer alternatives, with the aim of phasing out the substance where feasible.
Stakeholder Participation
ECHA encourages industry representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to submit data on alternatives to ethanol, its safety, and efficacy in biocidal applications. The feedback will contribute to regulatory decisions on the approval of possible restrictions of ethanol.
How to Participate
Stakeholders can access details of the consultation and submit comments via ECHA’s website here. Participation in the consultation will ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the future use of ethanol in biocidal products and help shape EU regulatory decisions.
