EU Member States report illegal and ineffective disinfectants

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, European states are encouraged to apply derogations to the normal product authorisation requirements of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) (‘health emergency permits’) to increase and speed up the production of disinfectants. However, some companies appear to be taking advantage of the situation.

20 EU Member States have reported an increase in non-compliant (hand) disinfectants on their markets since March 2020. Such disinfectants can be a health risk rather than keep us safe.

Many of the reported cases are of disinfectants that do not have the required authorisation or permit, or lack hazard labelling. Many had a formulation that cannot be sufficiently effective against viruses – for example, due to insufficient concentrations of active substances with virucidal activity that stops the spread of viruses.

Hence, National enforcement authorities are taking action to protect citizens from the risks of illicit and ineffective products. ECHA is also collecting the national authorities’ feedback on specific difficulties and urgent questions that need to be clarified to support enforcement at a national level. ECHA and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) decided to share information of mutual interest collected in the context of inquiries related to the COVID-19 crisis. In March 2020, the unit in charge of fighting against forged goods and illicit trade in OLAF has launched an enquiry into illegal trafficking of COVID-19 related products, including disinfectants.

For more information or queries, please write to us at: compliance@gpcregulatory.com