EU Raises Biocidal Product Fees by 19.5% to Reflect Inflation

This fee update—applying to active substance approvals, Union authorisations, technical equivalence assessments, and renewals—will have a direct financial effect on companies operating under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The increase stems from the Commission’s annual review obligation, pegged to Eurostat’s European Index of Consumer Prices.

Inflation Adjustment Affects Multiple Compliance Areas

The 19.5% fee adjustment is calculated using average inflation rates from 2021 to 2023. This update revises Annexes I–III of the original Fee Regulation (EU) No 564/2013, with updated tables now outlining precise costs per activity.

For example:

• Approval of an active substance now costs €143,400 (first product-type), with additional charges for each extra product-type or if the substance is a candidate for substitution.
• Granting Union authorisation for a biocidal product family will now cost €179,250.
• Technical equivalence checks range from €5,975 to €47,800 depending on the complexity of the application.

Stakeholders across the chemicals value chain—including manufacturers, importers, and service providers—should reassess budget forecasts, especially for multi-product portfolios or renewals requiring full evaluations.

Strategic and Financial Implications for Industry

While the fee increase is procedural, it underscores the growing financial and administrative burden on companies maintaining compliance within the EU’s chemicals framework. For firms engaged in R&D, product innovation, or lifecycle management, the updated costs may influence decisions on product authorisations and market strategy.

The change also aligns with broader policy shifts under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to transparent, risk-based chemical management.

Public authorities, consultants, and downstream users—such as those in consumer goods, medical devices, and textiles—should be aware of potential knock-on effects, including higher end-product costs or slower market entry timelines.