The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a critical update regarding the regulation of biocides, indicating significant changes that will impact stakeholders within the region. This development is part of a broader strategy to align with the European Union's Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), diverging from practices in Great Britain.
Key Decision on Biocidal Substance Regulation
The latest ebulletin from the HSE outlines a non-approval decision for the active substance Willaertia subsp. magna, C2c.Maky, used in product type 11. This decision mandates the phased removal of biocidal products containing this substance from the Northern Ireland market, with a supply ban effective from 6 February 2025, and a complete usage ban by 6 August 2025.
Impact on Industry and Compliance Measures
Product type 11, affected by this regulation, includes products designed for controlling harmful organisms in industrial processes, such as water treatment and cooling systems. The directive requires stakeholders to adjust their stock levels to comply with the upcoming ban and outlines that new treated articles with this substance are prohibited from entering the NI market or being imported after 4 August 2024.
Regulatory Compliance and Approvals Revocation
The HSE's announcement also specifies that approvals for products under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) in Northern Ireland, containing the affected substance, will be revoked following the outlined timeline. This measure underscores the regulatory commitment to ensuring a safe and compliant market for biocidal products.
Call for Feedback on Potential Impacts
The ebulletin invites stakeholders to report any disproportionate negative impacts resulting from the non-approval decision. This invitation for feedback reflects the regulatory body's consideration of the broader consequences of these changes on the industry and market dynamics.
