Key Changes in Biocides Legislation Affecting Northern Ireland

The UK Health and Safety Executive has recently released crucial updates regarding the regulation of biocides in Northern Ireland (NI), as per the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR). These changes are distinct from the Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR) and carry significant implications for stakeholders in the region.

New EU Active Substance Renewal Decision

The EU BPR has renewed the active substance 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), used in product type 08, with a new expiry date set for 30 November 2030. This decision directly impacts NI, requiring EU Article 95 suppliers to submit relevant data by 12 December 2024 to remain listed.

Action Steps for Compliance

Suppliers should review renewal conditions for product authorisations or approvals under EU BPR or Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR).Potential adjustments to existing authorisations or approvals may be necessary to align with new conditions.Proactive communication with the regulatory body is advisable to address potential product cancellations or revocations.

Non-Approval Decisions and Market Phase-Out

Silver Zeolite (CAS 130328-18-6 EC 620-078-5) in product type 04 will not be approved for use. The implications are:

Prohibition of supply in NI post-19 December 2024.Usage in NI must cease by 19 June 2025.New treated articles containing this substance are banned from NI supply chains after 16 June 2024.

Action Steps for Compliance

Businesses must manage and phase out stock to comply with the deadlines.Revocation of affected NI product approvals under COPR will align with these dates.

Upcoming Expiry Dates

Two critical substances with looming expiry dates under EU BPR are:

(RS)-4-hydroxy-3-(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)coumarin (Warfarin) (CAS 81-81-2 EC 201-377-6) in product type 14 – Expiry on 30 June 2024.Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB (1600;1.8)) (CAS 27083-27-8 / 32289-58-0 EC 608-042-7) in product types 02, 03, and 11 – Expiry on 30 June 2024.

Action Steps for Compliance

Stakeholders with affected authorisations should prepare for potential cancellations or revocations.Open communication channels with the regulatory body for any concerns regarding the impact of these expiries.