The European Commission has recently adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2704, granting Union authorisation for the biocidal product 'GHC Chlor.' This significant regulatory development comes after a detailed and thorough assessment process by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
'GHC Chlor', a product of GHC Gerling, Holz & Co. Handels GmbH, is designated for use in disinfecting and treating drinking water, as well as in various industrial and professional applications. The product contains active chlorine released from chlorine, an active substance included in the Union list of approved substances.
Key Points of the Authorisation
Product Description and Uses
- 'GHC Chlor' falls under product-types 2 (disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals) and 5 (drinking water).
- The product is intended for a range of uses, including the disinfection of wastewater, drinking water for both humans and animals, and water in reservoirs and collective systems.
Regulatory Process
- GHC Gerling, Holz & Co. Handels GmbH submitted the application in December 2018.
- The ECHA provided its opinion in August 2021, leading to this recent authorisation.
- The Commission aligned the expiry date of this authorisation with that of the reference product ‘Arche Chlorine’.
Conditions and Adjustments
- The authorisation includes specific conditions for the product's use in Germany, ensuring compliance with national standards and regulations, particularly in relation to drinking water treatment.
Safety and Compliance
- The product's approval is subject to compliance with the detailed summary of product characteristics (SPC).
- The regulation emphasises safety, including hazard and precautionary statements, as well as instructions for safe use, disposal, and storage.
Validity and Scope
- The Union authorisation is valid from 20 December 2023, until 30 April 2033.
- This regulation is binding and directly applicable in all EU Member States.
Implications and Compliance
The adoption of this regulation marks a critical step in ensuring safe and effective biocidal products are available in the EU market. Entities involved in the production, distribution, and use of ‘GHC Chlor’ must adhere to the specified conditions and safety guidelines. This includes proper handling, storage, and disposal of the product, as well as compliance with any national regulations, especially for the usage within Germany.
Stakeholders, particularly in the water treatment and supply sectors, should update their practices to align with these new regulatory standards. Regular training and assessments are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
For detailed information on the use and safety requirements of 'GHC Chlor,' stakeholders should refer to the full text of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2704 and associated ECHA documentation.
