The European Parliament's Environment Committee today voted its second reading recommendation concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products. ALDE considers the future regulation as a positive development for both the environment and public health.

The forthcoming legislation includes the following main elements:
• obligation of the Member States to ensure the authorization, classification, labelling, packaging and proper use of biocidal products,
• EU authorization of new active substances and low-risk biocidal products which may be used from 2013, 
• a transitional period prior to the start of the regulation's new scope from 2017,
• producers to be responsible for the placing on the market of biocides and active substances following prior authorization,
• new regime for treated products (any substance, mixture or article ranging from insect repellents  to antibacterial properties, including textile or wood),
• to control a serious danger to public or animal health or the environment from substances containing the most hazardous ingredients,
• simplifying of procedures for non hazardous products and data system access to reduce the administrative burden on applicants.

After the vote, MEP Corinne Lepage (CAP21, France) on behalf of the ALDE group commented:
"We have now reached an acceptable compromise, despite the difficulties during first reading. Thanks to a robust centre/ left coalition of political groups, the new Regulation contains important positive elements such as specific procedures to evaluate nanotechnologies, better information on the impact of biocides in the environment, and mandatory labeling of treated products  (for example sofas). This compromise may also facilitate the discussion with the Council as we agreed on strong safeguards for Member states".

Note: The current EU rules will be replaced by the new Biocidal Products Regulation which is expected to take effect in 2013.