The European Commission has approved hypochlorous acid as an active substance for use in type 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 biocides. The approval date for PTs 2, 3, 4 and 5 is 01 July 2022 and 01 July 2021 for PT1s.
(EU) Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/347 of 25 February 2021, which approves active chlorine released from hypochlorous acid as an active substance for use in biocides of types 2, 3, 4 and 5.
And (EU) Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/365 of 26 February 2021, which approves active chlorine released from hypochlorous acid as an active substance for use in type 1 biocides.
The respective appendices of both Regulations establish the specifications and conditions that need to be met for the approval of hypochlorous acid as an active substance in each of the uses.
Appendix V of the Regulation on biocides establishes the following groups according to the type of product:
- PT1 Human hygiene – The products in this group are biocides used for the purpose of human hygiene, applied to or in contact with the skin or scalp, with the primary aim of disinfecting the skin or scalp.
- PT2 Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct use in people or animals – Used to disinfect surfaces, materials, equipment and furniture not used in direct contact with food or feed. The scope of use includes, among others, swimming pools, aquariums, bathing water and others; air conditioning systems, and the walls and floors of private and public places, industrial areas and other areas used for professional activities. Used for the disinfection of air, water not intended for human or animal consumption, chemical toilets, wastewater, hospital waste and soil. Used as algaecides for the treatment of swimming pools, aquariums and other water and for the restorative treatment of construction materials. Intended for use in textiles, fabrics, masks, paint and other articles or materials in order to obtain articles treated with disinfectant properties.
- PT3 Veterinary hygiene – Used for the purposes of veterinary hygiene, such as disinfectants, disinfectant soap, oral and body hygiene products and products with antimicrobial functions. Used for the disinfection of materials and surfaces related to the accommodation or transportation of animals.
- PT4 Food and feed – Used in the disinfection of equipment, containers, utensils for consumption, surfaces and pipes related to the production, transportation, storage and consumption of food or feed (including drinking water) for humans and animals. Used to impregnate materials that could come into contact with food..
- PT5 Drinking water – Used for the disinfection of drinking water, both for humans and animals.
Furthermore, active chlorine generated from sodium chloride through electrolysis has been approved as an active substance for use in type 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 biocides. The approval date for PTs 2, 3, 4 and 5 is 01 July 2022 and 01 July 2021 for TP1s.
(EU) Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/345 of 25 February 2021 approves the use of types 2, 3, 4, and 5 in biocides.
And (EU) Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/364 of 26 February 2021, which approves the use of the same in type 1 biocides.
Both Regulations establish the specifications and conditions for the approval of the substance in each of the uses.