Following its departure from the European Union in 2021, the United Kingdom has implemented a new regulation for biocidal products, the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR-GB), in addition to the existing Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR). If you plan to market biocidal products in the UK, it is essential to note that the new BPR-GB closely resembles the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR-EU) but includes some specific requirements tailored to the UK.
What requirements must suppliers of active substances in the UK meet?
Biocidal products marketed in the UK must only include active substances from suppliers listed in the Article 95 List.
- To market products in Great Britain, check that your suppliers are listed under the Article 95 List for BPR-GB.
- To market products in Northern Ireland (NI), your suppliers must appear on the Article 95 List for BPR-EU.
What authorization process applies to marketing biocidal products?
The process depends on the evaluation status of the active substance in your product:
- If the active substance is still under review, you will need to apply for authorization under the existing COPR.
- If the active substance has been approved, your application must comply with the BPR-GB.
You can check the evaluation status of active substances here.
What is Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR)?
COPR control the marketing of biocidal products in Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) while their active substances are under evaluation. Only certain types of biocidal products are covered under COPR. Products falling into the following categories require registration:
- Anti-fouling products: Applied to ship hulls, oil platforms, fishing nets, aquaculture equipment, and other artificial structures.
- Aquatic algaecides: Used to control algae and aquatic weeds in ponds and lakes.
- Aquatic molluscicides: Designed to control slugs and snails in ponds and lakes.
- Avicides and bird-stunning baits: Used to control pest or nuisance birds.
- Biocidal paints: Interior surface paints that prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and algae.
- Insect repellents: Products used to repel pests like insects or arthropods in homes or on animals (but not directly on human skin).
- Insecticides: Products used to control insects and arthropods that cause public health concerns or annoyance.
- Surface biocides: Used to remove or prevent growths like lichens, mold, or fungi on internal and external surfaces. This excludes disinfectants.
- Vertebrate repellents: Products designed to repel vertebrates such as cats or dogs.
- Wood preservatives: Used to protect wood from damage or discoloration caused by fungi or insects.
What is required to market under COPR?
To market biocidal products under COPR, you need to:
- Ensure your supplier of active substances is listed in the relevant Article 95 List.
- Prepare a comprehensive dossier with all necessary product information.
- Submit the dossier to the Competent Authority for evaluation.
Important Reminder! Before engaging in any activity with your biocidal product in the UK, you must obtain authorization from the Competent Authority.
Get in touch today to learn how we can support you in meeting COPR requirements and ensuring compliance for your biocidal products in the UK!
