On 22 May 2024, the long-awaited Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1398 was officially published in the EU’s official journal. This regulation extends the deadline for the European Commission’s review programme for the systematic examination of existing active substances used in biocidal products to 31 December 2030.

The review programme began in 2001 under the previous regulatory regime for biocidal products (Directive 98/8/EC). It has been extended several times, and it has survived the major regulatory overhaul in 2014 by adoption of Regulation (EU) 528/2012 (BPR). The new deadline will be effective from 11 June 2024.

The key factors causing delays in the review programme include, amongst others, lack of resources in Member States, delays in data submission, complex technical questions and disagreements, adoption of new technical guidelines and new scientific criteria for endocrine-disrupting properties set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/2100. The European Commission anticipates no further extensions beyond 31 December 2030.

Impact on Businesses:

Businesses involved in the review programme or benefiting from transitional measures under the BPR now have until 2030 to comply with updated guidelines and evaluation requirements.

To meet these challenges, businesses should:

• Stay Updated: Follow new scientific guidelines and regulatory agreements.
• Allocate Resources: Ensure timely and complete data submissions to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Member States’ Competent Authorities.
• Adapt to New Criteria: Stay informed on policies affecting biocidal product evaluations, including new criteria for active substances.

By staying proactive and informed, businesses can navigate the updated regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with the extended deadlines.

For more details, check the official regulation here.