EU : ECHA statement on minimizing animal testing under REACH

the Biocidal Products Regulation adopted by the Council and Parliament in the spring entered into force on July 17, 2012. the regulatory requirements for industry will apply from September 1, 2013 and eCHA is preparing to start the new regulatory processes by that date. the new regulation sets rules for placing biocidal products on the market. the aim is to simplify and harmonize the procedures for authorization and at the same time ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment. As under its predecessor, the Biocidal Products Directive, only biocidal products with approved active substances may be authorized to be placed on the market. A new element in the new regulation is the Union Authorisation, allowing companies to get an authorization for their biocidal products applicable across the whole eU. the development of tools, processes and guidance will take full advantage of the synergies with ReACH and ClP processes, which will make them easier to use for the stakeholders. eCHA’s task will be to coordinate the approval processes of biocidal substances and authorization of biocidal products at the Union level. A new Biocidal Products Committee, consisting of representatives from each of the eU Member States will give its opinion on biocidal products. eCHA will also provide technical and scientific support to the industry and Member States through It tools, guidance and the helpdesk service. Further information: http://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-productsregulation