Biocidal detergent products

bleach bottleBiocides: Detergents with a biocidal action include disinfectants, sanitisers, antimicrobials, antibacterials and any detergents with biocidal activity. Detergents that contain biocidal active substances must comply with the Biocidal Products Regulation in addition to complying with the Detergent Regulation.

The Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD) of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are the responsible body for the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Detergents which contain surfactants which also have active biocidal activity and are used as disinfectants are exempt from the following provisions in the Detergents Regulation:

  1. Primary and ultimate degradation testing;
  2. Preparation of a risk assessment and the requirement to use test and analytical methods in the detergent legislation (providing the substance with biocidal activity is stated in the Biocidal Products Regulation).

Nevertheless, please note that the labelling and packaging provisions of the Detergents Regulation (Article 11 and Annex VIIA) will still apply to the packaging of biocidal detergent products.

For further information please see the HSA/PRCD Information Sheet on Labelling and Packaging Requirements for Detergents and Biocidal Detergent Products.

Information related to Brexit on biocidal detergent products is available on the DAFM website: https://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/plantprotectionproducts/brexitinformation/