EU Biocidal Products Directive reviewed

Wen Schroeder – SEKI Cosmeticals, USA

The global biocides industry underwent a profound change on the implementation of the European Union’s Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD).

It was modelled after the Plant Protection Products Directive 91/414/CEE but concerns only the non-agricultural pesticides. The first proposal was introduced in 1993, officially adopted by the European Council and the European Parliament on 16 February, 1998 and entered into force on 14 May, 2000. This Directive aims to provide a harmonised single regulatory framework for placing biocidal products on the EU market. Another objective is to ensure a high level of human and environmental protection while safeguarding the EU market competitiveness.