The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on the use of ethanol as a
disinfectant in product types PT1 (human hygiene), PT2 (disinfectants not intended for direct use on
humans or animals), and PT4 (disinfectants for areas involving food or feed). The consultation gives
stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on possible alternatives to ethanol.

Ethanol’s biocidal assessment

As part of the biocidal assessment of ethanol, authorities are examining whether it meets the criteria for non-approval under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Ongoing discussions within working groups of the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) suggest that ethanol may be carcinogenic and harmful to reproduction. There is also an ongoing debate as to whether ethanol is mutagenic, i.e., damaging to germ cell DNA. Alongside the biocidal evaluation, Greece has announced its intention to submit a classification proposal under the CLP Regulation to ECHA by 31 July 2025.

Ethanol will be classified as a “substance of concern” if it meets at least one of the criteria for non- approval. Substances of concern are subject to public consultation, during which comments are requested on possible alternative substances and non-chemical methods that could replace the active substance. The applicant's assessments of alternatives for ethanol are available on the same website as the comment form.

Greece has conducted the assessment of ethanol as a biocidal active substance, and it is currently undergoing peer review in the BPC working groups. After the working group process, the BPC will issue an opinion recommending either the approval or rejection of ethanol. The opinion is expected in November. ECHA will then forward the opinion to the European Commission, which will prepare a decision on the active substance. Member States will vote on the decision in the Standing Committee on Biocidal Products. There is no set timeline for the Commission’s decision-making process.

ECHA gathers comments on Ethanol’s use and replacement

Ethanol is considered a so-called “backlog substance” because its evaluation began before the Biocidal Products Regulation entered into force (on 1 September 2013). As such, its approval is based on the earlier Biocidal Products Directive, which does not take into account the non-approval criteria specified in the newer regulation. Additionally, information on alternatives does not affect the approval decision for ethanol itself, although such information may be considered during the product authorization stage.

You can influence the future use of ethanol as a disinfectant by submitting comments on possible alternatives via an online form by 28 April 2025.

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