Great Britain Postpones Expiry Dates for Biocidal Active Substances

On 19 February 2024, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced the postponement of active substance expiry dates for all biocidal active substance/product type combinations due to expire between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2026. The new deadline for these expirations will be 31 January 2027.

The decision follows challenges beyond the control of the applicants, where approvals were at risk of expiring before a renewal decision could be taken under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR). In addition, this extension will allow time to consider possible reforms to the GB BPR. The HSE plans to publish detailed information on this development in the near future.

Impact on Active Substances/Product Type Combinations

Up to 110 active substance/product type combinations will be affected by this decision, subject to timely submission and acceptance of renewal applications. Currently, 46 combinations listed on the HSE website have met the renewal requirements, resulting in their expiry dates being postponed to 31 January 2027.

For those wishing to introduce new biocidal products containing these active substances, applications for GB BPR product authorisation are still open. However, it is emphasised that new products, including those with new trade names, should not be supplied in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) until proper product authorisation has been granted.

Future Updates

The HSE assures stakeholders that there will be future updates on future postponements of expiry dates under this umbrella decision as they become relevant.