News Details

On 24 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that its Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has adopted opinions supporting the approval of ethanol as an active substance in several disinfectant product-types under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). The opinions represent a significant milestone in the EU’s review of ethanol under the biocides framework.

Product-Types Covered

The BPC adopted positive opinions for ethanol in the following product-types:

• Product-type 1 (PT 1): Human hygiene products, such as hand disinfectants

• Product-type 2 (PT 2): Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct contact with humans or animals

• Product-type 4 (PT 4): Products used in food and feed areas

These uses cover a broad range of disinfectant applications in healthcare, public environments, and food-related settings.

Assessment and Hazard Considerations

According to ECHA, the BPC concluded that ethanol meets the approval criteria laid down in the BPR for the representative uses assessed, subject to specific conditions and risk mitigation measures.

However, the Committee did not reach a conclusion on whether ethanol meets the criteria for classification as carcinogenic or toxic for reproduction. ECHA explained that, although the applicant’s dossier was considered complete, it lacked data on dermal exposure - a key route for biocidal products - and the available inhalation studies were not performed in accordance with standard guidelines. In addition, much of the existing evidence on carcinogenic and reproductive effects relates to voluntary oral consumption of alcoholic beverages. The Committee did not consider this an appropriate basis for assessing risks from biocidal uses. The BPC considers that new studies currently underway which address more relevant exposure routes must be taken into account before determining whether ethanol meets the criteria for carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity. However, awaiting these data could significantly delay the approval process.

Next Steps

ECHA will transmit the BPC opinions to the European Commission, which will prepare draft implementing regulations on the approval of ethanol. The draft measures will then be submitted to Member States for a vote.

If adopted, ethanol will be formally approved as an active substance for the specified product-types under the BPR.