The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published on Friday 20 March its opinion on ethanol, following the Biocidal Products Committee’s conclusion that ethanol may be approved for use in hand and general disinfectants. Ethanol is a key substance used daily by millions of Europeans. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in manufacturing processes […]
On 23 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) issued its opinion recommending the approval of ethanol for use in hand and general disinfectants under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). A.I.S.E. welcomes this positive and fundamental step. It demonstrates that Member States recognise ethanol’s indispensable role in infection prevention, along […]
Brussels, Belgium – 27 November 2025 Yesterday, on 26 November 2025, ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) met in Helsinki to discuss the proposed classification of ethanol as a Carcinogenic and Reproductive Toxicant Category 1A. Due to a lack of consensus, the Committee did not reach a conclusion, postponing any decision until at least May 2026. […]
Broad coalition of signatories warn EU and Member State decision-makers that reclassifying ethanol in biocidal products would undermine Europe’s health security, food safety, and economic stability. 842 companies, organisations, associations, and individuals, representing over 20 sectors from healthcare and food and beverage, to pharmaceuticals, transport, agriculture, cosmetics, and energy, have joined forces today to call […]
Today, A.I.S.E. hosted the webinar: “Ethanol and the Biocidal Products Regulation: Where Do We Stand?”. The Opinion of the ECHA Biocidal Products Committee, which will inform the classification of ethanol under the EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation, is now less than six weeks away. We are therefore at a critical moment to preserve the availability of […]
In a recent article published on HPC Today (Issue 5/2025), Nicole Vaini, Head of EU Affairs, and Francesca Pistoni, Junior Public Affairs Manager, explain the indispensable role of ethanol in public health protection and raise concerns about its potential regulatory reclassification within the European Union. Ethanol is a key active substance in biocidal products used […]
On 3 April 2025, A.I.S.E. hosted a webinar with over 500 registered participants on the potential reclassification of ethanol under the biocidal process. The event featured in-depth explanations on the vital applications of ethanol in disinfectants, detergents and cleaning products and the potential impact of a reclassification and de facto ban on its uses. The […]
A.I.S.E. has raised concerns with the European Commission regarding the potential reclassification of ethanol as Carcinogen and Reproductive Toxicant, Category 1 or Category 2, under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Ethanol is a crucial ingredient in many essential products, including detergents and biocides (such as disinfectants). It plays a vital role in preventing healthcare-associated infections, […]
