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 and healthcare settings.
The process now moves to the European Commission, which must adopt an Implementing Act to formalise the approval. Once this is done, the focus will shift to the EU CLP framework, where discussions on ethanol’s potential reclassification will continue. This stage will be more complex, and several Member States are expected to advocate for a stricter classification.
Ethanol therefore remains at regulatory risk. Continued engagement will be essential to ensure that future decisions reflect real‑world use, scientific evidence and ethanol’s critical public‑health importance.
Support for this effort continues to grow: the #HandsUpForEthanol Joint Statement has now reached 1,194 signatories from associations, industry, healthcare and other partners across Europe. This collective voice will be crucial as the debate enters its next phase.
A.I.S.E. remains committed to working with EU institutions, national authorities and partners to safeguard the future of ethanol‑based biocides for the benefit of all Europeans.
To read more about ECHA’s opinion, click on the button below: