On February 24, 2026, the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supported the approval of ethanol for use in disinfectants. However, the committee did not reach a definitive conclusion regarding ethanol's potential carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.
Background
According to the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), all active substances must gain approval before related products can be authorized. The BPC is responsible for providing scientific opinions on the safety and efficacy of these substances.
Key Information
The BPC considers that the safe use of ethanol as an active substance has been demonstrated for the following three product categories:
- Product-type 1: Human hygiene biocidal products (e.g., hand sanitizers).
- Product-type 2: Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals.
- Product-type 4: Food and feed area disinfectants.
Points of Contention
The BPC did not draw conclusions on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity for several reasons:
- Although the applicant submitted a complete dataset, it lacked data specifically on dermal exposure—the primary exposure route for biocidal products.
- The existing data on inhalation exposure was not generated in accordance with standard guidelines.
- Most evidence regarding ethanol's carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity comes from studies on the voluntary ingestion of alcoholic beverages. The Committee deemed this evidence not directly applicable for assessing risks associated with biocidal product uses.
Next Steps
ECHA will submit its opinion to the European Commission for a decision. The Commission will draft an implementing regulation, which will then be submitted to the EU Member States for a vote within the Standing Committee on Biocidal Products. If formally adopted, the regulation will become legally binding.
Further Information
