(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2009)0267),

–  having regard to Article 251(2) and Article 95 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7-0036/2009),

–  having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council entitled: ‘Consequences of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon for ongoing interinstitutional decision-making procedures’ (COM(2009)0665),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

–  having regard to Article 294(3) and Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU,

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 February 2010(1),

–  having regard to Rules 55 and 37 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinions of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A7-0239/2010),

1.  Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

3.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

(1) Not yet published in the Official Journal.

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 114 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(2),

Whereas:

(1)  Biocidal products are necessary for the control of organisms that are harmful to human or animal health and for the control of organisms that cause damage to natural or manufactured products. However, biocidal products can pose risks to humans, animals and the environment due to their intrinsic properties and associated use patterns.

(2)  Biocidal products should not be placed on the market or used unless they comply with the authorisation granted in accordance with this Regulation.

(3)  The purpose of this Regulation is to increase the free movement of biocidal products within the Union and to ensure a high level of protection of both human and animal health and the environment. Particular attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable groups of the population, including pregnant women, infants and children. The provisions of this Regulation should be underpinned by the precautionary principle in order to ensure that substances or products produced or placed on the market do not have any harmful effect on human or animal health or any unacceptable effects on the environment. In order to remove as far as possible obstacles to trade in biocidal products ▌, rules should be laid down for the approval of active substances and the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, including the rules on the mutual recognition of authorisations and on parallel trade.

(4)  Rules concerning the placing on the market of biocidal products in the Community were initially adopted in Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market(3). It is necessary to adapt that system on the basis of the report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament entitled ‘Evaluation of the implementation of Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market (submitted in accordance with Article 18(5) of the Directive) and progress Report on the work programme referred to in Article 16(2) of the same Directive’ on the first seven years of its implementation, which analyses the problems and weaknesses of that Directive.

(5)  Taking into account the main adaptations which are introduced in the existing regulatory system, a Regulation is the appropriate legal instrument to replace Directive 98/8/EC as it imposes clear and detailed rules which do not give room for diverging transposition by Member States. Moreover, a Regulation ensures that legal requirements are implemented at the same time throughout the Union.

(6)  A difference should be made between existing active substances which were on the market in biocidal products on 14 May 2000 and new active substances which were not yet on the market in biocidal products by that date. That date was initially set in Directive 98/8/EC as the date by which that Directive had to be transposed into national legislation. A distinction was drawn between substances which were on the market on that date and those which were not. A work programme is being carried out for the review of all existing substances with view to their inclusion in Annex I to Directive 98/8/EC. During that review, biocidal products containing existing substances can continue to be placed on the market in order to prevent a situation where no biocidal products would be available on the market. New active substances should be reviewed before biocidal products containing them can be placed on the market so as to ensure that only safe new products can be placed on the market.

(7)  During the work programme, and at most up until the decision on inclusion of the active substance in Annex I to Directive 98/8/EC, Member States may temporarily authorise biocidal products that do not comply with the provisions of this Regulation under certain conditions. Following the decision on inclusion, Member States should grant, cancel or modify authorisations in accordance with this Regulation.

(8)  In order to ensure legal certainty, it is necessary to establish a Union list of active substances permitted for use in biocidal products. A procedure should be laid down for assessing whether or not an active substance can be entered in the Union list. The information that interested parties should submit in support of an inclusion of an active substance in the Union list should be specified.

(9)  The risks associated with the production, use and disposal of a chemically active substance and materials and articles treated with it are to be assessed and managed in a similar way as they are in Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency(4).

(10)  With a view to achieving a high level of environmental and human health protection, active substances with the worst hazard profiles should not be approved for use in biocidal products except in specific situations. These should include situations when the approval is justified because of a negligible exposure of humans to the substance, public health reasons or disproportionate negative impacts of a possible non-inclusion provided no alternatives exist.

(11)  In order to prevent the use of active substances with the worst hazard profiles, in particular when their use is not authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market(5), it is appropriate to restrict their approval to situations when the exposure of humans to the substance is negligible or the substance is necessary for public health reasons.

(12)  The active substances in the Union list should be regularly examined to take account of developments in science and technology. Where there are serious indications that an active substance used in biocidal products may pose a higher risk than previously thought, the Commission should be able to review the inclusion of the active substance.

(13)  Active substances can, on basis of their intrinsic hazardous properties, be designated as candidates for substitution with other active substances, whenever such substances considered as effective towards the targeted harmful organisms become available in sufficient variety to avoid the development of resistance amongst harmful organisms. In order to allow for a regular examination of substances identified as candidates for substitution, the inclusion period for these substances should not, even in the case of renewal, exceed seven years. Furthermore, the identification of substances which are considered as candidates for substitution should be considered as a first step of a comparative assessment.

(14)  In the course of the authorisation or renewal of biocidal product authorisations, it should be possible to compare two or more biocidal products with regard to risks posed by them and benefits accrued through their use. As a result of such a comparative assessment, authorised biocidal products containing active substances indicated as candidates for substitution could be replaced with others that present significantly less risk to health or to the environment and where there are no significant adverse economic or practical impacts. Appropriate phase-out periods should be provided for in such cases.

(15)  In order to avoid unnecessary administrative and financial burden for the industry as well as competent authorities, a full in-depth evaluation of an application to renew the inclusion of an active substance in the Union list or the authorisation should be carried out only if the competent authority that was responsible for the initial evaluation decides so on the basis of the available information.

(16)  There is a need to ensure effective coordination and management of the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of this Regulation at Union level. The European Chemicals Agency set up under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (hereinafter the ‘Agency’) should carry out specified tasks with regard to the evaluation of active substances as well as the authorisation of certain categories of biocidal products and related tasks in the Union territory. Consequently, a Biocidal Products Committee should be established within the Agency to carry out the tasks attributed to the Agency by this Regulation.

(17)  It is recognised that biocidal products intended to be used not only for purposes of this Regulation but also in connection with medical devices, such as disinfectants used for the disinfection of surfaces in hospitals as well as medical devices, may pose risks different from those covered by this Regulation. Therefore, such biocidal products should be required to comply, in addition to the requirements laid down in this Regulation, with the relevant essential requirements of Council Directive 90/385/EEC of 20 June 1990 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to active implantable medical devices(6), Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices(7) or Directive 98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 1998 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices(8).

(18)  As the costs of the application of this Regulation to food or feedingstuffs used for biocidal purposes would be disproportionate to the benefits thereof, food and feedingstuffs used for biocidal purposes should not be covered by this Regulation. Furthermore, the safety of food and feedingstuffs is subject to Union legislation, in particular Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety(9).

(19)  Processing aids are covered by existing Union legislation, in particular Council Directive 89/107/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning food additives authorized for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption(10) and Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition(11). Therefore, it is appropriate to exclude them from the scope of this Regulation.

(20)  As products used for the preservation of food or feedstocks by the control of harmful organisms, which were previously covered by product type 20, are now covered by Directive 89/107/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, it is not appropriate to maintain this product type.

(21)  As the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments provides for an effective assessment of the risks posed by ballast water management systems, the final approval and subsequent type approval of such systems should be considered equivalent to the product authorisation required under this Regulation.

(22)  In order to take account of the specific nature of some biocidal products and the low level of risk associated with their proposed use, and to encourage the development of biocidal products containing new active substances, it is appropriate to provide for a Union authorisation of those products.

(23)  In order to ensure that only biocidal products that comply with the relevant provisions of this Regulation are placed on the market, biocidal products should be subject to authorisation either by competent authorities for placing on the market or use in the territory of a Member State, or a part of it, or by the Commission for placing on the market or use in the Union.

(24)  In order to facilitate access to the internal market and to avoid the additional costs and time involved in obtaining separate national authorisations in separate Member States, ▌the scope of the Union authorisation procedure should be extended to all categories of biocidal products with the exception of biocidal products that contain certain active substances.

(25)  In order to ensure a harmonised application of the low-risk criteria by competent authorities, it is necessary to specify those criteria in the Regulation as far as possible. The criteria should be based on the hazard characteristics of the biocidal products and the exposure to the product associated with its use. The use of low-risk biocidal products should not lead to a high risk of developing resistance in target organisms.

▌

(26)  In view of the provisions on low-risk biocidal products in this Regulation, it seems appropriate to exempt active substances contained in those products from the registration obligations under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. This is, in particular, necessary because these substances do not fulfil the conditions in Article 15(2) of that Regulation.

(27)  It is necessary to provide common principles for the evaluation and authorisation of biocidal products to ensure a harmonised approach by competent authorities.

(28)  In order to evaluate the risks that would arise from the proposed uses of biocidal products, it is appropriate that the applicants submit dossiers which contain the necessary information. Defining a data set for active substances and for biocidal products in which they are contained is necessary so as to assist both the applicants seeking authorisation and competent authorities carrying out the evaluation in deciding on the authorisation.

(29)  In the light of the diversity of both the active substances and the biocidal products, the data and test requirements should suit the individual circumstances and allow an overall risk assessment. Therefore, an applicant should be able to request adaptations of the data requirements, as appropriate, including the waiving of data requirements which are unnecessary or impossible to submit in view of the nature or the proposed uses of the product. Applicants should provide the appropriate technical and scientific justification to support their requests.

(30)  In order to ensure that the applicant can effectively exercise his right to request an adaptation of the data requirements, the competent authorities should inform the applicant about this possibility and the grounds on which such request could be made. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the preparation of the request, in particular by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the competent authority should assist the applicant, where possible, in preparing such a request.

(31)  In order to help applicants, and in particular SMEs, to comply with the requirements of this Regulation, Member States should establish national helpdesks. These should be in addition to the operational guidance documents provided by the Agency.

(32)  In order to facilitate access to the market of biocidal products belonging to one group of products, it should be possible to authorise such groups of biocidal products with similar uses and allow limited variations with regard to the reference biocidal product provided that those variations do not affect the level of the risk and the efficacy of the products.

(33)  When biocidal products are being authorised, it is necessary to ensure that, when properly used for the purpose intended, they are sufficiently effective and have no unacceptable effect on the target organisms such as resistance, and, in the case of vertebrate animals, unnecessary suffering and pain, and have, in the light of current scientific and technical knowledge, no unacceptable effect on the environment and on human or animal health. When deciding whether a biocidal product should be authorised, due consideration should be given to the benefits resulting from its use.

(34)  Infestation with harmful organisms should be avoided by means of suitable deterrents to banish or repel such organisms. In addition, other precautionary steps should be taken, such as proper warehousing of goods, compliance with hygiene standards and immediate disposal of waste. Only if such measures have no effect should further steps be taken. Biocidal products that pose lower risks for humans, animals and the environment should always be used in preference to other products where those lower risk products provide an effective remedy in particular situations. Biocidal products that are intended to harm, kill or destroy animals that are capable of experiencing pain and distress should be used as a last resort.

(35)  In order to avoid duplication of the evaluation procedures and to ensure free movement of biocidal products, as well as of materials and articles treated with them, within the Union, procedures should be established to ensure that authorisations of products granted in one Member State are recognised in all other Member States.

(36)  Specific provisions should lay down procedures to ensure the smooth operation of mutual recognition of authorisations granted by Member States, and in particular the resolution of any disagreements without undue delay.

(37)  In order to enable Member States to co-operate in the evaluation of biocidal products and to facilitate the access of biocidal products to the market, it should be possible to launch the process of mutual recognition together with the application for the first authorisation.

(38)  There is a need to provide for a dispute settlement mechanism at Union level to ensure the effective functioning of mutual recognition. If a competent authority refuses to mutually recognise an authorisation or proposes to restrict it, the Commission should be empowered to take a decision. In the event of technical or scientific questions, the Commission may consult the Agency before preparing the decision.

(39)  While envisaging harmonised provisions for all biocidal product types, including those intended to control vertebrates, the actual use of such product types might give rise to concern. Therefore, Member States should be allowed to derogate from the principle of mutual recognition for biocidal products that fall under certain particular types of biocides when intended to control particular kinds of vertebrates, in so far as such derogations are justified and do not jeopardise the purpose of this Regulation regarding an appropriate level of protection of the internal market.

(40)  In order to facilitate the functioning of the authorisation and mutual recognition procedures, it is appropriate to establish a system for the mutual exchange of information, and Member States, the Commission and the Agency should make available to each other on request the particulars and scientific documentation submitted in connection with applications for authorisation of biocidal products.

(41)  If the use of a biocidal product is in the interest of a Member State, but there is no applicant interested in the placing on the market of such product in the Member State, pest control bodies and other professional organisations should be allowed to apply for an authorisation. In the event that they are granted an authorisation, they should possess the same rights and obligations as any other authorisation holder.

(42)  In order to take account of the scientific and technical developments as well as the needs of the authorisation holders, it should be specified under what conditions authorisations can be cancelled, reviewed or amended. Provisions on the notification and exchange of information which may affect the authorisations should be set out so as to enable the competent authorities and the Commission to take appropriate action.

(43)  In the event of an unforeseen danger threatening public health or the environment which cannot be contained by other means, it should be possible for Member States to authorise, for a limited period of time, biocidal products which do not comply with the requirements laid down in this Regulation.

(44)  In order to encourage the development of new active substances, the procedure for the evaluation of a newly developed active substance should not prevent Member States or the Union from authorising, for a limited period of time, biocidal products containing that active substance before the active substance is entered in Annex I, provided that a dossier meeting all requirements has been submitted and it is believed that the active substance and the biocidal product satisfy the conditions set for them.

(45)  In order to encourage research and development in active substances and biocidal products, it is necessary to establish rules under which unauthorised biocidal products or active substances may be placed on the market for the purposes of research and development.

(46)  In view of the benefits for the internal market and for the consumer, it is desirable to establish harmonised rules for parallel trade of ▌identical biocidal products that are authorised in different Member States.

(47)  For the purposes of ensuring the protection of human and animal health and of the environment, and non-discrimination between articles or materials originating in the Union and articles or materials imported from third countries, all treated articles or materials placed on the internal market should contain only authorised biocidal products.

(48)  For the purposes of enabling consumers to make informed choices and facilitating the enforcement of this Regulation by competent authorities, articles or materials treated with biocidal products should be appropriately labelled.

(49)  Applicants that have invested in supporting the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I or in the authorisation of a biocidal product in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation or in accordance with Directive 98/8/EC should be able to recover part of their investment by receiving equitable compensation whenever use is made of proprietary information that they submitted in support of such inclusions or authorisations for the benefit of subsequent applicants.

(50)  With a view to ensuring that all proprietary information submitted in support of the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I or an authorisation of a biocidal product is protected from the moment of its submission, and to prevent situations where some information is without protection, the provision on information protection periods should also apply to information submitted for the purposes of Directive 98/8/EC.

(51)  In order to encourage the development of new active substances and biocidal products containing them, it is necessary to provide for a period of protection with respect to the proprietary information submitted in support of the inclusion of active substances or authorisations of products which is longer than the period of protection for information concerning existing active substances and products containing them.

(52)  It is essential to minimise the number of tests on animals and to ensure that testing with biocidal products or active substances contained in biocidal products should be made dependent on the purpose and use of a product. Applicants should share, and not duplicate, vertebrate animal studies in exchange for equitable compensation. In the absence of an agreement on sharing vertebrate animal studies between the data owner and the prospective applicant, the Agency should allow the use of the studies by the prospective applicant without prejudice to the decision on the compensation made by national courts. A Union register listing the contact details of the owners of such studies should be established and put at the disposal of all authorities to inform prospective applicants.

(53)  The generation of information by alternative means that do not involve tests on animals and that are equivalent to prescribed tests and test methods should also be encouraged. In addition, the adaptation of data requirements should be used to prevent unnecessary costs related to testing.

(54)  In order to ensure that the requirements laid down in respect of authorised biocidal products are satisfied when they are placed on the market, the Member States should take measures for appropriate control and inspection arrangements.

(55)  It is necessary to provide for the effective communication of information on risks resulting from biocidal products and risk management measures as it forms an essential part of the system established by this Regulation. While facilitating access to information, competent authorities, the Agency and the Commission should respect the principle of confidentiality and avoid any disclosure of information which could be harmful for the commercial interests of the person concerned, except where it is necessary for the protection of human health and the environment.

(56)  In order to increase the effectiveness of monitoring and control, and to provide information relevant for addressing the risks of biocidal products, producers, importers and professional users should be required to keep records of the products they produce, place on the market or use. The Commission should adopt implementing rules on data collection, transmission and processing.

(57)  In order to facilitate the exchange of information between competent authorities, the Agency and the Commission, a Union Register for Biocidal Products should be established.

(58)  It is necessary to specify that provisions concerning the Agency laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 should apply accordingly in the context of biocidal active substances and products. Where separate provisions need to be made with respect to the tasks and functioning of the Agency under this Regulation, it should be specified in the provisions of this Regulation.

(59)  The costs of the procedures associated with the operation of this Regulation need to be recovered from those who seek to place or do place biocidal products on the market and from those supporting the inclusion of active substances in Annex I. In order to promote the smooth operation of the internal market, the Commission should adopt measures to harmonise the structure of fee systems established by the Member States and the Agency taking into account the special needs of SMEs.

(60)  It is necessary to provide for the possibility of an appeal against certain decisions of the Agency. The Board of Appeal set up within the Agency by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 should also guarantee the processing of appeals against decisions adopted by the Agency under this Regulation.

▌

(61)  There is scientific uncertainty about the safety of nanomaterials for human health and the environment and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has identified some specific health hazards as well as toxic effects on environmental organisms for some nanomaterials. SCENIHR has furthermore found a general lack of high-quality exposure data for both humans and the environment, concluding that the knowledge on the methodology for both exposure estimates and hazard identification needs to be further developed, validated and standardised. More and more biocidal products contain nanosilver. The use of nanomaterials in biocidal products may increase with the further development of technology. In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, free movement of goods and legal certainty for manufacturers, it is necessary to develop a uniform definition for nanomaterials at international level. The Union should endeavour to reach an agreement on a definition in appropriate international fora. Should such an agreement be reached, the definition of nanomaterials in this Regulation should be adapted accordingly. At present, there is inadequate information on the risks associated with nanomaterials. In order to better assess their safety, the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) should provide guidance in cooperation with relevant bodies on test methodologies which take into account the specific characteristics of nanomaterials. The Commission should regularly review the provisions on nanomaterials in the light of scientific progress.

(62)  In view of the environmental impact that anti-fouling products can have in water, the Commission should take steps at international level to ensure that the AFS Convention (International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships) is ratified worldwide and adapted to this Regulation.

(63)  According to Article 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers are to be laid down in advance by a regulation adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. Pending the adoption of that new regulation, and given the necessity to adopt as soon as possible this Regulation, Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission(12) continues to apply, with the exception of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny, which is not applicable. References to provisions of that Decision should nevertheless be replaced with references to the rules and principles set out in the new regulation as soon as that regulation enters into force.

(64)  It is appropriate to provide for a deferred application of this Regulation so as to facilitate the smooth transition to the new system applying to the inclusion of active substances in Annex I and authorisation of biocidal products.

(65)  Due to the limited number of new submissions of applications for inclusion of active substances in Annex I, the Agency should take over the co-ordination and facilitation tasks for new submissions as of the date of applicability of this Regulation. However, in view of the high number of historical dossiers and in order to allow some time for the Agency to prepare for the new role, it should take over the tasks related to dossiers submitted under Directive 98/8/EC as of 1 January 2014.

(66)  In order to respect the legitimate expectations of companies with respect to the placing on the market and use of low-risk biocidal products covered by Directive 98/8/EC, those companies should be allowed to place such products on the market if they comply with the rules on the registration of low-risk biocidal products under that Directive. However, this Regulation should apply after the expiry of the first registration.

(67)  Taking into consideration that some products were not previously covered by the Union legislation in the field of biocidal products, it is appropriate to allow for a transitional period for the companies to be prepared to apply the rules concerning in situ generated active substances and treated articles and materials ▌.

(68)  In order to ensure an equal treatment of persons placing on the market biocidal products containing one or more existing active substances, they should be required to hold a dossier or have a letter of access to a dossier, or to each component of the dossier, for each of the active substances contained in the product. Those persons who do not comply with this obligation by 1 January 2014 should no longer be allowed to place their products on the market. Appropriate phase-out periods for disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of biocidal products should be laid down in such cases.

(69)  This Regulation should take account, as appropriate, of other work programmes concerned with the review or authorisation of substances and products, or relevant international conventions,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Chapter I

Scope and definitions

Article 1

Subject matter

The purpose of this Regulation is to ensure a high level of protection of both human and animal health and the environment and to improve the functioning of the internal market through the harmonisation of the rules on the placing on the market and use of biocidal products. The provisions of this Regulation are underpinned by the precautionary principle, in order to ensure that active substances or products placed on the market do not have harmful effects on humans, non-target species and the environment. Special attention shall be paid to protecting children, pregnant women and the sick.

Article 2

Scope

1.  This Regulation shall apply to biocidal products as defined in point (a) of Article 3(1).

A list of the types of biocidal products covered by this Regulation and their descriptions is set out in Annex V.

2.  This Regulation shall not apply to biocidal products that are within the scope of the following instruments:

3.  Subject to any explicit provision to the contrary, this Regulation shall be without prejudice to the following instruments:

4.  Article 58 shall not apply to the carriage of biocidal products by rail, road, inland waterway, sea or air.

5.  This Regulation shall not apply to food or feedingstuffs that are used for biocidal purposes.

6.  This Regulation shall not apply to processing aids that are used for biocidal purposes.

7.  Where a biocidal product is intended by its manufacturer to be used for the purpose of exerting a controlling effect on any harmful organism present on medical devices and for other purposes covered by this Regulation, the relevant essential requirements of Directives 90/385/EEC, 93/42/EEC or 98/79/EC shall also be fulfilled.

8.  Biocidal products which obtained the final approval under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments shall be considered as authorised under Chapter VII of this Regulation. Articles 38 and 57 shall apply accordingly.

Article 3

Definitions

1.  For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

All substances, mixtures and devices placed on the market with the intention to generate active substances shall also be considered biocidal products;

Such a substance would, unless there are other grounds for concern, normally be a substance classified as dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC and be present in the biocidal product at a concentration leading to the product being regarded as dangerous within the meaning of Directive 1999/45/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008;

(zd)  ‘SMEs’ means

small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises(38).

2.  For the purposes of this Regulation, the definitions laid down in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall apply for the following terms:

Chapter II

Inclusion of an active substance in Annex I

Article 4

Conditions for inclusion

1.  An active substance shall be included in Annex I for an initial period not exceeding 10 years if at least one of the biocidal products containing that active substance fulfils the conditions laid down in point (b) of Article 16(1). An active substance referred to in Article 5 may be included in Annex I only for an initial period of 5 years.

2.  The inclusion in Annex I of an active substance shall be restricted to those product types in Annex V for which relevant data have been submitted in accordance with Article 6.

3.  Active substances, as such or in biocidal products, may be placed on the market in the Union for use in biocidal products only if they have been included in Annex I in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.

4.  Unless otherwise provided in this Regulation, all manufacturers of an active substance, as such or in a biocidal product, shall submit to the Agency an application for inclusion in Annex I.

5.  An active substance and the definition of the reference source for the active substance for the purposes of determining technical equivalence shall, where appropriate, be included in Annex I together with conditions relating to any of the following:

6.  Where appropriate, maximum residue limits shall be established with respect to active substances included in Annex I in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin(39) and Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of 6 May 2009 laying down Community procedures for the establishment of residue limits of pharmacologically active substances in foodstuffs of animal origin(40).

Article 5

Exclusion criteria

1.  Without prejudice to paragraph 2, the following active substances ▌shall not be included in Annex I ▌:

Not later than 13 December 2013, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Articles 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, measures on specific scientific criteria for determining endocrine-disrupting properties. Pending the adoption of those criteria, substances that are, or are to be, classified, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as carcinogenic category 2 and toxic for reproduction category 2, shall be considered as having endocrine-disrupting properties. In addition, substances such as those that are, or are to be, classified, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as toxic for reproduction category 2 and which have toxic effects on the endocrine organs, may be considered as having such endocrine-disrupting properties;

2.  The ▌active substances referred to in paragraph 1 may be included in Annex I only if at least one of the following conditions ▌is met:

The use of any biocidal product containing active substances included in Annex I pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures to ensure that exposure of humans and the environment is minimised.

A Member State authorising a biocidal product containing an active substance included in Annex I pursuant to this paragraph shall draw up a substitution plan concerning the control of the serious danger by other means including non-chemical methods that are as effective as the biocidal product concerned, and shall without delay transmit that plan to the Commission. The use of the biocidal product with the active substance concerned shall be restricted to those Member States where the serious danger has to be prevented or, if it occurs, controlled.

Article 6

Data requirements for an application

1.  An application to include an active substance in Annex I shall contain at least the following elements:

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

2.  Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the applicant need not provide data required under that paragraph if any of the following grounds applies:

3.  An applicant may propose to adapt the data required under paragraph 1 in accordance with Annex IV. The justification for the proposed adaptations to the data requirements shall be clearly stated in the application with a reference to the specific rules in Annex IV.

The competent authority shall inform the applicant about the possibility of proposing the adaptation of data requirements, the grounds on which such an adaptation can be requested and, where possible, shall provide assistance in preparing such a proposal.

4.  In order to define what constitutes adequate justification to adapt the data required under paragraph 1 on the ground referred to in paragraph 2(a), the Commission shall adapt the criteria by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

Article 7

Submission and validation of applications

1.  The applicant shall submit an application for inclusion of an active substance in Annex I, or for subsequent amendments to the conditions of inclusion of an active substance, to the Agency. The Agency shall indicate the name of the competent authority of the Member State that it has chosen to evaluate the application. That competent authority (hereinafter the ‘evaluating competent authority’) shall be responsible for the evaluation of the application.

2.  The Agency shall provide a submission number to be used in all correspondence relating to the application until the active substance is included in Annex I, and a submission date, which shall be the date on which the application is received by the Agency.

3.  The Agency shall, within one month from the receipt of the application, notify the evaluating competent authority that the application is available in the Agency database.

4.  Within three weeks after receipt of an application, the Agency shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

5.  If the Agency considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a ▌time limit of up to two months for the submission of that information.

The Agency shall, within three weeks after receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The Agency shall reject the application if the applicant fails to submit the requested information by the deadline and shall inform the applicant thereof. In such cases a part of the fee paid to the Agency in accordance with Article 71 shall be reimbursed.

Within two months of receiving the application, the Agency shall assign a unique identification code to all the information in the dossier.

6.  An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under the third subparagraph of paragraph 5.

7.  If the Agency, on the basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 4, considers that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the evaluating competent authority thereof.

Article 8

Evaluation of applications

1.  The evaluating competent authority shall, within 12 months after the validation, evaluate the dossiers in accordance with Article 4, including, where relevant, any proposal to adapt data requirements submitted in accordance with Article 6(3).

The evaluating competent authority shall provide the applicant with an opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the conclusions of the evaluation within two months. The evaluating competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its evaluation.

The evaluating competent authority shall send the conclusions of the evaluation to the Agency.

2.  If, when the dossiers are evaluated, it appears that additional information is necessary to carry out the evaluation, the evaluating competent authority shall ask the applicant to submit such information within a specified time limit that shall not exceed six months. In exceptional circumstances and following proper justification, the time limit may be extended by up to a further six months. The evaluating competent authority shall inform the Agency about its request to the applicant and the extension of the time limit. Where such additional information includes animal testing, the applicant shall be advised by experts from the Agency or competent authorities regarding suitable alternative methods and testing strategies to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals.

The 12-month period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be suspended from the date of issue of the request until the date the information is received.

3.  If the evaluating competent authority considers that there are concerns with regard to the cumulative effects from the use of biocidal products containing the same active substance, or different substances with similar or common effects on the same endpoints, whether by the same or different mechanism of action, it shall document its concerns in accordance with the requirements of the relevant parts of Section II.3 of Annex XV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and include this as part of its conclusions.

4.  Within nine months after receipt of the conclusions of the evaluation, the Agency shall prepare and submit to the Commission an opinion on the inclusion of the active substance in Annex I, having regard to the conclusions of the evaluating competent authority.

5.  In order to keep the list of authorised active substances updated, on receipt of the opinion of the Agency, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, a decision ▌to include the active substance in Annex I. ▌

6.  Notwithstanding Article 7(1), the evaluation of the application may be carried out by the competent authority other than the one which has received the copy of the application.

The competent authority that has been notified of the application for the evaluation may submit a duly substantiated request to appoint another evaluating competent authority to the Commission within one month after receipt of the notification referred to in Article 7(3). The Commission shall take the decision in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(2). The 12-month period referred to in paragraph 1 shall commence on the date when this decision is taken.

Article 9

Active substances which are candidates for substitution

1.  An active substance that fulfils at least one of the following criteria shall be considered a candidate for substitution in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 2:

2.  When preparing an opinion on the inclusion, or renewal of the inclusion, of an active substance in Annex I, the Agency shall examine whether the active substance fulfils any of the criteria listed in paragraph 1 and shall address the matter in its opinion.

3.  Prior to submitting the opinion on the inclusion, or renewal of the inclusion, of an active substance in Annex I to the Commission, the Agency shall make publicly available information on potential candidates for substitution with a reasonable period during which relevant information, including information on available substitutes, may be submitted by interested third parties. The Agency shall take due account of the information received when finalising its opinion.

4.  By way of derogation from Articles 4(1) and 10(3), the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I that is considered as a candidate for substitution shall be granted or renewed for a period not exceeding seven years.

5.  Active substances that are considered as candidates for substitution in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be identified as such in Annex I.

Chapter III

Renewal and review of inclusion of an active substance

Article 10

Conditions for renewal

1.  The Commission shall renew the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I if the active substance still complies with the requirements referred to in Articles 4 and 5.

2.  Based on new elements examined or adaptations to technical progress, the renewal of the inclusion may be accompanied, as appropriate, by conditions and restrictions.

3.  Unless more strictly specified in the decision to renew the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I, the renewal may be renewed for a period not exceeding 10 years.

Article 11

Submission and validation of applications

1.  The applicant shall submit the application for renewal of the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I to the Agency at least 18 months before the expiry of the inclusion in Annex I for a given product-type.

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

When applying for renewal, the applicant shall submit a list of all data relating to the active substance that have been generated since the inclusion of the active substance in Annex I and a justification as to whether the conclusions of the initial assessment of the active substance are still valid. The evaluating competent authority may require the applicant to submit the data referred to in this list at any time.

2.  The Agency shall, within one month after receipt of the application, notify the evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation of the application for inclusion in Annex I that the application is available in the Agency database.

3.  Within two months after receipt of an application, the Agency shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

4.  If the Agency considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a ▌time limit of up to two months for the submission of that information.

The Agency shall, within two months after receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The Agency shall reject the application if the applicant fails to submit the requested information within the deadline and shall inform the applicant thereof. In such cases a part of the fee paid to the Agency in accordance with Article 71 shall be reimbursed.

5.  An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under the third subparagraph of paragraph 4.

6.  If the Agency considers, on basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 3, that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the evaluating competent authority thereof.

Article 12

Evaluation of applications for renewal

1.  On the basis of the available information and the need to review the conclusions of the initial evaluation of the application for inclusion in Annex I, the evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation shall, within one month after the validation referred to in Article 11, decide whether a full evaluation of the application for renewal is necessary.

If the evaluating competent authority decides that a full evaluation of the application is necessary, the evaluation shall be carried out in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 4 of Article 8. The decision on the application shall be adopted in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 of this Article.

2.  If the evaluating competent authority decides that a full evaluation of the application is not necessary, it shall, within six months, prepare and submit to the Agency a recommendation on the renewal of the inclusion of the active substance in Annex I.

Prior to submitting the recommendation to the Agency, the evaluating competent authority shall provide the applicant with an opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the recommendation within one month. The evaluating competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its recommendation.

3.  On receipt of the recommendation from the evaluating competent authority, the Agency shall make it available to the Commission, the competent authorities of other Member States and the applicant and allow a period of three months during which they may submit written comments to it.

4.  The Commission may ask the Agency for an opinion on scientific or technical matters raised by a competent authority objecting to the recommendation referred to in paragraph 2. The Agency shall issue an opinion within six months from the date on which the matter was referred to it.

5.  In order to keep the list of authorised active substances updated, at the end of the period referred to in paragraph 3 or on receipt of the opinion of the Agency, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, a decision concerning the renewal of the inclusion of the active substance in Annex I. ▌

6.  Where, for reasons beyond the control of the applicant, the inclusion of the active substance in Annex I is likely to expire before a decision has been taken on its renewal, the Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(2), adopt a decision postponing the expiry date of inclusion for a period sufficient to enable it to examine the application.

7.  Where the Commission decides not to renew the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I, it may grant a period of grace for the disposal, storage, placing on the market and use of existing stocks of biocidal products containing that active substance.

The period of grace shall not exceed six months for the placing on the market and an additional maximum of twelve months for the disposal, storage, and use of existing stocks of the biocidal products containing that active substance.

Article 13

Review of inclusion of an active substance in Annex I

1.  In order to keep the list of authorised active substances updated, the Commission may review the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I at any time where there are ▌indications that any of the requirements ▌in Articles 4 and 5 are no longer complied with. It shall review the inclusion also in cases where there are indications that the objectives of Article 4(1)(a)(iv), Article 4(1)(b)(i) and Article 7(2) and (3) of Directive 2000/60/EC may not be achieved. Where those indications are confirmed, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, a decision amending the entry of an active substance in Annex I or removing it from that Annex.

▌

2.  The Commission may consult the Agency on any questions of a scientific or technical nature relating to the review of the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I. The Agency shall, within nine months of the request, prepare an opinion and submit it to the Commission.

3.  Where the Commission removes the entry of an active substance from Annex I, it may grant a period of grace for the disposal, storage, placing on the market and use of existing stocks of biocidal products containing that active substance.

The period of grace shall not exceed six months for the placing on the market and an additional maximum of twelve months for the disposal, storage, and use of existing stocks of the biocidal products containing that active substance.

Article 14

Detailed procedures for renewal and review

In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the renewal and review procedures, the Commission may adopt further detailed measures by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

▌

Chapter IV

General principles of authorisation of biocidal products

Article 15

Placing on the market and use of biocidal products

1.  No biocidal product may be placed on the market or used unless an authorisation has been issued for that biocidal product in accordance with this Regulation.

2.  Application for authorisation shall be made by, or on behalf of, the person who will be the authorisation holder. The person may be, but is not necessarily, the person responsible for the placing on the market of a biocidal product in a particular Member State or in the Union.

▌

Application for ▌authorisation shall be submitted to the Agency. When an applicant submits an application for national authorisation, that applicant shall, with the agreement of the Member State concerned on whose territory the national authorisation would be applicable, identify in the application itself, as laid down in Article 22, the competent authority of the Member State of his choice which shall be responsible for the evaluation of, and decision on, the application (hereinafter the ‘receiving competent authority’).

Authorisation holders shall have a permanent office within the Union.

A single application for authorisation may be made by the applicant for a group of products intended to be authorised under a frame formulation.

3.  An authorisation may be granted for a unique product formulation or for a frame formulation.

4.  An authorisation shall be granted for a maximum period of 10 years.

5.  Biocidal products shall be used properly. Proper use shall include compliance with the conditions for granting an authorisation established in Article 16 and labelling requirements laid down in Article 58.

Proper use shall also involve the rational application of a combination of physical, biological, chemical or other measures as appropriate, whereby the use of biocidal products is limited to the minimum necessary.

Infestation with harmful organisms shall be avoided by suitable measures of deterrence to banish or repel such organisms. In addition, other precautionary steps shall be taken, such as proper warehousing of goods, compliance with hygiene standards and immediate disposal of waste. Only if those measures show no effect shall further steps be taken. Biocidal products that pose low risks for humans, animals and the environment shall always be used in preference to others. Biocidal products that are intended to harm, kill or destroy animals that are capable of experiencing pain and distress shall be applied only as a last resort.

Mandatory measures shall be established through a framework directive for Union action and thereafter implemented in order to achieve the sustainable professional use of biocidal products including the introduction of National Action Plans, integrated pest management, risk-reduction measures and the promotion of alternatives.

By ...(42), the Commission shall submit a proposal for such a framework directive to the European Parliament and the Council.

Article 16

Conditions for granting an authorisation

1.  A biocidal product shall be authorised only if the following conditions are met:

2.  The evaluation of the compliance of the biocidal product with the criteria set out in point (b) of paragraph 1 shall take into account the following factors:

3.  When evaluating whether the criteria in point (b) of paragraph 1 have been fulfilled, information should whenever possible be derived from information already available on the substance of concern contained in the biocidal product, in order to keep tests on animals to a minimum. In particular, the provisions of Directive 1999/45/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 should wherever possible be applied for the purpose of ascertaining the adverse effects of the biocidal product and for the subsequent risk assessment.

4.  The evaluation of the compliance of the biocidal product with the criteria set out in points (b) and (c) of paragraph 1 shall not take into account a substance contained in the biocidal product if it is present in a preparation at a concentration lower than any of the following:

5.  An authorisation to place a low-risk biocidal product on the market may be granted only if the active substances are evaluated as low-risk active substances and included in Annex I in accordance with Articles 4 and 5. The authorisation shall be subject to compliance with the requirements of points (a) to (d) of paragraph 1.

6.  A biocidal product shall be authorised only for uses for which relevant information has been submitted in accordance with Article 18.

7.  A biocidal product shall not be authorised for placing on the market to, or use by, the general public if it fulfils any of the following criteria for classification:

8.  In the case of a frame formulation, the following variations in composition with regard to a reference biocidal product are possible:

9.  The Commission should, in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 76(2), provide technical and scientific guidance for product authorisation, with particular regard to harmonised data requirements, evaluation procedures and decisions by the Member States.

10.  In order to facilitate the harmonisation of authorisation practices throughout the Union and to reduce the administrative burden on companies and competent authorities, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, measures specifying the conditions, criteria and procedures for regulating the authorisation and placing on the market of the same product for the same use, under different trade names and by different companies. The criteria and the procedures for such measures shall be based on, but not limited to, the following principles:

Article 17

Criteria for low-risk biocidal products

1.  A biocidal product shall be considered a low-risk biocidal product if the active substances therein are included in Annex I and if all of the following conditions are fulfilled:

2.  For a low-risk biocidal product it shall be demonstrated that the potential for the development of resistance in target organisms due to the use of the biocidal product is low.

3.  In addition to the active substances referred to in Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, active substances manufactured or imported for use in low-risk biocidal products that are authorised for placing on the market in accordance with Article 15 shall be regarded as being registered, and the registration as completed, for manufacture or import for use in a low-risk biocidal product, and therefore as fulfilling the requirements of Chapters 1 and 5 of Title II of that Regulation.

Article 18

Data requirements for an application for authorisation

1.  The applicant for an authorisation shall submit the following documents together with the application:

2.  The application for authorisation shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

3.  The Agency may require applications for a national authorisation to be submitted in an official language of the Member State in which the receiving competent authority is situated.

4.  If the application concerns a biocidal product that is intended by its manufacturer to be used inter alia for the purposes referred to in Article 2(7), it shall be accompanied by a declaration of conformity regarding the compliance with the relevant essential requirements of Directives 90/385/EEC, 93/42/EEC or 98/79/EC.

5.  The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(2), draw up technical notes for guidance to facilitate the implementation of point (d) of paragraph 1. The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 76(2), provide technical and scientific guidance and tools, in particular to support applications for authorisation under Articles 18, 19 and 20, above all for SMEs.

The technical notes shall be published in the ‘C’ series of the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 19

Waiving of data requirements

1.  Notwithstanding Article 18, the applicant need not provide data required under that Article if any of the following grounds applies:

2.  The applicant may propose to adapt the data required under Article 18 in accordance with Annex IV. The justification for the proposed adaptations to the data requirements shall be clearly stated in the application with reference to the specific rules in Annex IV.

The competent authority shall inform the applicant about the possibility of proposing the adaptation of data requirements, the grounds on which such an adaptation can be requested and, where possible, shall provide assistance in preparing such a proposal.

3.  In order to define what constitutes adequate justification to adapt the data required under Article 18 on the grounds referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1, the Commission shall adapt the criteria by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

▌

Article 20

Content of authorisation

1.  An authorisation shall stipulate the terms and the conditions relating to the placing on the market and use of the biocidal product.

2.  An authorisation shall include the summary of the biocidal product characteristics listing the following information:

3.  In addition to paragraph 2, in the case of a frame formulation, the authorisation shall indicate, as appropriate, the following information:

4.  In the case of a frame formulation, one single authorisation number shall be provided for all biocidal products which belong to that frame formulation.

Article 21

Comparative assessment of biocidal products

1.  The receiving competent authority or, in the case of evaluation of an application for a Union authorisation, the evaluating competent authority shall perform a comparative assessment as part of the evaluation of an application for an authorisation or a renewal of an authorisation of a biocidal product containing an active substance that is a candidate for substitution in accordance with Article 9(1). The comparative assessment shall be carried out in relation to all biocidal products that have the same purpose, when sufficient experience has been gained in their use and they have been in use for at least five years.

2.  The results of the comparative assessment shall be forwarded, without delay, to the competent authorities of other Member States and the Agency and, in the case of evaluation of an application for a Union authorisation, also to the Commission.

3.  The receiving competent authority or, in the case of a decision on an application for a Union authorisation, the Commission shall prohibit or restrict the placing on the market or use of a biocidal product containing an active substance that is a candidate for substitution where the comparative assessment weighing up the risks and benefits in accordance with Annex VI demonstrates that all the following criteria are met:

4.  The Commission shall, on the basis of paragraph 3, adopt measures laying down the procedure necessary for the definition of an application for comparative assessment of biocidal products. Those measures shall define the criteria and algorithms to be used in a comparative assessment to ensure that there is uniform application throughout the Union.

5.  Where the comparative assessment involves a question which, by reason of its scale or consequences, would be better addressed at Union level, in particular where it is relevant to two or more competent authorities, the receiving competent authority may refer the question to the Commission for a decision. The Commission shall adopt its decision in accordance with Article 76(3).

In order to specify the procedures relating to comparative assessments involving questions of Union interest, the Commission shall adapt the criteria by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

6.  Notwithstanding Article 15(4), an authorisation for a biocidal product containing an active substance that is a candidate for substitution shall be granted for periods not exceeding five years.

Member States shall establish and implement a substitution plan in order to ensure that the application of the relevant biocidal product is phased out within the authorisation period and that the relevant active substance or product can be replaced with sound chemical or non-chemical alternatives.

7.  Where it is decided not to authorise or to restrict the use of a biocidal product pursuant to paragraph 3, that cancellation or modification of the authorisation shall take effect three years after the decision or at the end of the inclusion period of the candidate for substitution, whichever is the earlier.

Chapter V

National authorisations of biocidal products

Article 22

Submission and validation of application

1.  The person responsible for the placing of a biocidal product on the market, or his representative, shall submit an application for a national or Union authorisation to the Agency and inform the Agency of the name of the receiving competent authority. The Agency shall, within three weeks after receipt of the application, notify the receiving competent authority or, in the case of an application for a Union authorisation, the evaluating competent authority, that the application is available in the Agency database.

2.  Within three weeks after receipt of an application, the Agency shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

3.  If the Agency considers that the application is incomplete, it shall ▌inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a reasonable time limit for the submission of that information.

The Agency shall, within three weeks after receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The Agency shall reject the application if the applicant does not submit the required additional information on time, and shall notify the applicant and the receiving competent authority of the rejection.

In such cases, part of the fees payable to the Agency under Article 71 shall be reimbursed.

4.  An applicant may, in accordance with Article 68, submit an appeal against the decision of the Agency under the third subparagraph of paragraph 3.

5.  If the Agency considers, on the basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 2, that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the receiving competent authority to that effect.

Article 23

Evaluation of application

1.  The receiving competent authority shall, within six months of the validation referred to in Article 22, decide on the application in accordance with Article 16.

2.  If an application relating to the same biocidal product is being examined by the competent authority of another Member State or if the competent authority of another Member State has already authorised the same biocidal product, the receiving competent authority shall decline to assess the application and inform the applicant thereof.

However, the applicant may request that his application be assessed in accordance with Article 25 or Article 28.

3.  If it appears that additional information is necessary in order to carry out a full evaluation of the application, the receiving competent authority shall request the applicant to submit such information. The six-month period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be suspended from the date of issue of the request until the date the information is received.

4.  The receiving competent authority shall draft a report summarising the conclusions of its assessment and the reasons for authorising a biocidal product or for refusing to grant an authorisation. The receiving competent authority shall send the draft assessment report to the applicant who shall be provided with the opportunity to submit oral or written comments within one month. The receiving competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its assessment.

The receiving competent authority shall approve the summary of the biocidal product characteristics referred to in Article 20(2). It shall forward the applicant a copy of the final assessment report.

5.  As soon as the receiving competent authority has taken a decision on an application, it shall enter the following information in the Union Register of Biocidal Products:

Article 24

Renewal of a national authorisation

1.  The authorisation holder or his representative shall submit an application for renewal of a national authorisation to the receiving competent authority at least 12 months before the expiry date of the authorisation.

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

2.  The receiving competent authority shall renew the national authorisation, provided that the conditions set out in Article 16 are still satisfied.

3.  When applying for renewal, the applicant shall submit a list of all data relating to the biocidal product that have been generated since the previous authorisation and a justification as to whether the conclusions of the initial assessment of the biocidal product are still valid.

The receiving competent authority may require the applicant to submit the data referred to in the list at any time.

4.  Within one month after receipt of an application for a renewal of a national authorisation, the receiving competent authority shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

5.  If the receiving competent authority considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a reasonable time limit for the submission of that information.

The receiving competent authority shall, within one month of receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The receiving competent authority shall reject the application if the applicant fails to submit the requested information within the deadline and inform the applicant thereof.

If the receiving competent authority considers, on basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 4, that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant thereof.

6.  The decision on the application for renewal of the national authorisation shall be taken within six months of the validation.

7.  If, when the application for renewal is evaluated, it appears that additional information is necessary in order to carry out a full evaluation of the application, the receiving competent authority shall ask the applicant to submit such information. The six-month period referred to in paragraph 6 shall be suspended from the date of the request until the date the information is received.

8.  Where, for reasons beyond the control of the holder of the national authorisation, no decision is taken on the renewal of the national authorisation before its expiry, the receiving competent authority shall grant the renewal of the national authorisation for the period necessary to complete the evaluation.

9.  As soon as the competent authority has taken a decision concerning the renewal of a national authorisation, it shall enter the information referred to in Article 23(5) in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Chapter VI

Mutual recognition procedures

Article 25

Mutual recognition of national authorisations in sequence

1.  The holder of a national authorisation for a biocidal product granted by a competent authority in accordance with Article 15 (hereinafter the ‘reference competent authority’) may apply for a national authorisation of the biocidal product in another Member State under the procedure for mutual recognition in sequence.

2.  The application for mutual recognition shall be accompanied by:

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

3.  The receiving competent authority may require a translation of the national authorisation and application into one ▌of the official languages of the Member State where that competent authority is situated.

Applications for a national authorisation which involve a mutual recognition procedure, including the documents referred to in Article 18, may be submitted to the competent authority in English.

4.  The receiving competent authority shall decide on the application within four months of receipt of the application.

5.  The receiving competent authority shall authorise the biocidal product concerned under the same conditions as the reference competent authority, unless specific national circumstances justify a deviation according to Article 29.

A single authorisation number shall be used in all the Member States involved.

6.  The Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, measures specifying the criteria and procedures for assigning the single authorisation number referred to in paragraph 5.

7.  As soon as the competent authorities have taken a decision on an application for mutual recognition of a national authorisation under this Article, they shall enter the information referred to in points (a) and (c) of Article 23(5) in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Article 26

Application for mutual recognition by pest control bodies

1.  Where no application for a national authorisation has been submitted in a Member State for a biocidal product that is already authorised in another Member State, official or scientific bodies involved in pest control activities or professional organisations may apply, with the consent of the authorisation holder in another Member State, for a national authorisation for the same biocidal product, the same use and under the same conditions for use in that Member State under the mutual recognition procedure provided for in Article 25.

The applicant shall demonstrate that the use of such a biocidal product is of general interest for that Member State.

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

2.  By way of derogation from paragraph 1, where the authorisation holder does not give his consent, the applicant may indicate that in the application and the competent authority of the Member State concerned may accept the application on grounds of public interest.

3.  If the competent authority of the Member State concerned considers that the biocidal product fulfils the conditions referred to in Article 16 and the conditions under this Article are complied with, the competent authority shall authorise the placing of the biocidal product on the market.

4.  The official or scientific bodies involved in pest control activities or professional organisations shall have the rights and obligations of the authorisation holder.

Article 27

Objections regarding the conditions for a national authorisation

1.  Where, within four months of receipt of the application for mutual recognition, the competent authority considers that a biocidal product, which has been authorised in another Member State, does not satisfy the requirements of Article 16, it shall without delay notify the Commission, the competent authorities of the other Member States and the applicant thereof, and shall provide them with an explanatory document identifying the biocidal product and its specifications and setting out the grounds on which it proposes to refuse to recognise or to restrict the national authorisation.

The Commission shall, after consultation with the applicant, adopt a decision on whether the grounds set out by the competent authority justify refusal to recognise, or restriction of, the national authorisation in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3).

Within three months of receipt of the notification, the Commission shall make a proposal for a decision. Should the Commission ask the Agency for an opinion under the procedure set out in Article 30, the three-month period shall be suspended until the Agency has forwarded its opinion.

2.  If the Commission decision confirms the grounds presented for refusing or restricting the subsequent authorisation, the competent authority that had previously authorised the biocidal product shall without delay review its national authorisation to comply with that decision.

If the Commission decision confirms the initial national authorisation, the competent authority that proposed to refuse to recognise a national authorisation, or to recognise the national authorisation subject to certain conditions, shall without delay authorise the biocidal product concerned in accordance with the initial authorisation.

Article 28

Mutual recognition of national authorisations in parallel

1.  If the applicant seeks to receive national authorisations for a biocidal product in more than one Member State in parallel, he shall submit to a reference competent authority of his choice an application containing:

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

The reference competent authority shall be responsible for the evaluation of the application.

2.  The applicant shall submit to the competent authorities of the other Member States concerned an application for mutual recognition of the authorisation for which it has applied to the reference competent authority. This application shall contain:

3.  The reference competent authority shall, within one month after receipt of an application referred to in paragraph 1, validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

4.  If the reference competent authority considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a reasonable time limit for the submission of that information. The reference competent authority shall also inform the other Member States concerned.

The reference competent authority shall, within one month after receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The reference competent authority shall reject the application if the applicant fails to submit the requested information within the deadline and shall inform the applicant and the other Member States concerned thereof.

5.  If the reference competent authority considers, on the basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 3, that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the other Member States concerned.

6.  The reference competent authority shall evaluate the information referred to in paragraph 1 and prepare a report summarising the conclusions of its assessment and a draft of the summary of the biocidal product characteristics within 12 months from the receipt of a valid application and shall communicate the report and the draft summary to the competent authorities of other Member States concerned and the applicant. The reference competent authority shall send the draft assessment report to the applicant who shall be provided with the opportunity to submit oral or written comments within one month. The reference competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its assessment.

7.  Within four months after receipt of the documents referred to in paragraph 6, the competent authorities of other Member States concerned shall approve the assessment report and the summary of the product characteristics, and shall inform the reference competent authority accordingly.

8.  The reference competent authority and the competent authorities of the other Member States concerned shall authorise the biocidal product on the basis of the approved assessment report and the summary of the biocidal product characteristics within one month after the end of the period referred to in paragraph 7.

A single authorisation number shall be used in all the Member States involved.

The Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, measures specifying the criteria and procedures for assigning the single authorisation number.

9.  If one or more competent authorities of other Member States concerned have not approved the assessment report and the summary of the biocidal product characteristics within four months after receipt of the documents referred to in paragraph 6, they shall notify the Commission, the applicant, the reference competent authority and the competent authorities of other Member States concerned and shall provide them with an explanatory document identifying the biocidal product and its specifications and setting out the grounds on which they propose to refuse to recognise, or to restrict, the national authorisation.

The Commission shall, following consultation of the applicant, adopt a decision on whether the grounds set out by the competent authority justify refusal to recognise, or restriction of, the national authorisation in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3).

This decision shall be taken within three months of the notification by the competent authority referred to in the first subparagraph. If the Commission requests an opinion from the Agency pursuant to Article 30, the three-month period shall be suspended until the Agency submits its opinion.

If the Commission decision confirms the grounds presented for refusing or restricting the subsequent authorisation, the competent authority that had previously authorised the biocidal product shall without delay review its national authorisation to comply with that decision.

If the Commission decision confirms the initial national authorisation, the competent authority that proposed to refuse to recognise a national authorisation, or to recognise the national authorisation subject to certain conditions, shall without delay authorise the biocidal product concerned in accordance with the initial authorisation.

10.  As soon as the competent authorities have taken a decision on an application for a national authorisation in more than one Member State in parallel, they shall enter information referred to in Article 23(5), where applicable, in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Article 29

Adjustment to local circumstances

1.  The competent authority that has received an application for mutual recognition in accordance with Articles 25 or 28 may, within two months from the receipt of the application, propose to the applicant that certain conditions referred to in points (e), (f), (g), (j), (l), (m) and (n) of Article 58(2) in the authorisation be adjusted to local circumstances, so that conditions for issue of an authorisation laid down in Article 16 are satisfied, and shall inform the Commission thereof, if it establishes that, in its territory, one of the following conditions is met:

The competent authorities shall communicate to the Commission all proposals concerning adjustment of conditions in national authorisations to local circumstances and the reasons for proposing adjustment.

2.  Subject to Union law, appropriate conditions may be imposed with respect to the requirements referred to in Article 15 and other risk-mitigation measures deriving from specific conditions of use.

3.  If, within 2 months, an agreement on the proposed adjustments is not reached between the applicant and the competent authority that has received an application for mutual recognition, that competent authority shall without delay inform the Commission thereof and provide an explanatory document on the proposed adjustments identifying the biocidal product and its specifications and setting out the grounds on which it proposes to adjust the conditions of the national authorisation.

▌

Article 30

Opinion of the Agency

1.  The Commission may ask the Agency for an opinion on scientific or technical matters raised by a Member State objecting to the mutual recognition of a national authorisation or seeking to adjust the authorisation to local circumstances. The Agency shall issue an opinion within six months from the date on which the matter was referred to it.

2.  Before issuing its opinion, the Agency shall provide the applicant or the authorisation holder with an opportunity to present written or oral explanations within a specified time limit not exceeding one month.

The Agency may suspend the time limit referred to in paragraph 1 to allow the applicant or the authorisation holder to prepare the explanations.

Article 31

Derogation regarding certain active substances or product-types

By way of derogation from Articles 25 to 29, competent authorities of Member States may refuse mutual recognition of national authorisations granted for biocidal products containing active substances referred to in Articles 5 and 9 and for product types 15, 17 and 23 of Annex V, provided that such a refusal can be justified on grounds of the protection of health of humans, particularly the health of vulnerable groups, the protection of the health of animals or plants, the protection of the environment, national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value, or the protection of industrial and commercial property. Competent authorities of Member States shall without delay inform each other and the Commission of any decision taken in this respect and shall indicate the reasons thereof.

Chapter VII

Union authorisations of biocidal products

Section 1

Granting of Union authorisations

Article 32

Union authorisation

A Union authorisation issued by the Commission in accordance with this Section shall be valid throughout the Union unless otherwise specified. It shall confer the same rights and obligations in each of the Member States as an authorisation issued by the competent authority of that Member State.

Article 33

Biocidal products for which Union authorisation may be granted

1.  From 2013, the Union authorisation may be granted to the following categories of biocidal products:

2.  From 2017, the Union authorisation may be granted to all categories of biocidal products with the exception of biocidal products that contain active substances that fall under Article 5.

Article 34

Submission and validation of application

1.  The person responsible for the placing of a biocidal product on the market, or his representative, shall submit an application for a Union authorisation to the Agency and inform the Agency of the name of the competent authority of the Member State of his choice which shall be responsible for the evaluation of the application (hereinafter the ‘evaluating competent authority’).

The Agency shall, within one month after receipt of the application, notify the evaluating competent authority that the application is available in the Agency database.

2.  Within two months after receipt of an application, the Agency shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

3.  If the Agency considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a reasonable time limit for the submission of that information.

The Agency shall, within two months from the receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The Agency shall reject the application if the applicant fails to complete the application within the deadline and shall inform the applicant and the evaluating competent authority thereof. In such cases a part of the fee paid to the Agency in accordance with Article 71 shall be reimbursed.

4.  An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under the third subparagraph of paragraph 3 of this Article.

5.  If the Agency considers, on the basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 2, that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the evaluating competent authority thereof.

Article 35

Evaluation of applications

1.  The evaluating competent authority shall, within twelve months after the validation, evaluate the dossiers in accordance with Article 16 including, where relevant, any proposal to adapt data requirements submitted in accordance with Article 19(2).

The evaluating competent authority shall provide the applicant with an opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the conclusions of the evaluation within one month. The evaluating competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its evaluation.

The evaluating competent authority shall send the conclusions of the assessment and the assessment report to the Agency.

2.  If, when the dossiers are evaluated, it appears that additional information is necessary to carry out the evaluation, the evaluating competent authority shall ask the applicant to submit such information within a specified time limit, and shall inform the Agency thereof.

The twelve-month period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be suspended from the date of issue of the request until the date the information is received.

3.  Within three months from receipt of the conclusions of the evaluation, the Agency shall prepare and submit to the Commission an opinion on the authorisation of the biocidal product.

4.  On receipt of the opinion of the Agency, the Commission shall adopt a decision on the Union authorisation of the biocidal product in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3). As soon as the Commission has taken a decision to grant a Union authorisation, it shall enter the information referred to in Article 23(5) in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

The ▌Member State shall notify the Commission where it restricts or prohibits the Union authorisation ▌for a biocidal product of the product-types 15, 17 or 23 of Annex V in the territory of that Member State. Such restriction or prohibition must be justified on grounds of the protection of:

If a Member State decides that ▌the Union authorisation should be adjusted to the different local circumstances in that Member State in accordance with Article 29, it shall inform the Commission thereof.

5.  If the decision referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 4 is to refuse to grant a Union authorisation to a biocidal product because it does not fulfil the criteria for a low-risk biocidal product in accordance with Article 17, the applicant may apply, if relevant, for a Union authorisation in accordance with point (a) of Article 33(1) or a national authorisation in accordance with Chapter V.

6.  The competent authority that has been notified of the application for the evaluation as referred to in Article 34(1) may, within one month after receipt of the notification, submit a duly substantiated request to the Commission to appoint another evaluating competent authority. The Commission shall take a decision in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(2).

Section 2

Renewal of Union authorisations

Article 36

Submission and validation of applications

1.  The authorisation holder or his representative shall submit an application for renewal of a Union authorisation to the Agency at least 12 months before the expiry date of the authorisation.

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

2.  The Agency shall, within one month after receipt of the application, notify the evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation of the application for Union authorisation that the application is available in the Agency database.

3.  The Commission shall renew a Union authorisation, provided that the conditions set out in Article 16 are still satisfied.

4.  When applying for renewal, the applicant shall submit a list of all data relating to the biocidal product that have been generated since the previous authorisation and a justification as to whether the conclusions of the initial assessment of the biocidal product are still valid.

The evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation may require the applicant to submit the data referred to in the list at any time.

5.  Within two months after receipt of an application, the Agency shall validate the application if it complies with the following requirements:

The validation shall not include an assessment of the quality or the adequacy of any data or justifications for the adaptation of data requirements submitted.

6.  If the Agency considers that the application is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant what additional information is required for the validation of the application and shall set a reasonable time limit for the submission of that information.

The Agency shall, within two months after receipt of the additional information, determine whether the additional information submitted is sufficient to validate the application.

The Agency shall reject the application if the applicant fails to submit the requested information within the deadline and shall inform the applicant thereof. In such cases a part of the fee paid to the Agency in accordance with Article 71 shall be reimbursed.

7.  An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under the third subparagraph of paragraph 6 of this Article.

8.  If the Agency, on basis of the validation made pursuant to paragraph 5, considers that the application is complete, it shall without delay inform the applicant and the evaluating competent authority thereof.

Article 37

Evaluation of applications for renewal

1.  On the basis of the available information and a need to review the conclusions of the initial assessment of the application for Union authorisation, the evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation of the application for Union authorisation shall, within one month after the validation referred to in Article 36(5), decide whether a full evaluation of the application for renewal is necessary.

If the evaluating competent authority decides that a full evaluation of the application is necessary, the evaluation shall be carried out in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 of Article 35. The decision on the application shall be adopted in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Article.

2.  If the evaluating competent authority that carried out the initial evaluation of the application for Union authorisation decides that a full evaluation of the application is not necessary, it shall, within six months after the validation, prepare and submit to the Agency a recommendation on the renewal of the authorisation.

Prior to submitting the recommendation to the Agency, the evaluating competent authority shall provide the applicant with an opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the recommendation within one month. The evaluating competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its recommendation.

3.  On receipt of the recommendation from the evaluating competent authority, the Agency shall make it available to the competent authorities of other Member States and the applicant and allow a period of three months during which they may submit written comments to it.

4.  The Commission may ask the Agency for an opinion on scientific or technical matters raised by a competent authority objecting to the recommendation referred to in paragraph 2. The Agency shall issue an opinion within six months from the date on which the matter was referred to it.

5.  At the end of the period referred to in paragraph 3 or on receipt of the opinion of the Agency, the Commission shall adopt a decision to renew, or to refuse to renew, the Union authorisation in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3). As soon as the Commission has taken a decision, it shall update the information referred to in Article 23(5) in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

6.  Where, for reasons beyond the control of the holder of the Union authorisation, no decision is taken on the renewal of the authorisation before its expiry, the Commission shall grant the renewal of the Union authorisation for the period necessary to complete the evaluation in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(2).

Chapter VIII

Cancellation, review and modifications of authorisations

Article 38

Obligation for notification of new information

1.  If the authorisation holder becomes aware of information concerning the authorised biocidal product or the active substance(s) it contains which may affect the authorisation, he shall without delay notify the competent authority that granted the national authorisation and the Agency or, in the case of a Union authorisation, the Commission and the Agency. In particular, the following shall be notified:

2.  The competent authority that granted the national authorisation or in the case of a Union authorisation, the Agency, shall examine whether the authorisation needs to be amended or cancelled in accordance with Article 39.

3.  The competent authority that granted the national authorisation or, in the case of a Union authorisation, the Agency, shall without delay notify competent authorities of other Member States and, where appropriate, the Commission of any such information it received.

Competent authorities of Member States that have issued national authorisations for the same biocidal product under the mutual recognition procedure shall examine whether the authorisation needs to be amended or cancelled in accordance with Article 39.

Article 39

Cancellation or modification of an authorisation

1.  The competent authority of a Member State or, in the case of a Union authorisation, the Commission, may at any time cancel or amend an authorisation it has granted in the following cases:

2.  Where the competent authority or, in the case of a Union authorisation, the Commission, intends to cancel or amend an authorisation, it shall inform the authorisation holder thereof and give him the opportunity to submit written or oral comments or additional information within a specified time limit. The evaluating competent authority shall take due account of these comments when finalising its decision.

3.  Where the competent authority or, in the case of a Union authorisation, the Commission, cancels or amends an authorisation in accordance with paragraph 1, it shall without delay notify the authorisation holder, the competent authorities of other Member States and, where relevant, the Commission.

Competent authorities which have issued authorisations for the same biocidal product under the mutual recognition procedure shall, within four months, cancel or amend the authorisations accordingly, taking into account local circumstances, and shall notify the Commission thereof.

In the case of disagreement between competent authorities of certain Member States, the points of disagreement shall be referred without delay to the Commission and the procedure laid down in Articles 27 and 30 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

4.  As soon as the competent authority or the Commission in the case of a Union authorisation, has taken a decision to cancel or amend an authorisation, it shall update the information referred to in Article 23(5) relating to the biocidal product concerned in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Article 40

Cancellation of an authorisation at the request of the authorisation holder

The competent authority that has granted the national authorisation or, in case of Union authorisation, the Commission, shall cancel the authorisation at the request of its holder, who shall state the reasons for such request. If such a request concerns a Union authorisation, it shall be submitted to the Agency.

As soon as the competent authority or the Commission in the case of a Union authorisation, has taken a decision to cancel an authorisation, it shall update the information referred to in Article 23(5) information relating to the biocidal product concerned in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Article 41

Modification of an authorisation at the request of the authorisation holder

1.  The terms and conditions of an authorisation shall not be changed unless the authorisation has been amended by the competent authority which has previously authorised the biocidal product concerned, or in the case of a Union authorisation, by the Commission.

2.  An application by an authorisation holder to amend the terms and conditions of an authorisation shall be submitted to the competent authorities of all the Member States which have previously authorised the biocidal product concerned, or in the case of a Union authorisation, to the Agency.

The application shall be accompanied by the fees payable under Article 71.

3.  A modification of an existing authorisation shall fall under one of the following categories of changes:

Article 42

Detailed procedures on cancellation and modifications

1.  In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the cancellation and modification procedures, the Commission shall adopt further detailed measures specifying the criteria and procedures relating to a cancellation of an authorisation or modifications of the terms and conditions of an authorisation under Articles 39 to 41, including a dispute settlement mechanism, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

2.  The criteria and the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on, but not limited to, the following principles:

Article 43

Period of grace

Notwithstanding Article 82, where the competent authority or, in the case of a biocidal product authorised at Union level, the Commission, cancels or amends an authorisation or decides not to renew it, it shall grant a period of grace for the disposal, storage, placing on the market and use of existing stocks except in cases where continued placing on the market or use of the product would constitute an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

The period of grace shall not exceed six months for the placing on the market and an additional maximum period of twelve months for the disposal, storage, and use of existing stocks of the biocidal products concerned.

Article 44

Parallel trade

1.  A competent authority of a Member State (hereinafter ‘Member State of introduction’) may grant a parallel trade permit for a biocidal product that is authorised in another Member State (hereinafter ‘Member State of origin’) to be placed on the market and used in the Member State of introduction, if it determines that the biocidal product is ▌identical in composition to a biocidal product already authorised in that Member State (hereinafter the ‘reference product’).

The applicant who intends to place the biocidal product on the market in the Member State of introduction shall submit the application for a parallel trade permit to the competent authority of the Member State of introduction.

The application shall be accompanied by all the information necessary to demonstrate that the biocidal product is ▌identical to the reference product as defined in paragraph 3.

2.  A parallel trade permit shall be granted within two months from submission of an application. The competent authority of the Member State of introduction may request from the competent authority of the Member State of origin additional information necessary to determine whether the product is ▌ identical to the reference product. The competent authority of the Member State of origin shall provide the requested information within one month of receiving the request.

3.  A biocidal product shall be considered as ▌identical to the reference product if all of the following conditions are met:

4.  An application for a parallel trade permit shall include the following information and items:

The competent authority of the Member State of introduction may require a translation of the relevant parts of the original instructions for the use referred to in point (e).

5.  The parallel trade permit shall prescribe the same conditions for placing on the market and use as the authorisation of the reference product.

6.  The parallel trade permit shall be valid for the duration of authorisation of the reference product in the Member State of introduction.

If the authorisation holder of the reference product applies for cancellation of authorisation in accordance with Article 40 and the requirements of Article 16 are still fulfilled, the validity of the parallel trade permit shall expire on the date on which the authorisation of the reference product would have normally expired.

7.  Without prejudice to specific provisions in this Article, Articles 38 to 41 and Chapter XIII shall apply mutatis mutandis to biocidal products placed on the market under a parallel trade permit.

8.  The competent authority of the Member State of introduction may withdraw a parallel trade permit if the authorisation of the introduced biocidal product is withdrawn in the Member State of origin because of safety or efficacy reasons.

9.  Where a decision concerning the application for a parallel trade permit is taken in accordance with the provisions of this Article, the competent authorities of Member States which have taken such a decision shall enter the information referred to in Article 23(5) in the Union Register of Biocidal Products.

Chapter IX

Derogations

Article 45

Derogation from the requirements

1.  By way of derogation from Articles 15 and 16, a competent authority may authorise, for a period not exceeding four months, the placing on the market of a biocidal product not complying with the provisions of this Regulation for a limited and controlled use if all of the following conditions are met:

The competent authority referred to in the first subparagraph shall without delay inform the other competent authorities and the Commission of its action and the justification for it. The competent authority shall without delay inform the other competent authorities and the Commission of a revocation of such action.

The Commission shall without delay decide whether, and under what conditions, the action taken by the competent authority may be extended for a period not exceeding 18 months in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3).

▌

2.  In addition to the active substances referred to in Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, active substances manufactured or imported for use in biocidal products which are authorised for placing on the market in accordance with this Article shall be regarded as being registered and the registration as completed for manufacture or import for the use in a biocidal product and therefore as fulfilling the requirements of Chapters 1 and 5 of Title II of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

Article 46

Research and development

1.  By way of derogation from Article 15, an experiment or a test for the purposes of research or development involving the placing on the market of an unauthorised biocidal product or an active substance intended exclusively for use in a biocidal product may only take place in the case of scientific research and development or in the case of product and process-oriented research and development, and under the conditions laid down in the second and third subparagraphs of this paragraph.

In the case of scientific research and development, the person who intends to carry out the experiment or the test shall notify the competent authority prior to the start. The person shall draw up and maintain written records detailing the identity of the biocidal product or active substance, labelling data, quantities supplied and the names and addresses of those persons receiving the biocidal product or active substance, and shall compile a dossier containing all available data on possible effects on human or animal health or impact on the environment. The persons concerned shall, if requested, make this information available to the competent authority.

In the case of product and process-oriented research and development, the person who intends to carry out the experiment or the test shall, prior to the placing of the biocidal product or the active substance on the market, notify the information required in the second subparagraph to the competent authority of the Member State where the placing on the market occurs.

2.  An unauthorised biocidal product or an active substance for exclusive use in a biocidal product shall not be placed on the market for the purpose of any experiment or test which may involve, or result in, release of the biocidal product into the environment unless the competent authority has assessed the data submitted by the person interested in the placing of such product on the market and issued a national authorisation for this purpose which limits the quantities to be used and the areas to be treated and which may impose further conditions. The competent authority shall without delay inform the Commission and other competent authorities about the issued national authorisation.

3.  Where any experiment or test takes place in a Member State other than the Member State where placing on the market of the biocidal product occurs, the applicant shall obtain experiment or test authorisation from the competent authority of the Member State in the territory of which the experiments or tests are to be conducted.

If the proposed experiments or tests referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 may have harmful effects, whether immediate or delayed, on human health, in particular on the health of children, or animal health or any unacceptable adverse effect on the environment, humans, or animals, the competent authority of the Member State concerned may prohibit them or allow them subject to such conditions as it considers necessary to prevent those consequences. The competent authority shall without delay inform the Commission and other competent authorities about such measures.

4.  In order to encourage research and development in active substances and biocidal products, the Commission shall adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, measures to specify the overall applicable maximum quantities of active substances or biocidal products that may be released during experiments and the minimum data to be submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article.

▌

Chapter X

Treated articles or materials

Article 47

Placing on the market of treated articles or materials

1.  Treated materials or articles that incorporate one or more biocidal products shall not be placed on the market unless the active substances used for treating the materials or articles are included in Annex I.

2.  The person responsible for placing treated articles or materials on the market shall obtain a letter of certification by the authorisation holder in respect of all biocidal products which have been used in the treatment of those articles or materials or which have been inserted into the articles or materials.

3.  Treated articles or materials shall be labelled with the following information:

The labelling shall be clearly visible, easily legible, appropriately durable and printed on the article or material, on the packaging, on the instructions for use or on the warranty of the treated article or material in the national language or languages of the Member State on whose market the treated article or material is to be placed.

In the case of treated materials or articles which are not produced as part of a series, but rather designed and manufactured to meet a specific order, the manufacturer may agree other methods of providing the customer with the relevant information.

This paragraph shall not apply where such labelling requirements already exist under other Union legislation.

Chapter XI

Data protection and data-sharing

Article 48

Protection of information held by competent authorities or the Agency

1.  Information submitted for the purposes of this Regulation shall not be used by competent authorities or the Agency for the benefit of a subsequent applicant, except in one of the following cases:

2.  When an applicant submits any information to a competent authority or to the Agency, he shall also provide a list of all the information submitted. In the list he shall specify whether he is the owner of the information or whether he only holds a letter of access to that information. In the latter case, the list shall contain the name and contact details of the owner. The applicant shall inform the competent authority or the Agency about any changes in the ownership of the information.

3.  On receipt of the list referred to in paragraph 2, the competent authorities shall send it to the Agency.

4.  Each item of information in the list referred to in paragraph 2 shall be identified by a unique code and entered by the Agency, with all relevant details and linked to the identity of the initial applicant and the information owner, in the Biocides Data Sharing Register.

5.  The Commission, the Agency, the advisory scientific committees set up under Commission Decision 2004/210/EC of 3 March 2004 setting up Scientific Committees in the field of consumer safety, public health and the environment(46) and the competent authorities shall have access to the information referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 49

Information protection periods

1.  Information submitted for the purposes of Directive 98/8/EC or of this Regulation shall benefit from data protection under the conditions laid down in this Article. The protection period for this information shall start when the information is submitted.

Information protected under Directive 98/8/EC ▌for which the protection period expired under Directive 98/8/EC or information protected under this Article shall, on application, be protected again.

An entry date shall be individually established for each document that has been given a unique code in accordance with Article 48(4).

2.  The protection period for information submitted in view of the inclusion of an existing active substance in Annex I shall end 10 years after the date of the inclusion of the relevant active substance in Annex I for the particular product-type.

The protection period for information submitted in view of the inclusion of a new active substance in Annex I shall end 15 years after the date of the inclusion of the relevant active substance in Annex I for the particular product-type.

The protection period for information submitted in view of the renewal or review of the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I shall end 5 years after the date of the decision concerning the renewal or the review being taken.

3.  The protection period for information submitted in view of the authorisation of a biocidal product containing only existing active substances shall end 10 years after the date of the first authorisation of the product.

The protection period for information submitted in view of the authorisation of a biocidal product containing a new active substance shall end 15 years after the date of the first authorisation of the product.

The protection period for information submitted in view of the renewal or modification of the authorisation of a biocidal product shall end 5 years after the date of the renewal or modification of the authorisation.

▌

Article 50

Letter of access

1.  A letter of access shall contain at least the following information:

2.  Revocation of a letter of access prior to its expiry date shall not affect the validity of the authorisation issued on the basis of the letter of access in question.

Article 51

Mandatory information sharing

1.  Given that animal testing should be avoided, testing on vertebrate animals for the purposes of this Regulation shall be undertaken only as a last resort where no alternative solution can be employed without producing an impact on humans or animals. Testing on vertebrate animals shall not be repeated for the purposes of this Regulation.

2.  Any person intending to perform tests or studies involving vertebrate animals or non-vertebrate animals (hereinafter the ‘prospective applicant’), shall ask the competent authority or the Agency whether such tests or studies have already been submitted in connection with a previous application. The competent authority or the Agency shall verify if there is any data on such tests or studies in the Biocides Data Sharing Register.

Where those tests or studies have already been submitted in connection with a previous application, the competent authority or the Agency shall, without delay, assess technical equivalence in relation to the comparison source. If the technical equivalence assessment is positive, the competent authority or the Agency shall without delay communicate the name and contact details of the owner of the information to the prospective applicant.

Where the data acquired under those tests or studies are still protected under Article 49, and involve tests on vertebrate animals, the prospective applicant shall request from the owner of the information the right to refer to the tests or studies.

Where the data acquired under those tests or studies are still protected under Article 49, and do not involve tests on vertebrate animals, the prospective applicant may request from the owner of the information the right to refer to the tests or studies.

Article 52

Compensation for mandatory information sharing

1.  Where a request has been made in accordance with Article 51(2), the prospective applicant and the owner of the information shall make every effort to reach an agreement on the sharing of the results of the tests or studies requested by the prospective applicant. Such an agreement may be replaced by submission of the matter to an arbitration body and a commitment to accept the arbitration order.

2.  Where such agreement is reached, the owner of the information shall make available to the prospective applicant the information and shall give the prospective applicant permission to refer to the data owner's tests or studies.

3.  Where no such agreement is reached two months after the request was made according to Article 51(2), the prospective applicant shall without delay inform the Agency and the owner of the information thereof. Within two months of being informed about the failure to reach an agreement, the Agency shall give the prospective applicant the right to refer to the tests or studies involving tests on vertebrate animals. National courts shall decide on the proportionate share of the cost that the prospective applicant shall pay to the data owner.

4.  The costs of sharing the tests or studies shall be determined in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner.

5.  An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under paragraph 3 of this Article.

Article 53

Use of data for subsequent applications for authorisations

1.  In the case of a biocidal product which has already been authorised in accordance with Articles 15, 25 or 28, and where all periods of protection of information according to Article 49 have expired, the receiving competent authority or the Agency may agree that a subsequent applicant for authorisation may refer to data provided by the first applicant, and if the periods of protection of information according to Article 49 have not expired, the receiving competent authority or the Agency may agree that a subsequent applicant for authorisation may refer to data provided by the first applicant pursuant to Article 52, in both cases in so far as the subsequent applicant can provide evidence that the biocidal product is similar to, and its active substances technically equivalent to, the one formerly authorised, including in terms of degree of purity and nature of impurities.

An appeal may be brought, in accordance with Article 68, against Agency decisions under the first subparagraph of this paragraph.

2.  Notwithstanding paragraph 1, subsequent applicants shall provide the following information accordingly to the receiving competent authority or the Agency:

Chapter XII

Information and communication

Section 1

Monitoring and reporting

Article 54

Compliance with requirements

1.  Competent authorities shall perform official controls in order to ensure that manufacturers of active substances which are placed on the market for use in biocidal products have submitted to the Commission the information about the active substances referred to in Annex II or are in the possession of a letter of access to a dossier which complies with the requirements of Annex II.

2.  Competent authorities shall make the necessary arrangements for biocidal products which have been placed on the market on their own or incorporated in treated materials to be monitored to establish whether they comply with the requirements of this Regulation. Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products(47) shall apply accordingly.

3.  Competent authorities shall carry out official controls in order to enforce compliance with this Regulation.

4.  Every year, starting in 2013, competent authorities shall submit to the Commission a report on the implementation of this Regulation in their respective territories. The implementation reports shall be published annually on the relevant website of the Commission. The reports shall include:

5.  The Commission shall draw up a report on the implementation of this Regulation and, in particular, on the functioning of the Union authorisation procedure and mutual recognition, by 1 January 2019 and every three years thereafter. The Commission shall submit the report to the European Parliament and the Council.

On the basis of the report, the Commission shall assess the desirability of proposing amendments to this Regulation.

6.  Not later than ...(48), the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and Council a report on the assessment of the risks to human health and the environment presented by the use of nanomaterials in biocidal products and on specific measures to be taken with regard to them.

7.  Not later than...(49)*, the Commission shall draw up a report on the impact of the spread of biocidal products in the environment. The Commission shall submit the report to the European Parliament and the Council.

Article 55

Confidentiality

1.  Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents(50) and the rules of the Management Board of the Agency, adopted in accordance with Article 118(3) Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, shall apply to documents held by the Agency for the purposes of this Regulation.

2.  Disclosure of the following information shall be deemed to undermine the protection of the commercial interests of the person concerned:

However, where urgent action is essential to protect human health, safety or the environment, the Agency or the competent authorities shall take the necessary measures to disclose the information referred to in this paragraph.

3.  Any person who submits information related to an active substance or a biocidal product to the Agency or a competent authority for the purposes of this Regulation can request that the information in Article 56(2) not be made available including a justification as to why the disclosure of the information could be harmful for his or any other concerned party's commercial interests.

4.  Information accepted as confidential by a competent authority or the Agency shall be treated as confidential by the other competent authorities, the Agency and the Commission.

Article 56

Electronic public access

1.  The following information held by the competent authorities, the Agency or, as appropriate, the Commission on active substances shall be made, free of charge, publicly available in a single database, in a structured format, at least on the relevant website of the Commission:

If the information listed in the first subparagraph concerns a new active substance, it shall be made publically available only after the date on which the inclusion of the new active substance in Annex I to this Regulation becomes effective.

2.  The following information on active substances whether on their own, in mixtures or in materials or articles, or information on biocidal products shall be made publicly available, free of charge, except where a party submitting the information submits a justification in accordance with Article 55(3), accepted as valid by the competent authority, the Agency or, as appropriate, the Commission, as to why such publication is potentially harmful for the commercial interests of the applicant or any other party concerned:

3.  After the authorisation has been granted, confidentiality shall not in any case apply to:

4.  Public access shall be granted free of charge to an inventory containing details of biocidal products authorised pursuant to Article 16(5) and of the corresponding manufacturers.

Article 57

Record-keeping and reporting

1.  Producers, importers and professional users of biocidal products shall keep records of the biocidal products they produce, place on the market or use for at least 10 years. They shall make available the relevant information contained in these records to the competent authority on request.

2.  The Commission shall adopt implementing measures to specify the form and content of the information in the records, and to ensure the uniform application of paragraph 1 in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3).

Section 2

Information about biocidal products

Article 58

Classification, packaging and labelling of biocidal products

1.  Biocidal products shall be classified, packaged and labelled in accordance with Directive 1999/45/EC and, where applicable, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and the approved summary of the biocidal product characteristics, in particular the hazard statements and the precautionary statements, as referred to in point (i) of Article 20(2).

In addition, products which may be mistaken for food, drink or feedingstuffs shall be packaged to minimise the likelihood of such a mistake being made. If they are available to the general public, they shall contain components to discourage their consumption.

2.  Labels shall not be misleading and, in any case, shall not mention indications such as ‘low-risk biocidal product’, ‘non-toxic’ or ‘harmless’. In addition, the label must show clearly and indelibly the following information:

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, where this is necessary because of the size or the function of the biocidal product, the information referred to in points (d), (f), (g), (j), (k), (l) and (n) may be indicated on the packaging or on an accompanying leaflet integral to the packaging.

3.  ▌Biocidal products placed on the market of the territories of the Member States shall be labelled in the national language or languages of the country where they are marketed.

Article 59

Safety Data Sheets

The safety-data sheets shall be prepared and made available in accordance with Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, for biocidal products classified as hazardous, and in accordance with the requirements of Article 31 of that Regulation, for active substances used exclusively in biocidal products.

Article 60

Union Register of Biocidal Products

1.  A Union Register for Biocidal Products shall be established and maintained by the Commission.

2.  The Union Register for Biocidal Products shall be used for the exchange of information between competent authorities, the Agency and the Commission.

3.  Applicants shall use the Union Register for Biocidal Products to generate the application form for all procedures relating to the authorisation of biocidal products, the mutual recognition and the parallel trade permit.

4.  Competent authorities shall update in the Union Register for Biocidal Products the information relating to biocidal products which have been authorised within their territory or for which a national authorisation has been refused, amended, renewed or cancelled. The Commission shall update the information relating to biocidal products which have been authorised in the Union or for which a Union authorisation has been refused, amended, renewed or cancelled.

5.  In order to ensure the proper functioning of the Union Register for Biocidal Products, the Commission may adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, detailed rules on the types of information to be entered in the ▌Register ▌and the procedures related to it ▌.

Article 61

Biocides Data Sharing Register

1.  The Biocides Data Sharing Register shall be established and maintained by the Agency.

2.  The Biocides Data Sharing Register shall contain information provided by competent authorities and the Agency in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 48.

The Register shall only be accessible to competent authorities, the Agency and the Commission. Competent authorities and the Agency shall respond to all enquiries by prospective applicants concerning information contained in the Biocides Data Sharing Register in order to facilitate sharing of information and shall on request provide the contact details of the owner of the information in question and a statement whether and for how long the information is subject to data protection under this Regulation.

Article 62

Access to information

1.  Member States shall ensure that all professional users, distributors and advisers have access to appropriate information on the benefits, risks and safe use of biocidal products.

2.  Member States shall take the necessary measures to provide the public with information about the benefits and risks associated with biocidal products and ways of minimising the use of those products.

3.  The Commission shall make available on the internet a list of all active substances available within the internal market.

The persons responsible for the placing on the market of biocidal products shall make a list of such products available on the internet. This website shall serve to increase transparency for consumers and to facilitate an easy and fast collection of data on the properties and conditions of use of these products.

Access to those websites shall not be subject to any restriction or condition and their content shall be kept up to date. The relevant website addresses shall be indicated on the labelling of the biocidal products in a visible manner.

Article 63

Advertising

1.  Any advertisement for biocidal products shall be accompanied by the sentences ‘Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use’. The sentences shall be clearly distinguishable in relation to the whole advertisement.

2.  Advertisers may replace the word ‘biocides’ in the prescribed sentences with a clear reference to the product-type as set out in Annex V being advertised.

3.  Advertisements for biocidal products shall not refer to the product in a manner which is misleading in respect of the risks from the product to human health or the environment. In any case, the advertising of a biocidal product shall not mention indications such as ‘low-risk biocidal product’, ‘non-toxic’ or ‘harmless’.

Article 64

Poison control

1.  Member States shall appoint a body or bodies responsible for receiving information on biocidal products which have been placed on the market, including information on the chemical composition of such products, and for making such information available in cases where suspected poisoning arises from biocidal products.

Member States may decide to appoint the body or bodies that have already been appointed in accordance with Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 to carry out the tasks under this Article.

2.  The bodies appointed by the Member States shall provide all the requisite guarantees for maintaining the confidentiality of the information received. Such information may only be used for the following purposes:

Chapter XIII

The Agency

Article 65

Role of the Agency

The Agency shall carry out the tasks conferred on it by Chapters II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XIV of this Regulation.

Article 66

Biocidal Products Committee

1.  A Biocidal Products Committee is hereby established within the Agency.

2.  Articles 85, 87 and 88 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the establishment, the composition and the qualification and interests of the Committee for Risk Assessment shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Biocidal Products Committee.

The Biocidal Products Committee may establish working groups and delegate certain tasks to those working groups.

The members of the Biocidal Products Committee shall be supported by the scientific and technical resources available to the Member States. Member States shall provide adequate scientific and technical resources to the members of the Biocidal Products Committee that they have nominated. Competent authorities of Member States shall facilitate the activities of the Biocidal Products Committee and their working groups.

Article 67

Operation of the Biocidal Products Committee and the Secretariat of the Agency

1.  Articles 78 to 84, 89 and 90 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall apply mutatis mutandis taking into account the role of the Agency with respect to this Regulation.

2.  The Secretariat of the Agency referred to in point (g) of Article 76(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall undertake the following tasks:

3.  The Secretariat shall make the information identified in Article 56(1) and (2) in the database(s) publicly available, free of charge, over the internet, except where a request made under Article 55(3) is considered justified. The Agency shall make other information in the databases available on request in accordance with Article 55.

Article 68

Appeal

1.  An appeal against decisions of the Agency taken pursuant to Articles 7(5), 11(4), 34(3), 36(6), 52(3) and 53(1) shall lie with the Board of Appeal.

Articles 92(1) and (2), 93 and 94 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall apply to appeal procedures lodged under this Regulation.

A fee may be payable by a person bringing an appeal in accordance with Article 71(2) of this Regulation.

2.  An appeal lodged pursuant to paragraph 1 shall have suspensive effect.

Article 69

The budget of the Agency

1.  For the purposes of this Regulation, the revenues of the Agency shall consist of:

2.  Revenue and expenditure for activities related to this Regulation and those relating to activities under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall be dealt with separately in the Agency's budget with a separate budgetary and accounting reporting.

Revenue of the Agency referred to in Article 96(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall not be used for carrying out tasks under this Regulation.

Article 70

Formats and software for submission of information to the Agency

The Agency shall specify formats and make them available free of charge, and shall specify software packages and make them available on its website for submissions to the Agency. The competent authorities and applicants shall use these formats and packages in their submissions to the Agency pursuant to this Regulation.

The format of the technical dossier referred to in Articles 6(1), 11(1), 18 and 36(4) shall be IUCLID.

Chapter XIV

Final provisions

Article 71

Fees and charges

1.  The Commission shall establish rules concerning:

Those measuresshall be adopted by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75.

2.  The harmonised structure of fees and conditions of payment shall be based on the following principles:

3.  Member States shall oblige those who have placed or are seeking to place biocidal products on the market and those supporting inclusion of active substances in Annex I to pay fees in accordance with the harmonised structure of fees and conditions of payment to be adopted in accordance with paragraph 1.

4.  In accordance with the rules referred to in paragraph 1, the Agency shall oblige those who have placed or are seeking to place biocidal products on the market and those supporting inclusion of active substances in Annex I to pay fees. The structure and the amount of fees payable to the Agency shall be determined in accordance with paragraph 1.

The Agency may collect charges for other services it provides.

Article 72

Competent authorities

1.  Member States shall designate a competent authority or competent authorities responsible for the application of this Regulation.

Member States shall inform the Commission of the names and addresses of the designated competent authorities by 1 January 2013. Member States shall, without undue delay, inform the Commission of any changes to the names and addresses of the competent authorities.

2.  The Commission shall make publicly available the list of the competent authorities.

Article 73

Exercise of the delegation

1.  The power to adopt the delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(1)(d), 6(4), 8(5), 12(5), 13(1), 14, 16(10), 19(3), 21(5), 25(6), 28(8), 42(1), 46(4), 60(5), 71(1), 77 and 82(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years following the entry into force of this Regulation. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegated power at the latest six months before the end of the five year period. The delegation of power shall be automatically extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council revokes it in accordance with Article 74.

2.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

3.  The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in Articles 74 and 75.

Article 74

Revocation of the delegation

1.  The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(1)(d), 6(4), 8(5), 12(5), 13(1), 14, 16(10), 19(3), 21(5), 25(6), 28(8), 42(1), 46(4), 60(5), 71(1), 77 and 82(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council.

2.  The institution which has commenced an internal procedure for deciding whether to revoke the delegation of power shall endeavour to inform the other institution and the Commission within a reasonable time before the final decision is taken, indicating the delegated power which could be subject to revocation and possible reasons for a revocation.

3.  The decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect immediately or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of the delegated acts already in force. It shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 75

Objections to delegated acts

1.  The European Parliament or the Council may object to a delegated act within a period of three months from the date of notification.

At the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council that period shall be extended by one month.

2.  If, on expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1, neither the European Parliament nor the Council has objected to the delegated act, it shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and shall enter into force on the date stated therein.

3.  If either the European Parliament or the Council objects to a delegated act within the period referred to in paragraph 1, it shall not enter into force. The institution which objects shall state the reasons for objecting to the delegated act.

Article 76

Standing Committee

1.  The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on Biocidal Products.

2.  Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

3.  Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.

▌

Article 77

Adaptation to scientific and technical progress

In order to take account of technical progress, the Commission shall, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75, adapt the Annexes to scientific and technical progress.

▌

Article 78

Updating of Annex I

By 1 January 2013, the Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 76(3), amend Annex I with effect from the date of applicability of this Regulation in order to take into account any amendment to Annex I adopted under Directive 98/8/EC since the entry into force of this Regulation.

Article 79

Penalties

Member States shall lay down the provisions on penalties applicable to infringement of the provisions of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. The Member States shall notify those provisions to the Commission no later than 1 December 2015 and shall notify the Commission without delay of any subsequent amendment affecting them.

Article 80

National helpdesks in Member States

Member States shall establish national helpdesks to provide advice to applicants, in particular to SMEs, and any other interested parties on their respective responsibilities and obligations under this Regulation. Those national helpdesks shall be in addition to any assistance provided by the Agency under Article 67(2)(d).

Article 81

Safeguard clause

Where, on the basis of new evidence, a Member State has justifiable grounds to consider that a biocidal product, although satisfying the requirements of this Regulation, constitutes a serious immediate or long-term risk to human health, in particular as regards children and vulnerable groups, or animal health or to the environment, or to achieving the quality standards laid down in Directive 2000/60/EC, it may take appropriate provisional measures. The Member State shall without delay inform the Commission and the other Member States thereof and give reasons for its decision ▌.

▌

Article 82

Transitional measures

1.  The Commission shall carry on with the work programme for the systematic examination of all existing active substances commenced in accordance with Article 16(2) of Directive 98/8/EC and achieve it by 14 May 2014. In order to ensure a smooth transition, the Commission may adopt, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75 of this Regulation, implementing rules to carry out the work programme and to specify the related rights and obligations of the competent authorities and the participants in the programme, and, depending upon the progress of the work programme, a decision to extend the duration of the work programme for a determined period.

▌

In order to progress with the work programme, the Commission shall decide, by means of delegated acts in accordance with Article 73 and subject to the conditions of Articles 74 and 75 of this Regulation, that an active substance shall be included in Annex I of this Regulation and under which conditions, or, in cases where the requirements of Article 4 of this Regulation are not satisfied or where the requisite information and data have not been submitted within the prescribed period, that such active substance shall not be included in Annex I of this Regulation. The decision shall specify the date on which the inclusion in Annex I becomes effective.

2.  By way of derogation from Articles 15(1), 16(1) and 18(1), and without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 3, a Member State may continue to apply its current system or practice of placing biocidal products on the market until two years after the date on which the inclusion in Annex I becomes effective. It may, in particular, according to its national rules, authorise the placing on the market in its territory of a biocidal product containing existing active substances which are evaluated under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1451/2007 of 4 December 2007 on the second phase of the 10-year work programme referred to in Article 16(2) of Directive 98/8/EC(51) but which are not yet listed in Annex I to this Regulation for that product type.

In derogation from the first subparagraph, in the case of a decision not to include an active substance in Annex I of this Regulation, a Member State may continue to apply its current system or practice of placing biocidal products on the market no longer than 12 months after the applicability date of a decision taken in accordance with the third subparagraph of paragraph 1.

3.  Following a decision to include a particular active substance in Annex I of this Regulation Member States shall ensure that authorisations for biocidal products containing that active substance are granted, modified or cancelled as appropriate in accordance with this Regulation within two years from the date on which the inclusion becomes effective.

To that effect, applications for authorisation of biocidal products containing only existing active substances shall be submitted to the competent authorities of the Member States no later than the date which the inclusion of the active substance(s) in Annex I becomes effective. In the case of biocidal products containing more than one active substance, applications for authorisation shall be submitted no later than the date on which the inclusion of the last active substance becomes effective.

Biocidal products, for which an application for a product authorisation has not been submitted in accordance with the second subparagraph, shall no longer be placed on the market ▌after the date on which the inclusion becomes effective. Disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of biocidal products for which an application for authorisation has not been submitted in accordance with the second subparagraph are allowed until six months after the date on which the inclusion becomes effective.

4.  Biocidal products for which the competent authority of the Member State has rejected an application for authorisation submitted under paragraph 3 or has decided not to grant authorisation, shall no longer be placed on the market with effect from six months after such a rejection or a decision.

Article 83

Transitional measures concerning active substances evaluated under Directive 98/8/EC

1.  The Agency shall be responsible for coordinating the evaluation process of dossiers submitted after 1 January 2012 and shall facilitate the preparation of the evaluation by providing organisational and technical support to the Member States and the Commission.

2.  Dossiers submitted for the purposes of Directive 98/8/EC for which the evaluation has not been completed by 1 January 2013 shall continue to be evaluated by the competent authorities in accordance with the provisions of Directive 98/8/EC and, where relevant, Regulation (EC) No 1451/2007.

Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the Agency shall also be responsible for coordinating the evaluation process of dossiers submitted for the purposes of Directive 98/8/EC for which the evaluation has not been completed by 1 January 2013 and shall facilitate the preparation of the evaluation by providing organisational and technical support to the Member States and the Commission from 1 January 2014.

Article 84

Transitional measures concerning low-risk biocidal products registered under Directive 98/8/EC

1.  Low-risk biocidal products as defined in Article 2(1) (b) of Directive 98/8/EC shall be registered in accordance with point (i) of Article 3(2) of Directive 98/8/EC. The provisions of Directive 98/8/EC shall apply to these products until the expiry of the registration. The registration shall not be renewable.

2.  Applications for the registration of low-risk biocidal products as defined in point (b) of Article 2(1) of Directive 98/8/EC shall be submitted at the latest twelve months after the date on which the inclusion in Annex IA becomes effective.

Low-risk biocidal products as defined in point (b) of Article 2(1) of Directive 98/8/EC for which an application was submitted in accordance with the first subparagraph may continue to be placed on the market until the date of the decision granting the registration or refusing to grant the registration. In the case of a refusal to grant a registration to place such low-risk biocidal product on the market, such low-risk biocidal product shall no longer be placed on the market within six months after such decision.

Low-risk biocidal products as defined in point (b) of Article 2(1) of Directive 98/8/EC for which an application was not submitted in accordance with the first subparagraph may continue to be placed on the market until six months after the date referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of low-risk biocidal products which are not authorised for the relevant use by the competent authority are allowed until twelve months after the date of the decision referred to in the second subparagraph or twelve months after the date referred to in the third subparagraph, whichever is the later.

3.  This Regulation shall apply to low-risk biocidal products as defined in point (b) of Article 2(1) of Directive 98/8/EC as of the expiry of the registration referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Article 85

Transitional measures concerning in situ generated active substances

1.  Applications for the authorisation of substances, mixtures and devices considered as biocidal products in accordance with the second sentence of point (a) of Article 3(1) which were available on the market on ...(52) shall be submitted at the latest by 1 January 2017. This paragraph shall not apply to active substances generated in situ for the purpose of disinfecting drinking water.

2.  Substances, mixtures and devices considered as biocidal products in accordance with the second sentence of point (a) of Article 3(1) which were available on the market on ...(53) and for which an application was submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may continue to be placed on the market until the date of the decision granting the authorisation or refusing to grant the authorisation. In the case of a refusal to grant an authorisation to place such biocidal product on the market, such biocidal product shall no longer be placed on the market within six months after such decision.

Substances, mixtures and devices considered as biocidal products in accordance with the second sentence of point (a) of Article 3(1) which were available on the market on ...* and for which an application was not submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may continue to be placed on the market until six months after the date referred to in paragraph 1.

Disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of biocidal products which are not authorised for the relevant use by the competent authority or the Commission are allowed until 12 months after the date of the decision referred to in the first subparagraph or 12 months after the date referred to in the second subparagraph, whichever is the later.

Article 86

Transitional measures concerning treated articles and materials

By way of derogation from Article 47, treated articles and materials that incorporate biocidal products which are not authorised in the Union or in at least one Member State and which were available on the market on ...* may, until the date of a decision granting authorisation to these biocidal products, continue to be placed on the market if the application for authorisation is submitted at the latest by 1 January 2015. In the event of a refusal to grant an authorisation to place a biocidal product on the market, treated articles and materials that incorporate such biocidal product shall no longer be placed on the market within six months after such decision.

Disposal and storage of existing stocks of biocidal products which are not authorised for the relevant use by the competent authority or the Commission shall be allowed until 12 months after the date of the decision referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 85(2) or 12 months after the date referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 85(2), whichever is the later.

Article 87

Transitional measures concerning food contact materials

1.  Applications for the authorisation of biocidal products which are food contact materials and which were available on the market on ...(54) shall be submitted at the latest 1 January 2017.

Food contact materials which were available on the market on ...* for which an application was submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may continue to be placed on the market until the date of the decision granting the authorisation or refusing to grant the authorisation. In the event of a refusal to grant an authorisation to place such biocidal product on the market, such biocidal product shall no longer be placed on the market within six months after such decision.

Food contact materials which were available on the market on ...* for which an application was not submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may continue to be placed on the market until six months after the date referred to in paragraph 1.

2.  Disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of biocidal products which are not authorised for the relevant use by the competent authority or the Commission is allowed until 12 months after the date of the decision referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 or 12 months after the date referred to in the third subparagraph of paragraph 1, whichever is the later.

Article 88

Transitional measures concerning access to the active substance dossier

1.  By 1 January 2015, manufacturers of existing active substances which are on the market for use in biocidal products shall submit to the Agency a dossier or ▌a letter of access to a dossier which complies with the requirements of Annex II for each of these active substances.

For the purpose of subparagraph 1, Article 52(3) shall apply to all data included in the dossier.

The applicant for the authorisation of a biocidal product containing an active substance for which a letter of access has been submitted in accordance with subparagraph 1 shall be allowed to use that letter of access for the purposes of Article 18(1).

2.  The Agency shall make publicly available the list of manufacturers which have submitted a dossier or a letter of access to a dossier in accordance with paragraph 1.

3.  Biocidal products containing existing active substances for which a dossier or a letter of access to a dossier has not been submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 shall not be placed on the market after 1 January 2015.

Disposal, storage and use of existing stocks of biocidal products for which a dossier or a letter of access to a dossier has not been submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 is allowed until 1 January 2016.

4.  For the purpose of paragraph 3, competent authorities shall carry out official controls as required by Article 54(3).

Article 89

Repeal

Without prejudice to Article 83 and 84, Directive 98/8/EC is hereby repealed.

References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Regulation and be read in accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex VII.

Article 90

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2013.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

(1) Opinion of 17 February 2010 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (2) Position of the European Parliament of 22 September 2010. (3) OJ L 123, 24.4.1998, p. 1. (4) OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1. (5) OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1. (6) OJ L 189, 20.7.1990, p. 17. (7) OJ L 169, 12.7.1993, p. 1. (8) OJ L 331, 7.12.1998, p. 1. (9) OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1. (10) OJ L 40, 11.2.1989, p. 27. (11) OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29. (12) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. (13) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 169. (14) OJ L 213, 21.7.1982, p. 8. (15) OJ L 184, 15.7.1988, p. 61. (16) OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16. (17) OJ L 92, 7.4.1990, p. 42. (18) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1. (19) OJ L 61, 18.3.1995, p. 1. (20) OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 35. (21) OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32. (22) OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 1. (23) OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 67. (24) OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 1. (25) OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 55. (26) OJ L 338, 13.11.2004, p. 4. (27) OJ 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1. (28) OJ L 33, 8.2.1979, p. 36. (29) OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1. (30) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11. (31) OJ L 200, 30.7.1999, p. 1. (32) OJ L 262, 17.10.2000, p. 21. (33) OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1. (34) OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 21. (35) OJ L 204, 31.7.2008, p. 1. (36) OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 71. (37) OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1. (38) OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36. (39) OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1. (40) OJ L 152, 16.6.2009, p. 11. (41) OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 7. (42) * Two years after entry into force of this Regulation. (43) OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19. (44) OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 19. (45) OJ L 24, 29.1.2008, p. 8. (46) OJ L 66, 4.3.2004, p. 45. (47) OJ L 218, 13.8.2008, p. 30. (48) * Two years after the entry into force of this Regulation. (49) ** Five years after the entry into force of this Regulation. (50) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43. (51) OJ L 325, 11.12.2007, p. 3. (52) * Date of entry into force of this Regulation. (53) * Date of entry into force of this Regulation. (54) * Date of entry into force of this Regulation.

LIST OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCES WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

Substances listed in Annex I do not cover nanomaterials, except where specifically mentioned.

(*) For the implementation of the common principles of Annex VI, the content and conclusions of assessment reports are available on the Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/biocides/index.htm

Data requirements for active substances

1.  Dossiers on active substances shall contain the information needed to establish, where relevant, Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (AOEL), Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEC) and Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC).

Dossiers for Tier 1 shall contain all information necessary for identifying the properties and risks of active substances over their life cycle, in particular pursuant to Article 5, 9 and 17 of this Regulation.

2.  Information which is however not necessary owing to the nature of the biocidal product or of its proposed uses need not be supplied.

3.  A detailed and full description of the studies conducted and of the methods used or a bibliographical reference to those methods shall be included.

The formats made available by the Commission must be used for submission of the dossiers. In addition, the special software package (IUCLID) made available by the Commission must be used for those parts of the dossiers to which IUCLID applies. Formats and further guidance on data requirements and dossier preparation are available on the Agency homepage.

4.  Tests submitted for the purpose of authorisation shall be conducted according to the methods described in Commission Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 of 30 May 2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006(1). Methods listed in Annex I do not cover nanomaterials, except where specifically mentioned. However, if a method is inappropriate or not described, other methods shall be used which are scientifically satisfactory and the validity of which must be justified in the application.

5.  Tests performed should comply with the relevant requirements of protection of laboratory animals, set out in Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes(2), and, in the case of ecotoxicological and toxicological tests, good laboratory practice, set out in Directive 2004/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 on the harmonisation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of the principles of good laboratory practice and the verification of their application for tests on chemical substances(3) or other international standards recognised as being equivalent by the Commission or the Agency.

6.  Where testing is done, a detailed description (specification) of the material used and its impurities must be provided.

7.  Where test data exist that have been generated before ...(4) by methods other than those laid down in Regulation (EC) No 440/2008, the adequacy of such data for the purposes of this Regulation and the need to conduct new tests according to the Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 must be decided by the competent authority of the Member State concerned, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account, among other factors, the need to minimise testing on vertebrate animals.

8.  All available relevant knowledge and information in literature should be provided.

9.  Any other relevant physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological information that is available shall also be provided.

TITLE 1 – Chemical substances

Tier I

Information required to support the inclusion of a substance in Annex I is listed in the table below. The standard data package consists of tier I data. Tier II data may need to be submitted depending on the characteristics and intended use of the active substance or on the conclusions of the assessment of the tier I data, in particular if a danger for health or the environment has been identified.

The table also provides specific rules according to which the required information may be omitted, replaced by other information or adapted in another way. If the conditions are met to allow adaptations, the applicant shall clearly state this fact and the reasons for each adaptation under the appropriate headings in the dossier.

Conditions for not requiring a specific test that are set out in the appropriate test methods in the Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 that are not repeated in column 2, also apply.

Before new tests are carried out to determine the properties listed in this Annex, all available in vitro data, in vivo data, historical human data, data from valid (Q)SARs and data from structurally related substances (read-across approach) shall be assessed first. In vivo testing with corrosive substances at concentration/dose levels causing corrosivity shall be avoided. Prior to testing, further guidance on intelligent testing strategies should be sought from experts in alternatives to animal experimentation in addition to this Annex.

TITLE 2 - Micro-organisms

Dossiers shall be prepared on strain level of the micro-organism unless information is submitted that shows that the species is known to be sufficiently homogeneous regarding all characteristics, or the applicant provides other arguments.

Where the micro-organism has been genetically modified within the meaning of Article 2(2) of Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC(8), a copy of the evaluation of the data concerning the assessment of the risks to the environment as established in Article 4(2) of that Directive, shall also be submitted.

If the biocidal product action is known to be partly or entirely due to the effect of a toxin/metabolite, or if significant residues of toxins/metabolites are to be expected not related to the effect of the active micro-organism, a dossier for the toxin/metabolite shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements of Title 1.

The following data will be required to support submissions.

1.  Identity of the micro-organism

1.1.  Applicant

1.2.  Manufacturer

1.3.  Name and species description, strain characterisation

1.3.1.  Common name of the micro-organism (including alternative and superseded names)

1.3.2.  Taxonomic name and strain indicating whether it is a stock variant, a mutant strain or a genetically modified organism (GMO); for viruses, taxonomic designation of the agent, serotype, strain or mutant

1.3.3.  Collection and culture reference number where the culture is deposited

1.3.4.  Methods, procedures and criteria used to establish the presence and identity of the micro-organism (e.g. morphology, biochemistry, serology, etc.)

1.4.  Specification of the material used for manufacturing of formulated products

1.4.1.  Content of the micro-organism

1.4.2.  Identity and content of impurities, additives, contaminating micro-organisms

1.4.3.  Analytical profile of batches

2.  Biological properties of the micro-organism

2.1.  History of the micro-organism and its uses. Natural occurrence and geographical distribution

2.1.1.  Historical background

2.1.2.  Origin and natural occurrence

2.2.  Information on target organism(s)

2.2.1.  Description of the target organism(s)

2.2.2.  Mode of action

2.3.  Host specificity range and effects on species other than the target organism

2.4.  Development stages/life cycle of the micro-organism

2.5.  Infectiveness, dispersal and colonisation ability

2.6.  Relationships to known plant or animal or human pathogens

2.7.  Genetic stability and factors affecting it

2.8.  Information on the production of metabolites (especially toxins)

2.9.  Antibiotics and other anti-microbial agents

2.10.  Robustness to environmental factors

2.11.  Effects on materials, substances and products

3.  Additional information on the micro-organism

3.1.  Function

3.2.  Field of use envisaged

3.3.  Product type(s) and category of users for which the micro-organism should be listed in Annex I

3.4.  Method of production and quality control

3.5.  Information on the occurrence or possible occurrence of the development of resistance of the target organism(s)

3.6.  Methods to prevent loss of virulence of seed stock of the micro-organism

3.7.  Recommended methods and precautions concerning handling, storage, transport or fire

3.8.  Procedures for destruction or decontamination

3.9.  Measures in case of an accident

3.10.  Procedures for waste management

3.11.  Monitoring plan to be used for the active micro-organism including handling, storage, transport and use

3.12.  Classification of the micro-organism in the relevant risk group specified in Article 2 of Directive 2000/54/EC

4.  Analytical methods

4.1.  Methods for the analysis of the micro-organism as manufactured

4.2.  Methods to determine and quantify residues (viable or non-viable)

5.  Effects on human health

TIER I

5.1.  Basic information

5.1.1.  Medical data

5.1.2.  Medical surveillance on manufacturing plant personnel

5.1.3.  Sensitisation/allergenicity observations

5.1.4.  Direct observation, e.g. clinical cases

5.2.  Basic studies

5.2.1.  Sensitisation

The reduced Murine Local Lymph Node Assay (rLLNA) is the first-choice method for in vivo testing as a screening test to distinguish between sensitisers and non sensitisers. The full LLNA should be performed when it is known that an assessment of sensitisation potency is required. Only in exceptional circumstances should another test be used, in which case a justification shall be provided.

5.2.2.  Acute toxicity, pathogenicity, and infectiveness

Testing shall be conducted via the oral route unless the primary route of human exposure is expected to be inhalation. Testing shall be carried out via only a single exposure route.

5.2.2.1.  Acute oral toxicity, pathogenicity and infectiveness

5.2.2.2.  Acute inhalation toxicity, pathogenicity and infectiveness

Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate only if this constitutes the primary route of human exposure.

▌

5.2.3.  In vitro genotoxicity testing

5.2.4.  Cell culture study

5.2.5.  Information on short-term toxicity and pathogenicity

Testing shall be conducted via the oral route unless the primary route of exposure is expected to be inhalation. Testing shall be carried out via only a single exposure route.

5.2.5.1.  Health effects after repeated inhalatory exposure

Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate only if this constitutes the primary route of human exposure.

5.2.6.  Proposed treatment: first aid measures, medical treatment

5.2.7.  Any pathogenicity and infectiveness to humans and other mammals under conditions of immunosuppression

END OF TIER I

TIER II

5.3.  Specific toxicity, pathogenicity and infectiveness studies

Testing may be waived if there is no evidence of specific toxicity in earlier studies.

5.4.  Genotoxicity ‐ In vivo studies in somatic cells

For new substances, it should be possible to assess the parameters of an in-vivo micronucleus test as part of a repeated exposure study.

5.5.  Genotoxicity ‐ In vivo studies in germ cells

Testing may be waived if there is no evidence of genotoxicity in somatic cell studies.

END OF TIER II

5.6.  Summary of mammalian toxicity, pathogenicity and infectiveness and overall evaluation

6.  Residues in or on treated materials, food and feedingstuffs

6.1.  Persistence and likelihood of multiplication in or on treated materials, feedingstuffs or foodstuffs

6.2.  Further information required

6.2.1.  Non-viable residues

6.2.2.  Viable residues

6.3.  Summary and evaluation of residues in or on treated materials, food and feedingstuffs

7.  Fate and behaviour in the environment

7.1.  Persistence and multiplication

7.1.1.  Soil

7.1.2.  Water

7.1.3.  Air

7.2.  Mobility

7.3.  Summary and evaluation of fate and behaviour in the environment

8.  Effects on non-target organisms

8.1.  Effects on birds

An avian dietary toxicity study in a single species may be proposed where a substance use profile indicates the potential for significant exposure to birds.

An avian reproduction study is not generally required, and is not appropriate if the dietary toxicity study shows that the LC50 is above 5 000 mg/kg.

8.2.  Effects on aquatic organisms

8.2.1.  Effects on fish

8.2.2.  Effects on freshwater invertebrates

8.2.3.  Effects on algae growth

8.2.4.  Effects on plants other than algae

8.3.  Effects on bees

8.4.  Effects on arthropods other than bees

8.5.  Effects on earthworms

8.6.  Effects on soil micro-organisms

8.7.  Further studies

8.7.1.  Terrestrial plants

8.7.2.  Mammals

8.7.3.  Other relevant species and processes

8.8.  Summary and evaluation of effects on non-target organisms

9.  Summary and evaluation of sections 1 to 8 including conclusions of the risk assessment and recommendations

(1) OJ L 142, 31.5.2008, p.1. (2) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. (3) OJ L 50, 20.2.2004, p. 44. (4) * Date of entry into force of this Regulation. (5) These data must be submitted for the purified active substance of stated specification. (6) These data must be submitted for the active substance of stated specification. (7) OJ L 20, 26.1.1980, p. 43. (8) OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1.

Data requirements for biocidal products

1.  Dossiers on biocidal products shall contain the information needed to establish that exposure is below the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC), or where relevant, to establish Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (AOEL), Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEC), and Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC).

2.  Whenever possible, the information should be derived from existing data in order to reduce the number of tests on animals. In particular, the provisions of Directive 1999/45/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall apply.

3.  Information which is however not necessary owing to the nature of the biocidal product or of its proposed uses need not be supplied.

4.  A detailed and full description of the studies conducted and of the methods used or a bibliographical reference to those methods shall be included.

5.  The formats made available by the Commission must be used for submission of the dossiers. In addition, the special software package (IUCLID) made available by the Commission must be used for those parts of the dossiers to which IUCLID applies. Formats and further guidance on data requirements and dossier preparation are available on the Agency homepage.

6.  Tests submitted for the purpose of authorisation shall be conducted according to the methods described in Regulation (EC) No 440/2008. Methods listed in Annex I do not cover nanomaterials, except where specifically mentioned. However, if a method is inappropriate or not described, other methods shall be used which are scientifically satisfactory and the validity of which must be justified in the application.

7.  Tests performed should comply with the relevant requirements of protection of laboratory animals, set out in Directive 86/609/EEC, and, in the case of ecotoxicological and toxicological tests, good laboratory practice, set out in Directive 2004/10/EC or other international standards recognised as being equivalent by the Commission or the Agency.

8.  Where testing is done, a detailed description (specification) of the material used and its impurities must be provided. ▌

9.  Where test data exist that have been generated before ...(1) by methods other than those laid down in Regulation (EC) No 440/2008, the adequacy of such data for the purposes of this Regulation and the need to conduct new tests according to the Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 must be decided by the competent authority of the Member State concerned in agreement with the Agency, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account, among other factors, the need to minimise testing on vertebrate animals.

10.  All available relevant knowledge and information in literature should be provided.

TITLE 1 – Chemical products

Dossier requirements

The following data will be required to support submissions.

1.  Applicant

1.1.  Name and address, etc.

1.2.  Formulator of the biocidal product and the active substance(s) (names, addresses, including location of plant(s))

2.  Identity

2.1.  Trade name or proposed trade name, and manufacturer's development code number of the preparation, if appropriate

2.2.  Detailed quantitative and qualitative information on the composition of the biocidal product, e.g. active substance(s), impurities, adjutants, inert components, taking account of the concentrations referred to in Article 16(4)

2.3.  Physical state and nature of the biocidal product, e.g. emulsifiable concentrate, wettable powder, solution

3.  Physical, chemical and technical properties

3.1.  Appearance (physical state, colour)

3.2.  Explosive properties

3.3.  Oxidising properties

3.4.  Flash-point and other indications of flammability or spontaneous ignition

3.5.  Acidity/alkalinity and if necessary pH value (1 % in water)

3.6.  Relative density

3.7.  Storage stability - stability and shelf-life. Effects of light, temperature and humidity on technical characteristics of the biocidal product; reactivity towards container material

Storage stability and shelf life will be generally determined based on the stability of the active substance. In the case of readily decomposable active substances, the storage stability and the shelf life may be determined by other valid scientific means, such as extrapolating the analytical data of the active substance from product aging experiments until reaching the efficacy threshold.

3.8.  Technical characteristics of the biocidal product, e.g. wettability, persistent foaming, flowability, pourability and dustability

3.9.  Physical and chemical compatibility with other products including other biocidal products with which its use is to be authorised

4.  Methods of identification and analysis

4.1.  Analytical method for determining the concentration of the active substance(s) in the biocidal product

4.2.  In so far as not covered by Annex II, Section 4.2, analytical methods including recovery rates and the limits of determination for toxicologically and ecotoxicologically relevant components of the biocidal product and/or residues thereof, where relevant in or on the following:

4.2.1.  Soil

4.2.2.  Air

4.2.3.  Water (including drinking water)

4.2.4.  Animal and human body fluids and tissues

4.2.5.  Treated food or feedingstuffs

5.  Intended uses and efficacy

5.1.  Product type and field of use envisaged

5.2.  Method of application including description of system used

5.3.  Application rate and if appropriate, the final concentration of the biocidal product and active substance in the system in which the preparation is to be used, e.g. cooling water, surface water, water used for heating purposes

5.4.  Number and timing of applications, and where relevant, any particular information relating to geographical variations, climatic variations, or necessary waiting periods to protect man and animals

5.5.  Function, e.g. fungicide, rodenticide, insecticide, bactericide

5.6.  Pest organism(s) to be controlled and products, organisms or objects to be protected

5.7.  Effects on target organisms

5.8.  Mode of action (including time delay) in so far as not covered by Annex II, Section 5.4

5.9.  User: industrial, professional, general public (non-professional)

5.10.  The proposed label claims for the product

5.11.  Efficacy data to support these claims, including any available standard protocols used, laboratory tests, or field trials, where appropriate

5.12.  Any other known limitations on efficacy including resistance

6.  Toxicological studies

6.1.  Acute toxicity

For studies of Sections 6.1.1 to 6.1.2, without prejudice to Articles 6 and 9 of regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, classification by calculation may be the default approach. Only in exceptional cases should additional in-vivo testing be considered, and in such cases, only the single most relevant exposure route should be tested. Gases and volatile liquids should be administered by the inhalation route

6.1.1.  Oral

▌

6.1.2.  Inhalation

Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate only if:

The Acute Toxic Class Method is the first-choice method for in-vivo testing. Only in exceptional circumstances should the classic ‘lethal concentration’ (LC50) test be used. Justification for the use of another test shall be provided.

▌

6.2.  Skin and eye irritation(2)

Classification by calculation may be the default approach.

6.3.  Skin sensitisation

Classification by calculation may be the default approach.

6.4.  Information on in-vitro dermal absorption

6.5.  Available toxicological data relating to toxicologically relevant non-active substances (i.e. substances of concern)

6.6.  Information related to the exposure of the biocidal product to man and the operator

Where necessary, the test(s) described in Annex II, shall be required for the toxicologically relevant non-active substances of the preparation

7.  Ecotoxicological studies

7.1.  Foreseeable routes of entry into the environment on the basis of the use envisaged

7.2.  Information on the ecotoxicology of the active substance in the product, where this cannot be extrapolated from the information on the active substance itself

7.3.  Available ecotoxicological information relating to ecotoxicological relevant non-active substances (i.e. substances of concern), such as information from safety data sheets

8.  Measures to be adopted to protect man, animals and the environment

8.1.  Recommended methods and precautions concerning handling, use, storage, transport or fire

8.2.  Specific treatment in case of an accident, e.g. first-aid measures, antidotes, medical treatment if available; emergency measures to protect the environment; in so far as not covered by Annex II, Title1, point 8.3

8.3.  Procedures, if any, for cleaning application equipment

8.4.  Identity of relevant combustion products in cases of fire

8.5.  Procedures for waste management of the biocidal product and its packaging for industry, professional users and the general public (non-professional users), e.g. possibility of reuse or recycling, neutralisation, conditions for controlled discharge, and incineration

8.6.  Possibility of destruction or decontamination following release in or on the following:

8.6.1.  Air

8.6.2.  Water, including drinking water

8.6.3.  Soil

8.7.  Observations on undesirable or unintended side-effects, e.g. on beneficial and other non-target organisms

8.8.  Specify any repellents or poison control measures included in the preparation that are present to prevent action against non-target organisms

9.  Where relevant, the following additional data shall also be provided

9.1.  Further human health-related studies

9.1.1.  Food and feedingstuffs studies

9.1.1.1.  If residues of the biocidal product remain on feedingstuffs for a significant period of time, then feeding and metabolism studies in livestock shall be required to permit evaluation of residues in food of animal origin

9.1.1.2.  Effects of industrial processing and/or domestic preparation on the nature and magnitude of residues of the biocidal product

9.1.2.  Other test(s) related to the exposure to humans

Suitable test(s) and a reasoned case will be required for the biocidal product

9.2.  Further studies on fate and behaviour in the environment

9.2.1.  Where relevant all the information required in Annex II, Section 12

9.2.2.  Testing for distribution and dissipation in the following:

9.2.2.1.  Soil

9.2.2.2.  Water

9.2.2.3.  Air

Test requirements 1 and 2 above are applicable only to ecotoxicologically relevant components of the biocidal product

9.3.  Further Ecotoxicological studies

9.3.1.  Effects on birds

▌

9.3.2.  Effects on aquatic organisms

9.3.2.1.  In case of application on, in, or near to surface waters

9.3.2.1.1.  Particular studies with fish and other aquatic organisms

9.3.2.1.2.  Residue data in fish concerning the active substance and including toxicologically relevant metabolites

9.3.2.1.3.  The studies referred to in Annex II, Section 13.2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 may be required for relevant components of the biocidal product

9.3.2.1.4.  If the biocidal product is to be sprayed near to surface waters then an overspray study may be required to assess risks to aquatic organisms under field conditions

9.3.3.  Effects on other non-target organisms

▌

9.3.3.1.  Acute toxicity to honeybees

9.3.3.2.  Effects on beneficial arthropods other than bees

9.3.3.3.  Effects on earthworms and other soil non-target macro-organisms, believed to be at risk

9.3.3.4.  Effects on soil non-target micro-organisms

9.3.3.5.  Effects on any other specific, non-target organisms (flora and fauna) believed to be at risk

9.3.3.6.  If the biocidal product is in the form of bait or granules

9.3.3.6.1.  Supervised trials to assess risks to non-target organisms under field conditions

9.3.3.6.2.  Studies on acceptance by ingestion of the biocidal product by any non-target organisms thought to be at risk

10.  Classification, packaging and labelling

–  Proposals for safety-data sheets, where appropriate

–  Hazard symbol(s)

–  Indications of danger

–  Hazard statements

–  Precautionary statements

–  Packaging (type, materials, size, etc.), compatibility of the preparation with proposed packaging materials to be included

11.  Summary and evaluation of Sections 2 to 10

TITLE 2 – Micro-organisms

Dossier requirements

The following data will be required to support submissions.

1.  Applicant

1.1.  Name and address, etc.

1.2.  Formulator of the biocidal product and the micro-organism(s) (names, addresses, including location of plant(s))

2.  Identity of the biocidal products

2.1.  Trade name or proposed trade name, and manufacturer's development code number of the biocidal product

2.2.  Detailed quantitative and qualitative information on the composition of the biocidal product

2.3.  Physical state and nature of the biocidal product

2.4.  Function

3.  Physical, chemical and technical properties of the biocidal product

3.1.  Appearance (colour and odour)

3.2.  Storage stability and shelf-life

3.2.1.  Effects of light, temperature and humidity on technical characteristics of the biocidal product

3.2.2.  Other factors affecting stability

3.3.  Explosivity and oxidising properties

3.4.  Flash point and other indications of flammability or spontaneous ignition

3.5.  Acidity, alkalinity and pH value

3.6.  Viscosity and surface tension

3.7.  Technical characteristics of the biocidal product

3.7.1.  Wettability

3.7.2.  Persistent foaming

3.7.3.  Suspensibility and suspension stability

3.7.4.  Dry sieve test and wet sieve test

3.7.5.  Particle size distribution (dustable and wettable powders, granules), content of dust/fines (granules), attrition and friability (granules)

3.7.6.  Emulsifiability, re-emulsifiability, emulsion stability

3.7.7.  Flowability, pourability (rinsability) and dustability

3.8.  Physical, chemical and biological compatibility with other products including biocidal products with which its use is to be authorised or registered

3.8.1.  Physical compatibility

3.8.2.  Chemical compatibility

3.8.3.  Biological compatibility

3.9.  Summary and evaluation of physical, chemical and technical properties of the biocidal product

4.  Analytical methods

4.1.  Methods for the analysis of the biocidal product

4.2.  Methods to determine and quantify residues

5.  Intended use and efficacy

5.1.  Field of use envisaged

5.2.  Mode of action

5.3.  Details of intended use

5.4.  Application rate

5.5.  Content of micro-organism in material used (e.g. in the application device or bait)

5.6.  Method of application

5.7.  Number and timing of applications and duration of protection

5.8.  Necessary waiting periods or other precautions to avoid adverse effects to human and animal health and the environment

5.9.  Proposed instructions for use

5.10.  Category of users

5.11.  Information on the possible occurrence of the development of resistance

5.12.  Effects on the materials or products treated with the biocidal product

6.  Effects on human health

6.1.  Basic acute toxicity studies

6.1.1.  Acute oral toxicity

Without prejudice to Articles 6 and 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, classification by calculation may be the default approach. Only in exceptional cases should additional in-vivo testing be considered, and in such cases, only the single most relevant exposure route should be tested.

6.1.2.  Acute inhalation toxicity

Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate only if this constitutes the primary route of human exposure.

6.1.3.  Acute percutaneous toxicity

6.2.  Additional acute toxicity studies

6.2.1.  Skin irritation

Classification by calculation may be the default approach.

6.2.2.  Eye irritation

Classification by calculation may be the default approach.

6.2.3.  Skin sensitisation

Classification by calculation may be the default approach.

6.3.  Data on exposure

6.4.  Available toxicological data relating to non-active substances

6.5.  Supplementary studies for combinations of biocidal products

6.6.  Summary and evaluation of effects on human health

7.  Residues in or on treated materials, food and feedingstuffs

8.  Fate and behaviour in the environment

9.  Effects on non-target organisms

9.1.  Effects on birds

9.2.  Effects on aquatic organisms

9.3.  Effects on bees

9.4.  Effects on arthropods other than bees

9.5.  Effects on earthworms

9.6.  Effects on soil micro-organisms

9.7.  Additional studies on additional species or higher tier studies such as studies on selected non-target organisms

9.7.1.  Terrestrial plants

9.7.2.  Mammals

9.7.3.  Other relevant species and processes

9.8.  Summary and evaluation of effects on non-target organisms

10.  Classification, packaging and labelling

As established in point b of Article 18(1), proposals including justification for the hazard and precautionary statements in accordance with the provisions set in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and Directive 1999/45/EC must be submitted. The classification comprises of the description of the category/categories of danger and qualifying hazard statements for all dangerous properties.

10.1.  Packaging and compatibility of the biocidal product with proposed packaging materials

10.2.  Procedures for cleaning application equipment

10.3.  Re-entry periods, necessary waiting periods or other precautions to protect man, livestock and the environment

10.4.  Recommended methods and precautions concerning: handling, storage, transport or fire

10.5.  Measures in the case of an accident

10.6.  Procedures for destruction or decontamination of the biocidal product and its packaging

10.6.1.  Controlled incineration

10.6.2.  Others

10.7.  Monitoring plan to be used for the active micro-organism and other micro-organism(s) contained in the biocidal product including handling, storage, transport and use

10.8.  Indication on the need for biocidal product to carry the biohazard sign specified in Annex II to Directive 2000/54/EC

11.  Summary and evaluation of Sections 1 to 10 including conclusions of the risk assessment and recommendations

(1) * Date of entry into force of this Regulation. (2) Eye-irritation test shall not be necessary where the biocidal product has been shown to have potential corrosive properties.

GENERAL RULES FOR THE ADAPTATION OF THE DATA REQUIREMENTS

The applicant may propose to adapt the data requirements set out in Annexes II and III according to the general rules set out in this Annex. The reasons for such adaptations to the data requirements must be clearly stated under the appropriate heading of the dossier referring to the specific rule(s) of this Annex and must be based on sufficient scientific grounds and be confirmed by the competent authority.

1.  TESTING DOES NOT APPEAR SCIENTIFICALLY NECESSARY

1.1.  Use of existing data

1.1.1.  Data on physical-chemical properties from experiments not carried out according to GLP or the relevant test methods.

1.1.2.  Data on human health and environmental properties from experiments not carried out according to GLP or the relevant test methods.

1.1.3.  Historical human data

In all cases adequate and reliable documentation shall be provided.

1.1.4.  Calculation methods for the evaluation of health hazards of preparations

1.2.  Weight of evidence

There may be sufficient weight of evidence from several independent sources of information leading to the assumption/conclusion that a substance has or has not a particular dangerous property, while the information from each single source alone is regarded insufficient to support this notion. There may be sufficient weight of evidence from the use of newly developed test methods, not yet included in the relevant test methods or from an international test method recognised by the Commission as being equivalent, leading to the conclusion that a substance has or has not a particular dangerous property.

In all cases adequate and reliable documentation shall be provided.

1.3.  Qualitative or Quantitative structure-activity relationship ((Q)SAR)

1.4.  In vitro methods

Results obtained from suitable in vitro methods may indicate the presence of a certain dangerous property or may be important in relation to a mechanistic understanding, which may be important for the assessment. In this context, ‘suitable’ means sufficiently well developed according to internationally agreed test development criteria.

1.5.  Grouping of substances and read-across approach

If the group concept is applied, substances shall be classified and labelled on this basis.

2.  TESTING IS TECHNICALLY NOT POSSIBLE

Testing for a specific endpoint may be omitted, if it is technically not possible to conduct the study as a consequence of the properties of the substance: e.g. very volatile, highly reactive or unstable substances cannot be used, mixing of the substance with water may cause danger of fire or explosion or the radio-labelling of the substance required in certain studies may not be possible. The guidance given in the relevant test methods, more specifically on the technical limitations of a specific method, shall always be respected.

3.  PRODUCT-TAILORED EXPOSURE-DRIVEN TESTING

3.1.  Testing in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of Annexes II and III may be omitted based on exposure considerations.

3.2.  In all cases, adequate justification and documentation shall be provided. The justification shall be based on an exposure assessment in accordance with the Technical Notes for Guidance.

BIOCIDAL PRODUCT-TYPES AND THEIR DESCRIPTIONS AS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2(1)

These product-types exclude products where they are covered by the Directives mentioned in Article 2(2) for the purposes of those Directives.

MAIN GROUP 1: Disinfectants and general biocidal products

These product types exclude cleaning products that are not intended to have a biocidal effect, including washing liquids, powders and similar products.

Product-type 1: Human hygiene biocidal products

Products in this group are biocidal products used for human hygiene purposes.

Product-type 2: Private area and public health area disinfectants and other biocidal products

Products used for the disinfection of air, surfaces, materials, equipment and furniture which are not used for direct food or feedingstuffs contact in private, public and industrial areas, including hospitals, as well as products used as algaecides.

Usage areas include, inter alia, swimming pools, aquariums, bathing and other waters; air-conditioning systems; walls and floors in health and other institutions; chemical toilets, waste water, hospital waste, soil or other substrates (in playgrounds).

Product-type 3: Veterinary hygiene biocidal products

Products in this group are biocidal products used for veterinary hygiene purposes including products used in areas in which animals are housed, kept or transported.

Product-type 4: Food and feed area disinfectants

Products used for the disinfection of equipment, containers, consumption utensils, surfaces or pipework associated with the production, transport, storage or consumption of food, feedingstuffs or drink (including drinking water) for humans and animals.

Product-type 5: Drinking water disinfectants

Products used for the disinfection of drinking water (for both humans and animals).

MAIN GROUP 2: Preservatives

Product-type 6: In-can preservatives

Products used for the preservation of manufactured products, other than foodstuffs or feedingstuffs, in containers by the control of microbial deterioration to ensure their shelf life.

Product-type 7: Film preservatives

Products used for the preservation of films or coatings by the control of microbial deterioration in order to protect the initial properties of the surface of materials or objects such as paints, plastics, sealants, wall adhesives, binders, papers, art works.

Product-type 8: Wood preservatives

Products used for the preservation of wood, from and including the saw-mill stage, or wood products by the control of wood-destroying or wood-disfiguring organisms.

This product type includes both preventive and curative products.

Product-type 9: Fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives

Products used for the preservation of fibrous or polymerised materials, such as leather, rubber or paper or textile products and rubber by the control of microbiological deterioration.

These include products which inhibit surface build-ups of microorganisms (e.g. pathogenic or odour-generating germs) and thus curb or prevent the creation of odours and/or have other uses.

Product-type 10: Masonry preservatives

Products used for preservation and remedial treatment of masonry or other construction materials other than wood by the control of microbiological and algal attack.

Product-type 11: Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems

Products used for the preservation of water or other liquids used in cooling and processing systems by the control of harmful organisms such as microbes, algae and mussels.

Products used for the preservation of drinking water are not included in this product type.

Product-type 12: Slimicides

Products used for the prevention or control of slime growth on materials, equipment and structures, used in industrial processes, e.g. on wood and paper pulp, porous sand strata in oil extraction.

Product-type 13: Metalworking-fluid preservatives

Products used for the preservation of metalworking fluids by the control of microbial deterioration.

MAIN GROUP 3: Pest control

Product-type 14: Rodenticides

Products used for the control of mice, rats or other rodents.

Product-type 15: Avicides

Products used for the control of birds.

Product-type 16: Molluscicides

Products used for the control of molluscs.

Product-type 17: Piscicides

Products used for the control of fish; these products exclude products for the treatment of fish diseases.

Product-type 18: Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods

Products used for the control of arthropods (e.g. insects, arachnids and crustaceans).

Product-type 19: Repellents and attractants

Products used to control harmful organisms (invertebrates such as fleas, vertebrates such as birds), by repelling or attracting, including those that are used for human or veterinary hygiene either directly or indirectly.

MAIN GROUP 4: Other biocidal products

Product-type 20: -

Product-type 21: Antifouling products

Products used to control the growth and settlement of fouling organisms (microbes and higher forms of plant or animal species) on vessels, aquaculture equipment or other structures used in water.

Product-type 22: Embalming and taxidermist fluids

Products used for the disinfection and preservation of human or animal corpses, or parts thereof.

Product-type 23: Control of other vertebrates

Products used for the control of vermin.

COMMON PRINCIPLES FOR THE EVALUATION OF DOSSIERS FOR BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

DEFINITIONS

(a)  Hazard identification

This is the identification of the adverse effects which a biocidal product has an inherent capacity to cause.

(b)  Dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment

This is the estimate of the relationship between the dose, or level of exposure, of an active substance or substance of concern in a biocidal product and the incidence and severity of an effect.

(c)  Exposure assessment

This is the determination of the emissions, pathways and rates of movement of an active substance or a substance of concern in a biocidal product and its transformation or degradation in order to estimate the concentration/doses to which human populations, animals or environmental compartments are or may be exposed.

(d)  Risk characterisation

This is the estimation of the incidence and severity of the adverse effects likely to occur in a human population, animals or environmental compartments due to actual or predicted exposure to any active substance or substance of concern in a biocidal product. This may include ‘risk estimation` i.e. the quantification of that likelihood.

(e)  Environment

Water, including sediment, air, land, wild species of fauna and flora, and any interrelationship between them, as well as any relationship with living organisms.

INTRODUCTION

1.  This Annex lays down principles to ensure that evaluations made and decisions taken by a competent authority or the Agency, or the Commission, where relevant, concerning the authorisation of a biocidal product providing it is a chemical preparation results in a harmonised high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment in accordance with point (b) of Article 16(1).

2.  In order to ensure a high and harmonised level of protection of human and animal health and of the environment, any risks arising from the use of a biocidal product shall be identified. To achieve this, a risk assessment shall be carried out to determine the acceptability or otherwise of any risks identified during the proposed normal use of the biocidal product. This is done by carrying out an assessment of the risks associated with the relevant individual components of the biocidal product, taking due account of cumulative, combination and synergistic effects.

3.  A risk assessment on the active substance or substances present in the biocidal product is always required. This will already have been carried out for the purpose of the inclusion of the active substance into Annex I. This risk assessment shall entail hazard identification, and, as appropriate, dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation, taking due account of cumulative, combination and synergistic effects. Where a quantitative risk assessment cannot be made a qualitative assessment shall be produced.

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4.  In order to carry out a risk assessment data are required. These data are detailed in Annexes II, III and IV and, recognising that there are a wide variety of product types, are flexible according to the product type and associated risks. The data required shall be the minimum necessary to carry out an appropriate risk assessment. Competent authorities or the Agency should take due consideration of the requirements of Article 6 and Article 19 of this Regulation in order to avoid duplication of data submissions. The minimum set of data required for an active substance in any biocidal product type, however, shall be that detailed in Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006; these data will already have been submitted and assessed as part of the risk assessment required for entry of the active substance into Annex I to this Regulation. Data may also be required on a substance of concern present in a biocidal product.

5.  The results of the risk assessments carried out on an active substance and on a substance of concern present in the biocidal product shall be integrated to produce an overall assessment for the biocidal product itself.

6.  When making evaluations and taking decisions concerning the authorisation of a biocidal product the competent authorities or the Agency shall:

7.  It is known that many biocidal products present only minor differences in composition and this should be taken into account when evaluating dossiers. The concept of ‘frame-formulations` is relevant here.

8.  It is known that certain biocidal products are considered as posing only a low risk, these biocidal products, while complying with the requirements of this Annex, are subject to a simplified procedure as detailed in Article 16(5) of this Regulation.

9.  The application of these common principles shall lead to the competent authorities or the Commission deciding whether or not a biocidal product can be authorised, such authorisation may include restrictions on use or other conditions. In certain cases the competent authorities may conclude that more data are required before an authorisation decision can be made.

10.  During the process of evaluation and decision-making, applicants and the competent authorities shall cooperate in order to resolve any questions on the data requirements quickly or to identify at an early stage any additional studies required, or to amend any proposed conditions for the use of the biocidal product or to modify its nature or its composition in order to ensure full compliance with the requirements of Article 16 and of this Annex. The administrative burden, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), shall be kept to the minimum necessary without prejudicing the level of protection afforded to humans, animals and the environment.

11.  The judgments made by the competent authorities during the evaluation and decision-making process must be based on scientific principles, preferably recognised at international level, and be made with the benefit of expert advice.

EVALUATION

General principles

12.  The data submitted in support of an application for authorisation of a biocidal product shall be examined for overall scientific value by the receiving competent authorities. After acceptance of these data the competent authorities shall utilise them by carrying out a risk assessment based on the proposed use of the biocidal product.

13.  A risk assessment on the active substance present in the biocidal product shall always be carried out. If there are, in addition, any substances of concern present in the biocidal product then all available data shall be included in the dossier for authorisation of a biocidal product for each of these. The data shall cover the proposed normal use of the biocidal product together with a realistic worst-case scenario including any relevant production and disposal issue either of the biocidal product itself or any material treated with it.

14.  For each active substance and each substance of concern present in the biocidal product, the risk assessment shall entail a hazard identification and the establishment of appropriate no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAEL), where possible. It shall also include, as appropriate, a dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment, together with an exposure assessment and a risk characterisation, taking due account of cumulative, combination and synergistic effects.

15.  The results arrived at from a comparison of the exposure to the no-effect level concentrations for each of the active substances and any substances of concern shall be integrated to produce an overall risk assessment for the biocidal product. Where quantitative results are not available the results of the qualitative assessments shall be integrated in a similar manner.

16.  The risk assessment shall determine:

17.  In certain cases it may be concluded that further data are required before a risk assessment can be finalised. Any such additional data requested shall be the minimum necessary to complete such a risk assessment.

Effects on humans

18.  The risk assessment shall take account of the following potential effects arising from the use of the biocidal product and the populations liable to exposure.

19.  The effects previously mentioned result from the properties of the active substance and any substance of concern present. They are:

20.  The populations previously mentioned are:

21.  The hazard identification shall address the properties and potential adverse effects of the active substance and any substances of concern present in the biocidal product. If this results in the biocidal product being classified according to the requirements of Article 58 then dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation shall be required.

22.  In order to reduce the number of tests on animals, adverse effects should, whenever possible, be studied on the basis of the information on the active substance and existing information on the substances that give cause for concern which the biocidal product contains. In particular, the provisions of Directive 1999/45/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be applied for the purpose of ascertaining adverse effects of the biocidal product.

23.  In those cases where the test appropriate to hazard identification in relation to a particular potential effect of an active substance or a substance of concern present in a biocidal product has been conducted but the results have not lead to classification of the biocidal product then risk characterisation in relation to that effect shall not be necessary unless there are other reasonable grounds for concern, e.g. adverse environmental effects or unacceptable residues.

24.  The competent authorities shall apply points 25 to 28 when carrying out a dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment on an active substance or a substance of concern present in a biocidal product.

25.  For repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity the dose response relationship shall be assessed for each active substance or substance of concern and, where possible, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) identified. If it is not possible to identify a NOAEL, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) shall be identified.

26.  For acute toxicity, corrosivity and irritation, it is not usually possible to derive a NOAEL or LOAEL on the basis of tests conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation. For acute toxicity, the LD50 (median lethal dose) or LC50 (median lethal concentration) value or, where the fixed dose procedure has been used, the discriminating dose shall be derived. For the other effects it shall be sufficient to determine whether the active substance or substance of concern has an inherent capacity to cause such effects during use of the product.

27.  For mutagenicity and carcinogenicity it shall be sufficient to determine whether the active substance or substance of concern has an inherent capacity to cause such effects during use of the biocidal product. However, if it can be demonstrated that an active substance or a substance of concern identified as a carcinogen is non-genotoxic, it will be appropriate to identify a N(L)OAEL as described in point 25.

28.  With respect to skin sensitisation and respiratory sensitisation, in so far as there is no consensus on the possibility of identifying a dose/concentration below which adverse effects are unlikely to occur in a subject already sensitised to a given substance, it shall be sufficient to evaluate whether the active substance or substance of concern has an inherent capacity to cause such effects during use of the biocidal product.

29.  Where toxicity data derived from observations of human exposure, e.g. information gained from manufacture, from poison centres or epidemiology surveys, are available special consideration shall be given to those data when carrying out the risk assessment.

30.  An exposure assessment shall be carried out for each of the human populations (professional users, non-professional users and humans exposed indirectly via the environment) for which exposure to a biocidal product occurs or can reasonably be foreseen. The objective of the assessment shall be to make a quantitative or qualitative estimate of the dose/concentration of each active substance or substance of concern to which a population is, or may be exposed during use of the biocidal product.

31.  The exposure assessment shall be based on the information in the technical dossier provided in conformity with Article 6 and Article 19 and on any other available and relevant information. Particular account shall be taken, as appropriate, of:

32.  Where adequately measured, representative exposure data are available, special consideration shall be given to them when conducting the exposure assessment. Where calculation methods are used for the estimation of exposure levels, adequate models shall be applied.

Relevant monitoring data from substances with analogous use and exposure patterns or analogous properties shall also be considered.

33.  Where, for any of the effects set out in point 19 a NOAEL or LOAEL had been identified, the risk characterisation shall entail comparison of the NOAEL or LOAEL with the evaluation of the dose/concentration to which the population will be exposed. Where a NOAEL or LOAEL cannot be established a qualitative comparison shall be made.

Effects on animals

34.  Using the same relevant principles as described in the section dealing with effects on humans, the competent authorities shall consider the risks posed to animals from the biocidal product.

Effects on the environment

35.  The risk assessment shall take account of any adverse effects arising in any of the three environmental compartments - air, soil and water (including sediment) - and of the biota following the use of the biocidal product.

36.  The hazard identification shall address the properties and potential adverse effects of the active substance and any substances of concern present in the biocidal product. If this results in the biocidal product being classified according to the requirements of this Regulation then dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation shall be required.

37.  In those cases where the test appropriate to hazard identification in relation to a particular potential effect of an active substance or a substance of concern present in a biocidal product has been conducted but the results have not led to classification of the biocidal product then risk characterisation in relation to that effect shall not be necessary unless there are other reasonable grounds for concern. Such grounds may derive from the properties and effects of any active substance or substance of concern in the biocidal product, in particular:

38.  A dose (concentration) - response (effect) assessment shall be carried out in order to predict the concentration below which adverse effects in the environmental compartment of concern are not expected to occur. This shall be carried out for the active substance and for any substance of concern present in the biocidal product. This concentration is known as the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC). However, in some cases, it may not be possible to establish a PNEC and a qualitative estimation of the dose (concentration) - response (effect) then has to be made.

39.  The PNEC shall be determined from the data on effects on organisms and ecotoxicity studies submitted in accordance with requirements of Article 6 and Article 18. It shall be calculated by applying an assessment factor to the values resulting from tests on organisms, e.g. LD50 (median lethal dose), LC50 (median lethal concentration), EC50 (median effective concentration), IC50 (concentration causing 50 % inhibition of a given parameter, e.g. growth), NOEL(C) (no-observed-effect level (concentration)), or LOEL(C) (lowest-observed-effect level (concentration)).

40.  An assessment factor is an expression of the degree of uncertainty in extrapolation from test data on a limited number of species to the real environment. Therefore, in general, the more extensive the data and the longer the duration of the tests, the smaller is the degree of uncertainty and the size of the assessment factor.

The specifications for the assessment factors shall be elaborated in the notes for technical guidance which, to this end, shall be based particularly on the indications given in point 3.3.1 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006.

41.  For each environmental compartment an exposure assessment shall be carried out in order to predict the concentration likely to be found of each active substance or substance of concern present in the biocidal product. This concentration is known as the predicted environmental concentration (PEC). However in some cases it may not be possible to establish a PEC and a qualitative estimate of exposure then has to be made.

42.  A PEC, or where necessary a qualitative estimate of exposure, need only be determined for the environmental compartments to which emissions, discharges, disposal or distributions including any relevant contribution from material treated with biocidal products are known or are reasonably foreseeable.

43.  The PEC, or qualitative estimation of exposure, shall be determined taking account of, in particular, and if appropriate:

44.  Where adequately measured, representative exposure data are available, special consideration shall be given to them when conducting the exposure assessment. Where calculation methods are used for the estimation of exposure levels, adequate models shall be applied. The characteristics of these models shall be as listed in point 32. Where appropriate, on a case-by-case basis, relevant monitoring data from substances with analogous use and exposure patterns or analogous properties should also be considered.

45.  For any given environmental compartment, the risk characterisation shall, as far as possible, entail comparison of the PEC with the PNEC so that a PEC/PNEC ratio may be derived.

46.  If it has not been possible to derive a PEC/PNEC ratio, the risk characterisation shall entail a qualitative evaluation of the likelihood that an effect is occurring under the current conditions of exposure or will occur under the expected conditions of exposure.

Unacceptable effects

47.  Data shall be submitted to and evaluated by the competent authorities to assess whether the biocidal product does not cause unnecessary suffering and pain in its effect on target vertebrates. This shall include an evaluation of the mechanism by which the effect is obtained and the observed effects on the behaviour and health of the target vertebrates; where the intended effect is to kill the target vertebrate the time necessary to obtain the death of the target vertebrate and the conditions under which death occurs shall be evaluated. These findings shall for each authorised biocidal product be made publicly available on the Agency website.

48.  The competent authorities shall, where relevant, evaluate the possibility of the development of resistance to an active substance in the biocidal product by the target organism.

49.  If there are indications that any other unacceptable effects may occur the competent authorities shall evaluate the possibility of such effects occurring. An example of such an unacceptable effect would be an adverse reaction to fastenings and fittings used in wood following the application of a wood preservative.

Efficacy

50.  Data shall be submitted and evaluated to ascertain if the efficacy claims of the biocidal product can be substantiated. Data submitted by the applicant or held by the competent authorities or the Agency must be able to demonstrate the efficacy of the biocidal product against the target organism when used normally in accordance with the conditions of authorisation.

51.  Testing should be carried out according to Union guidelines if these are available and applicable. Where appropriate, other methods can be used as shown in the list below. If relevant acceptable field data exist, these can be used.

–  ISO, CEN or other international standard method

Summary

52.  In each of the areas where risk assessments have been carried out, i.e. effects on man, animals, and the environment, the competent authorities shall combine the results for the active substance together with the results for any substance of concern to produce an overall assessment for the biocidal product itself. This should take account of any likely synergistic effects of the active substance(s) and substances of concern in the biocidal product.

53.  For biocidal products containing more than one active substance any adverse effects shall also be combined to produce an overall effect for the biocidal product itself.

DECISION MAKING

General principles

54.  Subject to point 90, the competent authorities or the Commission shall come to a decision regarding the authorisation for use of a biocidal product as a result of the integration of the risks arising from each active substance together with the risks from each substance of concern present in the biocidal product. The risk assessments shall cover normal use of the biocidal product together with a realistic worst-case scenario including any relevant disposal issue either of the biocidal product itself or any material treated with it.

55.  In making a decision concerning authorisation, the competent authorities or the Commission shall arrive at one of the following conclusions for each product type and for each area of use of the biocidal product for which application has been made:

56.  If the conclusion arrived at by the competent authorities or the Commission is that additional information or data are required before an authorisation decision can be made, then the need for any such information or data shall be justified. This additional information or data shall be the minimum necessary to carry out a further appropriate risk assessment.

57.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall only grant authorisation to those biocidal products which, when used according to their conditions of authorisation, do not present an unacceptable risk to humans, animals or the environment, are efficacious and which contain active substances permitted at Union level to be used in such biocidal products.

58.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall impose, where appropriate, conditions or restrictions when giving authorisations. The nature and severity of these shall be selected on the basis of, and be appropriate to, the nature and extent of the expected advantages and the risks likely to arise from the use of the biocidal product.

59.  In the decision-making process the competent authorities or the Commission shall take into consideration the following:

60.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall, when taking a decision concerning the authorisation of a biocidal product, take into account the uncertainty arising from the variability in the data used in the evaluation and decision-making process.

61.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall prescribe that biocidal products shall be used properly. Proper use shall include application at an efficacious dose and minimisation of use of biocidal products where possible.

Effects on humans

62.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if the risk assessment confirms that, in foreseeable application including a realistic worst possible scenario, the product presents an unacceptable risk to humans.

63.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall consider possible effects on all human populations, namely professional users, non-professional users and humans exposed directly or indirectly through the environment when making a decision on the authorisation of a biocidal product.

64.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall examine the relationship between the exposure and the effect, and use this in the decision-making process. A number of factors need to be considered when examining this relationship and one of the most important is the nature of the adverse effect of the substance. These effects include acute toxicity, irritancy, corrosivity, sensitisation, repeated dose toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, reproduction toxicity together with physico-chemical properties, and any other adverse properties of the active substance or substance of concern.

65.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall, where possible, compare the results obtained with those obtained from previous risk assessments for an identical or similar adverse effect and decide on an appropriate margin of safety (MOS) when making an authorisation decision.

66.  An appropriate MOS is typically 100 but an MOS higher or lower than this may be appropriate depending on, among other things, the nature of the critical toxicological effect.

67.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall, if appropriate, impose, as a condition of authorisation, the wearing of personal protective equipment such as respirators, breathing-masks, overalls, gloves and goggles in order to reduce exposure for professional operators. Such equipment must be readily available to them.

68.  If for non-professional users the wearing of personal protective equipment would be the only possible method for reducing exposure, the product shall not normally be authorised.

69.  If the relationship between the exposure and the effect cannot be reduced to an acceptable level then no authorisation can be given by the competent authorities or the Commission for the biocidal product.

Effects on animals

70.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if the risk assessment confirms that, in normal use, the biocidal product presents an unacceptable risk to non-target animals.

71.  Using the same relevant criteria as described in the section dealing with effects on humans, the competent authorities or the Commission shall consider the risks posed to animals from the biocidal product when making an authorisation decision.

Effects on the environment

72.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if the risk assessment confirms that the active substance, or any substance of concern, or any degradation, or reaction product presents an unacceptable risk in any of the environmental compartments, water (including sediment), soil and air. This shall include the assessment of risks to non-target organisms in these compartments.

In considering whether there is an unacceptable risk competent authorities or the Commission shall, when coming to a final decision in accordance with point 90, take into account the criteria in points 75 to 85.

73.  The basic tool used in the decision making is the PEC/PNEC ratio or, if this is not available, a qualitative estimation. Due consideration shall be given to the accuracy of this ratio due to variability in the data used both in measurements of concentration and of estimation.

In the determination of the PEC the most appropriate model should be used taking into account the environmental fate and behaviour of the biocidal product.

74.  For any given environmental compartment if the PEC/PNEC ratio is equal to or less than 1 the risk characterisation shall be that no further information and/or testing are necessary.

If the PEC/PNEC ratio is greater than 1 the competent authorities or the Commission shall judge, on the basis of the size of that ratio and on other relevant factors, if further information and/or testing are required to clarify the concern or if risk reduction measures are necessary or if the product cannot be given an authorisation at all. Relevant factors to be considered are those previously mentioned in point 37.

Water

75.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product, if under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or of any other substance of concern or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in water (or its sediments) has an unacceptable impact on non-target species in the aquatic, marine or estuarine environment unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect.

76.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if, under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or of any other substance of concern or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in groundwater exceeds the lower of the following concentrations:

77.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or a substance of concern or of relevant metabolites, breakdown or reaction products to be expected in groundwater or surface water or its sediments after use of the biocidal product under the proposed conditions of use:

78.  The proposed instructions for use of the biocidal product, including procedures for cleaning application equipment, must be such that the likelihood of accidental contamination of water or its sediments is minimised.

Soil

79.  Where unacceptable contamination of soil is likely to occur, the competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product if the active substance or substance of concern contained in it, after use of the biocidal product:

Air

80.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product where there is a foreseeable possibility of unacceptable effects on the air compartment unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect.

Effects on non-target organisms

81.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of non-target organisms being exposed to the biocidal product if for any active substance or substance of concern:

82.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of aquatic organisms including marine and estuarine organisms being exposed to the biocidal product if for any active substance or substance of concern in it:

83.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of micro-organisms in sewage treatment plants being exposed to the biocidal product if for any active substance, substance of concern, relevant metabolite, breakdown or reaction product the PEC/PNEC ratio is above 1 unless it is clearly established in the risk assessment that under field conditions no unacceptable impact, either directly or indirectly, occurs on the viability of such micro-organisms.

Unacceptable effects

84.  If the development of resistance to the active substance in the biocidal product is likely the competent authorities or the Commission shall take steps to minimise the consequences of this resistance. This may involve modification of the conditions of authorisation or even refusal of any authorisation.

85.  An authorisation for a biocidal product intended to control vertebrates shall not be given unless:

For repellent products, the intended effect shall be obtained without unnecessary suffering and pain for the target vertebrate.

Efficacy

86.  Competent authorities or the Commission shall not authorise a biocidal product which does not possess acceptable efficacy when used in accordance with the conditions specified on the proposed label or with other conditions of authorisation.

87.  The level, consistency and duration of protection, control or other intended effects must, as a minimum, be similar to those resulting from suitable reference products, where such products exist, or to other means of control. Where no reference products exist, the biocidal product must give a defined level of protection or control in the areas of proposed use. Conclusions as to the performance of the biocidal product must be valid for all areas of proposed use and for all areas in the Member State or, where appropriate, in the Union, except where the biocidal product is intended for use in specific circumstances. Competent authorities shall evaluate dose response data generated in trials (which must include an untreated control) involving dose rates lower than the recommended rate, in order to assess if the recommended dose is the minimum necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Summary

88.  In each of the areas where risk assessments have been carried out, i.e. effects on humans, animals, and the environment, the competent authorities or the Commission shall combine the conclusions arrived at for the active substance and the substances of concern to produce an overall conclusion for the biocidal product itself. A summary should also be made of the efficacy assessment and of the unacceptable effects.

OVERALL INTEGRATION OF CONCLUSIONS

89.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall combine the individual conclusions arrived at with regard to effects of the biocidal product on the three sectors namely, humans, animals and the environment to arrive at an overall conclusion for the global effect of the biocidal product.

90.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall then take due consideration of any relevant unacceptable effects, the efficacy of the biocidal product and the benefits of using the biocidal product before taking an authorisation decision on the biocidal product.

91.  The competent authorities or the Commission shall ultimately decide whether or not the biocidal product can be authorised and whether this authorisation shall be subject to any restrictions or conditions in conformity with this Annex and this Regulation.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 11. (2) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 26.

CORRELATION TABLE