ECHA Training on transition SPC into IUCLID ECHA
ECHA Training on transition SPC into IUCLID ECHA
On 15th February 2024, ECHA hosted an online webinar to introduce the transition of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) into the International Uniform Chemical Information Database (IUCLID). In the past, SPCs were prepared with another online tool – the SPC editor. However, as of 12th February 2024, SPCs must now be prepared solely in the IUCLID format (.i6z) for biocide applications in the EU. Access to the SPC editor is no longer possible.
The new SPC IUCLID system includes the same content as the SPC editor, along with dedicated interfaces for single products and biocidal product families (BPFs), validation rules, translations, annotations (instead of comments), and plug-ins such as a comparison tool and a report generator. All SPCs in ongoing R4BP 3 cases and assets are automatically migrated to the IUCLID system, except for those attached in ad hoc communications and messages.
One reason for this conversion from SPC to IUCLID is the unsustainability of maintaining two systems simultaneously, one accepting SPCs in XML and the other in i6z format. Additionally, consolidating the submission of active substance/biocidal product data and information onto a single system is more convenient and innovative than dispersing it across multiple sources.
As SPC documents were integral to many application processes for national, mutual recognition, union, and simplified authorisations, several practical guidance documents for the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 on the ECHA website underwent updates in February 2024 following the decommissioning of the SPC editor.
In conclusion, the transition of the SPC into IUCLID represents a significant advancement in application procedures for biocidal products in the EU. By consolidating data submission onto a single platform, the transition addresses concerns of sustainability and accessibility while facilitating smoother application processes for various authorisations.
For those interested in viewing the webinar, a recording of it is saved on ECHA’s YouTube channel, and the presentation slides are available on the ECHA website here: https://echa.europa.eu/nl/-/get-ready-for-the-transition-of-spc-into-iuclid
If you need support with the authorisation or support of biocidal products across Europe, please do not hesitate to contact Kerona at info@kerona.ie or call us at +353 (0)1 849 5284. Our experts are specialised in working with IUCLID in the various areas such as Poison Centre Notifications (PCNs), biocide applications, REACH and for plant protection active substances.