Extension of the BPR Review Programme

Extension of the BPR Review Programme

At the 100th meeting of the Biocide competent authorities (CA) in June 2023, it was decided to extend the extension of the review programme under the BPR (Regulation No. 528/2012) until December 31, 2030. Subsequent meetings in September and December 2023 discussed proposed actions for member states (MS) to ensure the successful completion of the RP within the new deadline. The European Commission is currently working on a proposal for a Delegated Regulation on this matter. Originally set to conclude by the end of 2024, the RP’s extension became inevitable, given that only 47% of the programme has been completed. The EU’s plan includes actions such as resource allocation in MS, governance in application assessments for approval, and additional measures to facilitate the review process.

MS are urged to allocate adequate resources and review financing mechanisms to establish a full-recovery system if required. Additionally, specific actions to address backlog active substance reports from certain MS are required, mandating their conclusion by December 31, 2025, to ensure timely availability of corresponding BPC opinions. Concerning rules and procedures, an emphasis is placed on improved compliance, while new technical document guidance agreed after January 1, 2024 will not be applied to ongoing RP applications.

Each MS is required to provide information to ECHA on the status of the endocrine disruption (ED) assessment for each active substance in the review programme, with a maximum deadline of December 31, 2026 to submit missing information.

One of the more important actions outlined in the CA meeting reports is the encouragement for MS to prioritise finalising RP evaluations over active substance renewals, except for specific cases. This reprioritisation is suspected to impact ongoing renewals by introducing delays. Additionally, proposals for refining practices and managing applications have been set forth.

By addressing key challenges and implementing these comprehensive actions, the EU aims to achieve its revised goal of concluding the review programme by December 2030. MS are invited to collaborate in implementing these actions, indicating a concerted effort towards a more sustainable and secure regulatory framework for biocides in the EU.

For those interested in viewing the full report and comprehensive actions outlined, the CA reports are published on CIRCABC https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/e947a950-8032-4df9-a3f0-f61eefd3d81b/library/889239de-ec46-4af1-9865-4be95dc0bb6c/details

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