Update on Biocide Regulation in GB

Update on Biocide Regulation in GB

At the 2024 Dublin Biocides Symposium, Zameer Bhunnoo, Biocides Policy Advisor at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, discussed key regulatory developments in the UK and future reform to the GB Biocidal Products Regulation. The HSE is proposing to make technical updates to Annex II and Annex III in the UK BPR, which would enable a reduction in animal testing, alignment with current guidance and OECD validated tests, as well as keeping up with new developments and scientific progress. In addition, renewal expiry dates have been postponed to 2027 assuming renewal applications have been submitted and accepted.

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (REUL Act) has been enacted in the UK post-Brexit under ‘assimilated law’ to ensure continuity. The REUL Act allows for amendments to retain EU regulations in GB by June 2026, following a ‘Smarter Regulation’ approach. This act brings an end to the supremacy of EU Law, freeing GB courts from EU judicial oversight. This is necessary as the regulatory framework GB inherited was designed for the EU single market, thus, the REUL act provides an opportunity to reform the framework to better suit GB’s specific needs in line with the ‘Smarter Regulation’ approach. Following on, the HSE is now considering whether to use the powers in this act for the reform of the biocides regime. Communications will be made by the HSE in due course.

The HSE has also been internally considering the suitability of their regulatory system in relation to maintaining a high level of assurance, enabling innovation within the market, optimally providing resources to the HSE as GB competent authority. Other considerations include what type of regulatory changes could be made, such as streamlining application processes while maintaining high levels of assurance, regulatory flexibility, and prioritisation of remaining applications in the GB Assessment Programme (Review Programme).

Formal public consultations may begin towards the end of 2024/beginning of 2025, coming into force and implementation from June 2026.

If you missed the symposium and would like to obtain a copy of the speakers’ presentations, they can be purchased here: Dublin Biocides Symposium 2024 – Speakers Presentations – Kerona Scientific Ltd.

Please get in touch with the experts in Kerona’s biocide team if you need support with your biocide registrations in GB, Ireland and the EU at info@kerona.ie or call our office at +353 (0)1 849 5284.