New European rules for biocides

摘要

Back in 1993, the European Commission proposed a Directive to establish a single European market in biocides by introducing a harmonised authorisation system based on assessment of risks to people and the environment, together with consideration of efficacy. Negotiations on the Directive have now finished and the directive was published in mid-March. All Member States have 24 months to implement what is a very complex and technical Directive. In the UK this will be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, in close consultation both with other Government Departments and the sectors of industry who will be affected by it. The purpose of this article now is to let you know what the Directive will do, how it might impact on you, and what HSE the Health & Safety Executive is doing to prepare for its implementation.