Biocidal products are used to control unwanted organisms that are harmful to human or animal health or to the environment, or that cause damage to human activities. These harmful organisms include pests (e.g. insects, rats or mice) and micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, mould).

Biocidal products are governed by EU Regulation 528/2012, which regulates, amongst other things:

• Insecticides
• Insect repellent
• Disinfectants
• Preservatives for materials such as wood, plastics and fibres.
• Anti-fouling paints for the protection of ship hulls.

They play an important role in the daily lives of EU citizens, for example by helping to protect them against:

• Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue or chikungunya.
• Foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis and listeriosis.
• Hospital-acquired infections, for example, MRSA

They are also widely used in materials such as plastics, paints, textiles, wood, etc., to protect these materials from deterioration caused by microbes, fungi or insects.

However, due to their intrinsic properties, biocides may pose risks to humans, animals and the environment. As a result, the EU has established strict rules and procedures to minimise these risks.