Ethanol is currently supported for approval as an active substance under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, with use across several key product types.
Intended applications
If approved, ethanol would continue to be used in:
•PT1 – Human hygiene products
•PT2 – Surface disinfectants
•PT4 – Food and feed area disinfectants
Despite general support for approval, several scientific uncertainties remain:
•No final conclusion has been reached on carcinogenicity or reprotoxicity
•Identified data gaps remain, particularly regarding:
•Dermal exposure
•Inhalation exposure
A Commission Implementing Regulation is expected in 2026–2027, which will determine the final regulatory outcome for ethanol as a biocidal active substance.