European Chemicals Agency’s Biocidal Products Committee concluded that ethanol can be approved for use in disinfectants. A.I.S.E. welcomed the decision, highlighting ethanol’s key role in infection prevention and everyday hygiene. Final approval now depends on an implementing act from the European Commission, while future regulatory discussions may continue under the CLP framework.
Brussels, 24 February 2026 – Yesterday, on 23 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has concluded that ethanol may be approved for use in hand and general disinfectants.
A.I.S.E. welcomes this positive and fundamental step. It demonstrates that Member States recognise ethanol’s indispensable role in infection prevention, along with its substantial socio-economic value for Europe’s healthcare systems, industries and daily life. This decision marks responsible progress on an issue that directly affects public health, consumer safety and supply chain resilience.
Ethanol remains a cornerstone of hygiene across the EU — relied upon every day in hospitals, long term care facilities, food production, workplaces and households. The BPC’s decision helps secure its continued availability under the BPR and supports the many sectors and professionals who depend on it to protect people’s health.
But the regulatory process is not over.
This is a first milestone, but it will now be in the hands of the European Commission to deliver an Implementing Act which reflects the outcome of the BPC and confirms the approval of ethanol as an active substance for biocidal uses.
This will conclude the biocidal process, but the broader question of ethanol’s potential reclassification will then move into the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) framework.
This means ethanol remains at regulatory risk, and our collective engagement must continue.
Source: All news – ECHA
Ekotox website: https://ekotox.eu/biocides/
