Biocidal products require additional labelling

One of the objectives of the biocide regulations is the provision of extensive and proper information on the safe handling and use on the packaging (and, where appropriate, in the instructions) of biocidal products. Since May 2006, information inter alia on the intended use, directions for use, the application rate and user categories has also been a requirement for labelling.

For biocidal active substances the requirements of the EU CLP (=classification, labeling and packaging) Regulation must be complied with by 1 December 2010, for biocidal products by 1 June 2015. In a transitional period the classification in the safety data sheet must be given according to the "old" and new GHS conform system. The "old" EU system (Directive 67/548/EC and 1999/45/EC) will remain valid till 1. June 2015. By that date active substances and biocidal products must be classified, labeled and packaged according to the CLP Regulation

The information elements on a full label on the packaging of a biocidal product exceed the labelling information required for dangerous chemical preparations under the Austrian Chemicals Act 1996. However, only such information that is not specifically stipulated by the authority under the authorisation or registration procedure (e.g. the authorisation number) is currently obligatory. The information on the label must be clearly legible and indelible, and in German.

Until the classification, labelling and packaging of these products is legal and binding (on the basis of the future authorisation and registration notice), correct labelling according to § 24 of the Biocidal Products Act is under the responsibility of producers and formulators. In addition § 24, sub-para. 6 and 8 of the Biocidal Products Act should be observed with regard to the responsibilities for the placing on the market and the format on the label of the biocidal product.