Scope and Borderline to other Regulations

According to the definition provided in the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD), biocidal products are intended to control harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. They can also protect materials and extend their durability. The usage of biocidal products is very divers, which is why they are divided into 23 product types in 4 main groups (disinfectants and general biocidal products, preservatives, pest control, other biocidal products).

The discrimination whether a certain biocidal product is within the scope of the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) or another regulation is difficult in some cases. The general scope and borderline discussions concern maily:

• Plant protection products

• Human and veterinary medicinal products

• Products used for milk hygiene purposes

• Cosmetics

An EU working group has therefore elaborated guidance scope and borderline cases between the Biocidal Products Directive and other directives. The guidance documents can be accessed on the website of the DG Environment.

If there is no suitable answer to your question (in the documents mentioned above), please contact the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (for contact details please go to "Contact"). Your question should contain as many details as possible so that specific answers can be formulated in an exchange of opinions between the EU Member States (in the form of an electronic consultation group).