BIOCIDES
Biocides
One of the key lobbying priorities for 2019 and beyond is biocides. This has been a growing issue for BCF
members for a number of years, and it was decided that something should be done at UK level to engage with
policymakers on the issue.
The BCF helped establish the UK Cross Sector
Biocides Group, which comprises biocides
manufacturers and trade associations of downstream
users such as cosmetics, cleaning products, adhesives
and the motor industry. The aim of the group is to
ascertain what activity is needed at national level on
biocides, and how the group can assist in advocacy
at a European level.
There have so far been two meetings of the new
group. There is a broad consensus that some
cross-sector lobbying activity is needed, to defend
the active substances at EU level, and to seek a
pragmatic approach from the UK authorities with
regard to biocides and preservation of waterbased
consumer products.
A series of actions have been agreed, and a further
meeting planned for mid-May 2019. CEPE, jointly
with AISE (the cleaning products trade association
in Europe) are proceeding with their intention to
hold a workshop with the Member State authorities
and Commission representatives in May, explaining
the issues that our sector has with the BPR, the
challenges posed as new harmonised classifications
are confirmed, and emphasising once again the
call for a holistic approach to active substance
evaluation.
The BCF will be attending this workshop, and plans
on becoming involved with biocides lobbying at EU
level. Regardless of Brexit, if any member wishes to
sell into the EU, they will have to comply with EU
Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). The BCF plan
on continuing to drive this lobbying activity in the
UK and highlight the societal benefits of biocides,
but first must work with other industries to build a
strong evidence base fit for policymakers.
Images courtesy of VdL, the German Coatings Association
BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20
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