Product types of biocidal products

In order to make a suitable assessment of exposure and risk to health and the environment as a result of a biocidal product’s use, the EU has determined the different product types of biocidal products. An assessment can thus be made to suit the intended area of use for each biocidal product. According to the EU Biocidal Products Regulation, there are 22 specific product types of biocidal products.

The product types in the EU Biocidal Products Regulation

Product group

Product type

Disinfectants

1 - Disinfectants for human hygiene.

2 - Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals.

3- Disinfectants for veterinary hygiene.

4 - Disinfectants for food and feed area.

5- Disinfectants for drinking water.

Preservatives

6 - Preservatives for products during storage.

7 - Film preservatives.

8 - Wood preservatives

9 - Fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives.

10 - Construction material preservatives.

11 - Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems.

12 - Slimicides

13 - Working or cutting fluid preservatives.


Treatment against pests

14 - Rodenticides.

15 - Avicides

16 - Molluscicides, vermicides and products to control other invertebrates.

17 - Piscicides

18 - Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods.

19 - Repellents and attractants.

20 - Control of other vertebrates.

Other biocidal products

21 - Antifouling products

22 - Embalming and taxidermist fluids.

You will find a comprehensive definition for each of these product types in Annex V to the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

You can obtain a more detailed description of the product types from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) External link.

Further information on certain product types

We have further information on certain product types. See an overview here.

Last published 14 August 2023