Approval: garlic juice in biocidal products

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/893 of 22 March 2024 approving thermally treated garlic juice as an existing active substance for use in biocidal products of product-type 19 in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Update

The European Commission has approved the use of thermally treated garlic juice as an active substance in biocidal products of product-type 19, that is, products used to control harmful pests such as rodents.

What is changing?

The EU has approved thermally treated garlic juice as an active substance for use under specific conditions in biocidal products that either repel or attract pests.

Why?

Garlic extract was included in a list of active substances to be evaluated for use in biocidal products (Regulation 1062/2014, see Consolidated version). These substances have been systematically analysed for risks associated with human health, animal health, or the environment. Following this evaluation, the generic substance “garlic extract” has been redefined as “thermally treated garlic juice”. The European Chemicals Agency’s Biocidal Products Committee has now confirmed that thermally treated garlic juice meets the EU's strict safety and effectiveness criteria under controlled conditions (ECHA BPC 2023).

Timeline

The active substance thermally treated garlic juice will be officially approved for use for a 10-year period from 1 July 2025.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Garlic extract is not considered to be a risk for consumers, so no maximum residue levels (MRLs) are required. (See the EU Pesticide Residues database.)

Background

Regulation 1062/2014 established an EU list of substances used in biocides, and a work programme for evaluating these substances.

Biocides are substances or mixtures that are used to destroy, deter, render harmless, or prevent the action of any harmful organism by any means other than physical or mechanical action. Biocides are classified into four groups based on their intended use:

• disinfectants
• protective products
• products for the control of so-called harmful species
• other biocidal products.

For further information on EU rules on biocides, see Biocides explained.

Resources

Sources

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Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2024/893 approving thermally treated garlic juice as an existing active substance for use in biocidal products of product-type 19

What is changing and why?

The EU has approved thermally treated garlic juice as an active substance for use in biocidal products used to manage harmful pests such as rodents.

Garlic extract is not considered to be a risk for consumers, so no maximum residue levels (MRLs) are required.

Timeline

The active substance thermally treated garlic juice will be officially approved for use for a 10-year period from 1 July 2025.

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