Approval of sulfur dioxide as a biocidal product
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Sulfur dioxide from sulfur by combustion approved for use in biocidal products
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2620 of 24 November 2023 approving sulfur dioxide generated from sulfur by combustion as an active substance for use in biocidal products of product-type 4 in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Update
The EU has approved the use of sulfur dioxide generated from sulfur by combustion as an active substance in type-4 biocidal products (related to food and feed).
Impacted Products
food and feed area disinfectants
What is changing?
Regulation (EU) 2023/2620 approves sulfur dioxide generated from sulfur by combustion as an active substance for use in type-4 biocidal products. The substance has been assessed specifically for use in food and feed area disinfectants.
The specified conditions for the authorisation of biocidal products containing this active substance are detailed in the Annex of the Regulation. Any authorisation must include:
- in-depth assessment, focusing on risks, exposures, and effectiveness for specific uses not covered in the general EU risk assessment
- special focus on users, paying close attention to both professional users and the general public who might be indirectly exposed
- food/feed residue checks, determining if new or adjusted maximum residue levels (MRLs) are needed for food or feed, and implementing measures to ensure these levels are not exceeded.
Why?
Germany (the rapporteur Member State) submitted an assessment report of this active substance to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Following technical discussions and evaluations, the ECHA Biocidal Products Committee concluded that biocidal products containing sulfur dioxide from sulfur combustion could be approved provided certain conditions of use are met.
Timeline
The new approval requirements related to the authorisation of biocidal products, including this substance, will apply from 1 October 2024.
Recommended Actions
When using biocidal products to disinfect food and feed areas, it is important to be aware of potential residue risks. Suppliers must ensure that any residues in food comply with the MRLs established for pesticides. These can be found in the EU Pesticide Residues database. Where no specific level is set, a default level of 0.01 mg/kg applies.
The approval status of substances used in biocidal products can be checked on the ECHA Biocides database.
Background
Biocides are substances or mixtures that are used to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by any means other than mere physical or mechanical action. Biocides are typically 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 the EU’s regulation of biocides, see Biocides explained.
Resources
Regulation (EU) 1062/2014 on the work programme for the systematic examination of all existing active substances contained in biocidal products
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Biocides database.
EFSA (2020) The 2018 European Union report on pesticide residues in food. EFSA Journal 18(4): e06057.
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2620 approving sulfur dioxide generated from sulfur by combustion as an active substance for use in biocidal products of product-type 4