The Biocidal Product Regulations (EU) 528/2012 (BPR) covers a range of products, including disinfectants, pest control products and preservatives. The regulation states that you must gain authorization for a biocidal product, or approval for an active substance, under EU Biocidal Products Regulations.  Here’s an overview of what you need to know about the status update for Ozone as an active substance under BPR for human hygiene, food and feed areas, and drinking water.

What is Ozone?

Ozone (O3) is an allotrope of oxygen in which three oxygen atoms coexist with each other. It forms naturally in the atmosphere as a pale blue gas. Using the innovative technology, it is possible to create ozone gas on demand using the ozone generators.

What is the EU Biocides Regulation 528/2012?

Biocidal Product Regulations (EU) was first published on 27 June 2012, and it concerned with the marketing of biocidal products and their use in the EU. It implements a two-step system for the approval of active substances at EU level and the authorization of biocidal products within the EU. EU BPR (528/2012) specifies 22 product types, which are divided into four main groups: pest control, disinfectants, preservatives, and other biocidal products. A substance is allowed on the EU market if it appears on the EU BPR approved list of active substances.

An EU regulation addresses biocidal products, specifically, those aimed at killing, repelling, or inhibiting unwanted organisms by other methods than physical or mechanical methods.

In addition to improving movement of biocidal products in Europe, the rule also protects health and the environment as well as harmonizing implementation across EU member states.

Before being allowed to be placed on the market, biocides in the EU are subject to a risk assessment that ensures their toxicity to humans and the environment.  As well as being effective against the harmful organisms they are designed to target, they are also safe to use. A biocide is also defined as a substance, formulation, or article containing a biologically active substance that has been approved for use as a biocide and is authorized as a biocide.

Which Countries are Included in EU BPR?

In addition to the EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are included in the BPR, which applies within the EEA. Countries seeking EU membership will also have to align their national regulations with the EU.

It is expected that Turkey’s national biocidal product regulations will adopt a similar regulation to that of the EU BPR in the near future.

Ozone Generation According to Biocidal Product Regulations (EU)

An oxidizing agent, ozone creates a powerful biocide when dissolved in water, which kills all microorganisms, cysts and viruses. In terms of oxidizing power, ozone is 51% stronger than chlorine, with 3.125 times kill rate. It’s only second to fluorine, which is banned in most countries. The component of the product that exhibits biocidal properties is able to oxidize organic material found in bacterial membranes, causing the membrane to weaken, causing the cell to rupture.

In addition to being able to eliminate bacteria, algae, and biofilms completely with no building up of resistance, ozone also remains effective over a wide pH range.