Biocides

Biocides are chemical and microbiological active substances and products that have in common the fact that they are designed to kill or control living organisms. Like plant protection products, they are governed under the Danish Chemicals Act and the Danish Pesticides Order. At the EU level, biocides are regulated by the Biocidal Products Directive, Directive 98/8/EC.

Biocides are divided into 23 different product types such as, for example, disinfectants, preservatives (including wood preservatives and slimicides), pest control products (including rodenticides and insecticides) and antifouling products.

All biocidal products must be authorised before sale and use
Pursuant to the Biocidal Products Directive, the initial principle is that all biocidal products must be authorised before they can be imported, placed on the market or used. The active substances contained in these products must be evaluated at EU level and the individual products must be authorised by the relevant EU Member State. In Denmark the Danish Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority with regard to biocidal products.

During a transition period until the EU has assessed all the active substances, there will be some biocidal products that are not covered by the authorisation requirement. This depends on the individual active substance included in the specific biocidal product. During the transition period, some biocidal products will also continue to be covered by the old Danish provisions of authorisation on biocidal products.

As a business you are responsible for checking whether your biocidal product is covered by the authorisation requirement and which regulations apply to the particular product before you begin importing or selling it.

Use the left menu to continue
Use the menu items to the left  to find guidance on the approval scheme for biocides