Lexipedia

813.12 — OBP

Ordinance on the Placing on the Market and Handling of Biocidal Products (Ordinance on Biocidal Products, OBP)

English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.

of 18 May 2005 (Status as of 1 December 2025)

The Swiss Federal Council,

based on the Chemicals Act of 15 December 2000 1 (ChemA),
on Articles 29, 29 d paragraph 4 and 30 b paragraphs 1 and 2 letter a of the Environmental Protection Act of 7 October 1983 2 (EPA),
and on Article 17 of the Gene Technology Act of 21 March 2003 3 (GTA)
and in implementation of the Federal Act of 6 October 1995 4 on Technical Barriers to Trade,

ordains:

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Art. 15 Purpose

This Ordinance regulates:

  1. the placing on the market of biocidal products and of treated articles (Art. 2 para. 2 let. j); it also regulates, in particular, for biocidal products and for active substances for use in biocidal products:1.the types of authorisation, including the recognition of authorisations of a Member State of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and of Union authorisations, and including parallel trade in biocidal products,2.the authorisation procedures,3.the protection and use of owners’ data from previous applications for the benefit of subsequent applicants,4.classification, packaging, labelling and the safety data sheet;
  2. particular aspects of the handling of biocidal products and treated articles.

Art. 1a6 Scope

This Ordinance applies to biocidal products and treated articles. In the absence of provisions to the contrary, biocidal product families are deemed to be equivalent to biocidal products.

With regard to biocidal products and treated articles consisting of or containing pathogenic microorganisms, the provisions of this Ordinance on placing on the market are also applicable to import for non-professional or non-commercial purposes.

This Ordinance does not apply to:

  1. biocidal products or treated articles which are placed on the market solely in accordance with legislation on therapeutic products, foodstuffs, feedstuffs or plant protection products for the specified purposes;
  2. the transit of biocidal products or treated articles under customs supervision, provided that they do not undergo any processing or transformation;
  3. the transport of biocidal products or treated articles by road, rail, water, air or pipelines;
  4. foodstuffs or feedstuffs used as repellents or attractants;
  5. biocidal products used as processing aids as defined in Article 3 paragraph 2 letter i of the Feedstuffs Ordinance of 26 October 20117 (FsO) and in Article 2 paragraph 1 No 23 of the Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Ordinance of 16 December 20168 (FUO)9;
  6. 10 ...

For imported biocidal products and treated articles that are simply relabelled and exported otherwise unmodified, Articles 42 and 45 apply. 11

For biocidal products and treated articles that are exported and which contain hazardous substances or preparations, the PIC Ordinance of 10 November 2004 12 applies. 13

Art. 1b14 Changes to this Ordinance and priority of international treaties

Where it is empowered to do so under this Ordinance, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), in consultation with the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), shall make changes to provisions of this Ordinance concerning the authorisation and placing on the market of biocidal products in order to take scientific and technical progress into account.

Where procedural aspects for the authorisation or placing on the market of biocidal products are not specified in this Ordinance, the details shall be regulated by the FDHA, if it is empowered to do so, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER.

With regard to changes as specified in paragraphs 1 and 2, the FDHA shall take into consideration delegated acts or implementing acts adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 15 . 16

Adjustments to technical details of minor importance in this Ordinance shall be made by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), if it is empowered to do so, in consultation with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Where this Ordinance regulates matters which are the subject of an international treaty, responsibilities shall be governed, not by this Ordinance, but by the treaty, insofar as responsibilities are regulated by the latter.

The Notification Authority shall publicise on its website 17 the responsibilities arising from the international treaty. 18

Art. 220 Definitions and applicable law19

By way of clarification of the definitions given in the ChemA, in this Ordinance:

  1. biocidal products means:1.substances, preparations or objects, in the form in which they are supplied to the user, consisting of, containing or generating one or more active substances, intended 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,2.substances or preparations generated from substances or preparations which are not themselves biocidal products as defined in number 1, and which are intended for the purpose for which biocidal products as defined in number 1 are intended;
  2. product type means one of the categories of biocidal products specified in Annex 10;
  3. manufacturer means any natural or legal person who, by way of profession or trade, manufactures or extracts substances or preparations.

In addition, in this Ordinance:

  1. substance of concern means a substance, other than the active substance, which has an inherent capacity to cause an adverse effect, immediately or in the more distant future, on humans, in particular vulnerable groups, animals or the environment and is present or is produced in a biocidal product in sufficient concentration to present risks of such an effect; such a substance, unless there are other grounds for concern, would be, in particular:211.a substance classified as dangerous or that meets the criteria to be classified as such according to Article 2 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Annex VI Numbers 2–5 of Directive 67/548/EEC22, and that is present in the biocidal product at a concentration leading the product to be classified as dangerous within the meaning of Article 1 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Articles 5, 6 and 7 of Directive 1999/45/EC23,2.a substance classified as hazardous or that meets the criteria to be classified as such according to Article 2 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Parts 2–5 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation)24, and that is present in the biocidal product at a concentration leading the product to be regarded as hazardous within the meaning of that Regulation, or3.25a substance which meets the criteria for being a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under Regulation (EC) No 850/200426, or which meets the criteria for being persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) in accordance with Annex XIII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation)27;
  2. biocidal product family means a group of biocidal products having the following properties in common:1.similar uses,2.the same active substances,3.similar composition with specified variations,4.similar level of risk,5.similar efficacy;
  3. harmful organism means an organism, including pathogenic agents, which has an unwanted presence or a detrimental effect on humans or their activities, on products they use or produce, or on animals or the environment;
  4. microorganisms means microbiological entities, especially bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses and viroids; cell cultures, prions and biologically active genetic material are also included in this category;
  5. letter of access means a document, signed by the person authorised to use protected data, which states that the data may be used by the Notification Authority and, if necessary, by the competent authority of a state party for the purpose of granting an authorisation of a biocidal product;
  6. existing active substance means a substance which was on the market on 14 May 2000 as an active substance of a biocidal product for purposes other than scientific or product and process-orientated research and development;
  7. new active substance means an active substance of a biocidal product which is not an existing active substance;
  8. active substance which is a candidate for substitution means an active substance which meets the criteria specified in Article 10 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/201228;
  9. residue means a substance present in or on products of plant or animal origin, water resources, drinking water, food, feed or elsewhere in the environment and resulting from the use of a biocidal product, including such a substance’s metabolites, breakdown or reaction products;
  10. 29 treated article means a substance, preparation or object which does not have a primary biocidal function, but which has been treated with, or intentionally incorporates, one or more biocidal products;
  11. national authorisation means an authorisation granted by the competent authority of an EU or EFTA Member State for the placing on the market of a biocidal product in its territory;
  12. Union authorisation means an authorisation granted by the European Commission for the placing on the market of a biocidal product in the territory of the EU;
  13. nanomaterial means a natural or manufactured active substance or non-active substance containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50% or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions are in the size range 1–100 nm; fullerenes, graphene flakes and single-wall carbon nanotubes with one or more external dimensions below 1 nm are deemed to be nanomaterials; in addition, for nanomaterials, the following definitions apply:1.particle means a minute piece of matter with defined physical boundaries,2.agglomeratemeans a collection of weakly bound particles or aggregates where the resulting external surface area is similar to the sum of the surface areas of the individual components,3.aggregate means a particle comprising strongly bound or fused particles;
  14. technical equivalence means similarity, as regards the chemical composition and hazard profile, between a substance produced either from a source different to the reference source, or from the reference source but following a change to the manufacturing process or manufacturing location, and the substance from the reference source in respect of which the initial risk assessment was carried out;
  15. vulnerable groups means persons needing specific consideration when assessing the acute and chronic health effects of biocidal products; these include pregnant and breastfeeding women, the unborn, infants and children, the elderly, and workers and other persons subject to high exposure to biocidal products over the long term.

The following terms are to be understood as defined in Article 2 of the Chemicals Ordinance of 18 May 200530 (ChemO):

  1. substance;
  2. object;
  3. product and process-orientated research and development;
  4. scientific research and development.

The correspondence of expressions between Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and this Ordinance set out in Annex 3 Number 1 applies. 31

Where reference is made in this Ordinance to provisions of Regulation (EU) No 528/ 2012 which themselves refer to other provisions of EU law, the Swiss law in Annex 3 Number 2 applies instead of that EU law. 32

Any other terms which are used in various senses in the legislation underlying this Ordinance are used here as defined in the ChemA.

Chapter 1a Indicators of Environmental Risks due to the Use of Biocidal Products in accordance with Article 25a ChemA

Art. 2a

The release of active substances of product types 7, 8, 10, 18 and 21 in accordance with Annex 10 into drinking water, surface waters and groundwater shall constitute a potential significant risk.

The aim is to ensure that the concentrations of active substances in accordance with paragraph 1 measured in waters do not exceed the following limits:

  1. for active substances or their breakdown products in waters that are used or intended to be used for drinking water: 0.1 μg/l;
  2. for active substances in surface waters:1.the limits in accordance with Annex 2 Section 11 paragraph 3 number 4 of the Waters Protection Ordinance of 28. Oktober 199833 (WPO) (ecotoxicological limits), or2.if the active substance is not listed in Annex 2 WPO: the concentration specified on approval below which no effect on aquatic organisms is expected.

The FOEN shall ascertain the extent to which the aim has been achieved with the aid of indicators.

For this purpose, it shall each year use the available measurement data to calculate for each active substance in accordance with paragraph 1 the ratio of the number of waters analysed in which an exceedance has been measured to the total number of waters analysed.

Chapter 2 Conditions for Placing on the Market34

Section 1 General Provisions

Art. 335 Authorisation or declaration and labelling

Biocidal products may only be placed on the market or used professionally or commercially if they are authorised by the Notification Authority and labelled in accordance with this Ordinance.

For biocidal products which are imported for professional or commercial purposes, the condition specified in paragraph 1 must be fulfilled before they are first supplied or first used.

The following biocidal products may be placed on the market or used professionally or commercially without authorisation, provided that they have been declared to the Notification Authority in accordance with Article 13c, 13d or 13f and no opinion has been issued by the Notification Authority within the time limits specified in Article 19 paragraph 2:

  1. biocidal products which have been authorised in an EU or EFTA Member State under the simplified procedure specified in Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 528/201236;
  2. biocidal products belonging to an authorised biocidal product family;
  3. biocidal products released for purposes of research and development.

As regards the handling of biocidal products in accordance with paragraph 3 letter c, if these products are or contain microorganisms, they are subject to the provisions of the Containment Ordinance of 9 May 2012 37 (ContainO) and of the Release Ordinance of 10 September 2008 38 (RO).

The placing on the market of a biocidal product whose development is based on used genetic resources or on traditional knowledge based thereon, is subject to the provisions of the Nagoya Ordinance of 11 December 2015 39 (NagO). 40

Art. 441 Biocidal products not eligible for authorisation

Biocidal products of the following product types according to Annex 10 are not to be authorised:

  1. Product type 15 (avicides);
  2. Product type 17 (piscicides);
  3. Product type 20 (control of other vertebrates).

Biocidal products as specified in paragraph 1 may be used for purposes of research and development in accordance with Articles 13 e and 13 f .

They may be authorised in order to deal with exceptional situations in accordance with Article 30.

Use or authorisation according to paragraphs 2 and 3 are subject to the restrictions specified in the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance of 18 May 2005 42 (ORRChem) and the provisions of the ContainO 43 and the RO 44 .

Art. 545 Scope of authorisation and person making the application

Authorisation applies:

  1. 46 to an individual biocidal product:1.with a particular composition,2.with a particular trade name or two or more trade names,3.for a particular use or two or more uses,4.from a particular manufacturer or two or more manufacturers;
  2. to a biocidal product family.

Authorisation is granted to one person only. 47

Only persons domiciled in Switzerland or with a registered office or branch in Switzerland may apply for and hold an authorisation. This is without prejudice to the provisions of an international treaty.

Art. 648

Art. 749 Types of authorisation

The following types of authorisation exist for biocidal products:

  1. 50 authorisation AL based on a comprehensive evaluation of the biocidal product: for biocidal products which:1.contain at least one active substance listed in Annex 2, and otherwise contain only active substances that are listed in Annex 1, or2.contain only active substances listed in Annex 1 but are not eligible for the simplified authorisation procedure under Article 25 letters c and d of Regulation (EU) No 528/201251;
  2. 52 authorisation AnL based on a comprehensive evaluation of the biocidal product and its active substances: for biocidal products containing at least one active substance which is not listed either in Annex 1 or in Annex 2 or included in the list of notified active substances for use in biocidal products referred to in Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1062/201453 (list of notified active substances);
  3. authorisation AN: for biocidal products:1.containing at least one active substance included in the list of notified active substances but for which a decision on listing in Annex 1 or 2 is still outstanding, and2.whose other active substances are included in one of these lists;
  4. authorisation AC (confirmation) based on a summary procedure: for biocidal products:1.containing at least one active substance included in the list of notified active substances but for which a decision on listing in Annex 1 or 2 is still outstanding,2.whose other active substances are included in one of these lists,3.for which an application for authorisation AC was submitted to the Notification Authority no later than 31 July 2006, and4.which are still on the market when the Amendment of 20 June 2014 to this Ordinance comes into force;
  5. 54 derogations: for biocidal products used to deal with exceptional situations;
  6. simplified authorisation: for biocidal products which are eligible for the simplified procedure in accordance with Article 25 of Regulation (EU) No 528/201255;
  7. recognition: for biocidal products:1.56which have been authorised in an EU or EFTA Member State in accordance with Article 33 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, or2.for which an application has been submitted in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  8. recognition of a Union authorisation: for biocidal products for which a Union authorisation has been granted by the European Commission;
  9. authorisation of the same biocidal products: for biocidal products which:1.are identical to biocidal products already authorised, and2.are placed on the market by the authorisation holder or by third parties under the same terms and conditions as the biocidal products already authorised;
  10. 57 authorisation for parallel trade: for biocidal products :1.that are authorised in an EU or EFTA member state and are identical to a biocidal product that has been granted authorisation ZL or recognition in Switzerland, or2.that are placed on the market in an EU or EFTA member state in accordance with the national provisions and are identical to a biocidal product that has been granted authorisation ZN or ZB in Switzerland.

Unless otherwise indicated by a provision of this Ordinance, authorisation in this Ordinance is to be understood as referring to all the types of authorisation listed in paragraph 1.

Art. 858 Period of validity

Authorisations in accordance with Article 7 and the placing on the market of biocidal products for which authorisation is not required (Art. 3 para. 3) are subject to a time limit. The following maximum periods of validity apply: 59

  1. for authorisation AL:
  1. 10 years, without prejudice to numbers 2–4,
  2. 2.60 5 years for biocidal products with an active substance which is a candidate for substitution, if a comparative assessment has been performed in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 528/201261,
  3. 5 years for biocidal products with active substances authorised in accordance with Article 5 paragraph 2 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012,
  4. 4 years for biocidal products with an active substance which is a candidate for substitution, if no comparative assessment has been performed in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  1. for authorisation AnL:
  1. 4 years, or
  2. if earlier, until the following time:–until 3 years after the last active substance in the biocidal product has been listed in Annex 1 or 2, or–until the Notification Authority, having regard to the European Commission’s decision not to approve the active substance or include it in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, cancels the authorisation;
  1. for authorisations AN and AC:
  1. 6 months after the last active substance in the biocidal product is listed in Annex 1 or 2,
  2. 3 years after the last active substance in the biocidal product is listed in Annex 1 or 2, provided that the authorisation holder meets the requirements of Article 22 paragraph 2, or
  3. until the Notification Authority, having regard to the European Commission’s decision not to approve the active substance or include it in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, cancels the authorisation;
  1. 62 for derogations:63
  1. 180 days for derogations under Article 30 paragraph 1 plus no more than 550 days if a requested extension is granted,
  2. 3 years for derogations under Article 30a paragraph 1,
  3. for as long as necessary for derogations under Article 30b;
  1. 64 for recognition:
  1. for as long as the authorisation of the reference product is valid;
  1. for recognition of a Union authorisation:

for as long as the Union authorisation is valid;
  1. for authorisation for parallel trade:
  1. for as long as the authorisation of the reference product is valid, or
  2. if the authorisation of the reference product is withdrawn at the request of the authorisation holder and the requirements specified in Article 11 are still met: until the date on which the authorisation for the reference product would normally have expired;
  1. for the placing on the market of a biocidal product authorised under a simplified procedure in an EU or EFTA Member State:

for as long as the authorisation is valid in the EU or EFTA Member State;
  1. for the placing on the market of a product within a biocidal product family:

for as long as the authorisation for the biocidal product family is valid;
  1. for release for purposes of research and development:

for the declared test duration;
  1. 65 for simplified authorisation:

10 years;
  1. 66 for the authorisation of the same biocidal products:
  1. 10 years for biocidal products whose authorisation is based on a recognition or a recognition of a Union authorisation,
  2. for as long as the term of authorisation for the reference product applies for biocidal products whose authorisation is based on an authorisation ZN or ZB.

... 67

If the authorisation has expired, Article 26 a governs any further placing on the market, supply to end consumers and the professional or commercial use of the biocidal product. 68

Section 2 Active Substances

Art. 969 Lists of active substances

With regard to authorisation, the following lists of active substances apply:

  1. the list of active substances under Article 25 letter a of Regulation (EU) No 528/201270 (list of active substances eligible for the simplified procedure) contained in Annex 1;
  2. the list of approved active substances in accordance with Article 9 paragraph 1 letter a of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 (Union list of approved active substances) contained in Annex 2;
  3. the list of notified active substances for use in biocidal products in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1062/201471 (list of notified active substances).

The correspondence of expressions used in the EU acts referred to in the Union list of approved active substances and those used in this Ordinance is set out in Annex 3 Number 3.

Where reference is made in this Ordinance to provisions of EU implementing acts on approvals of active substances which themselves refer to other provisions of EU law, the Swiss law set out in Annex 3 Number 4 applies instead of the EU law.

Active substances on the Union list of approved active substances that are considered candidates for substitution in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 are designated as such in Annex 2.

For active substances containing nanomaterials, Article 4 paragraph 4 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 applies mutatis mutandis .

The FDHA, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, shall issue a list of substances which may be used under an authorisation A nL , indicating their uses.

Art. 1072 Amendment of the active substance lists

The FOPH, in consultation with the FOEN and SECO, shall amend:73

  1. Annexes 1–3;
  2. the reference in Article 7 paragraph 1 letter b to the list of notified active substances.

Section 2a Conditions for Authorisations AL and AnL and Special Provisions for Biocidal Product Families74

Art. 1175 General conditions

Without prejudice to Article 11g, a biocidal product shall be granted authorisation AL or AnL if the following conditions are met:

  1. It is established, according to the common principles specified in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) No 528/201276, that:1.the biocidal product is sufficiently effective;2.it has no unacceptable effects on target organisms, such as unacceptable resistance or cross-resistance, or unnecessary suffering or pain for vertebrates;3.no immediate or delayed unacceptable effects are to be expected, from the biocidal product or its residues, on the health of humans, and in particular that of vulnerable groups, or animals, either directly or indirectly, through drinking water, food, feed, air, or through other indirect effects; and4.no unacceptable effects are to be expected, from the biocidal product or its residues, on the environment, having particular regard to the following considerations:–the fate and distribution of the biocidal product in the environment,–contamination of surface waters (including estuarial and seawater), groundwater and drinking water, air and soil, taking into account locations distant from its use following long-range environmental transportation,–the impact of the biocidal product on non-target organisms,–the impact of the biocidal product on biodiversity and the ecosystem.
  2. 77 The chemical identity, quantity and technical equivalence of active substances in the biocidal product and, where appropriate, any toxicologically or ecotoxicologically significant and relevant impurities and non-active substances, and its residues of toxicological or environmental significance, which result from uses to be authorised, can be determined using analytical methods referred to in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
  3. The physical and chemical properties are acceptable for purposes of use, transport and storage.
  4. The risk to human health and the environment posed by nanomaterials used in the biocidal product has been assessed separately.
  5. Existing or, where appropriate, newly specified maximum concentrations, maximum residue levels or specific migration limits in or on food or feed, in accordance with the following provisions, are complied with:1.Article 49 paragraphs 3 and 4 letter c and 10 paragraph 4 letter e FUO78;2.Article 36 paragraph 1 of the FsO79.

Biocidal products with active substances listed in Annex 1 or 2 must additionally meet the requirements specified for the active substances in these lists.

If biocidal products contain active substances which are not listed in Annex 1 or 2 or included in the list of notified active substances, the active substances must meet the requirements specified in Articles 4 and 5 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

Biocidal products intended for direct application to the human body may only contain non-active substances designated by the FDHA as permissible for the category concerned in accordance with Article 54 FUO. 80 This does not exclude the presence of technically unavoidable residues, provided that they do not pose a health risk.

Biocidal products consisting of or containing genetically modified organisms must meet the requirements of the RO 81 .

Art. 11a82 Request for setting of limits

In connection with an application for authorisation, the applicant may submit a request to the Notification Authority for maximum levels, maximum concentrations or specific migration limits to be set for active substances for which none are specified in the legislation referred to in Article 11 paragraph 1 letter e.

The Notification Authority shall forward the request referred to in paragraph 1:

  1. for Article 11 paragraph 1 letter e number 1: to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO);
  2. for Article 11 paragraph 1 letter e number 2: to the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG).

Art. 11b83 Evaluation factors

The evaluation of whether a biocidal product meets the criteria specified in Article 11 paragraph 1 letter a shall take into account the following factors:

  1. realistic worst case conditions under which the biocidal product may be used;
  2. the way in which treated articles treated with or containing the biocidal product may be used;
  3. the consequences of use and disposal of the biocidal product;
  4. cumulative effects;
  5. synergistic effects.

Art. 11c84 Restriction of authorisation to particular uses

The Notification Authority shall only authorise a biocidal product for those uses for which the information required in accordance with Annex 5 is available.

Art. 11d85 Biocidal products for use by the general public

A biocidal product shall not be authorised for placing on the market for use by the general public if:

  1. it meets the criteria of the CLP Regulation86 in order to be classified as follows:871.acute oral toxicity category 1, 2 or 3,2.acute dermal toxicity category 1, 2 or 3,3.acute inhalation toxicity (gases and dust/mist) category 1, 2 or 3,4.acute inhalation toxicity (vapours) category 1 or 2,5.specific target organ toxicity by single or repeated exposure category 1,6.a category 1A or 1B carcinogen,7.a category 1A or 1B mutagen, or8.toxic for reproduction category 1A or 1B;
  2. it consists of, contains or generates a substance with properties meeting the criteria for being PBT or vPvB in accordance with Annex XIII to the REACH Regulation88;
  3. 89 it has endocrine-disrupting properties meeting the criteria specified in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/210090; or
  4. it has developmental neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects.

Art. 11e91 Exceptions to the requirements

A biocidal product which does not fully meet the conditions specified in Article 11 paragraph 1 letter a numbers 3 and 4 or which has the properties specified in Article 11 d letter b 92 may be authorised in exceptional cases where not authorising the biocidal product would result in disproportionate negative impacts for society when compared to the risks to human health, animal health or the environment arising from the use of the biocidal product under the conditions laid down in the authorisation.

The use of a biocidal product authorised in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures to ensure that exposure of humans and the environment to that biocidal product is minimised.

Art. 11f93 Special provisions for biocidal product families

A biocidal product family must be assessed according to the common principles specified in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 94 . The assessment must consider the maximum risks to human health, animal health and the environment and the minimum level of efficacy over the whole potential range of products within the biocidal product family.

A biocidal product family shall only be authorised if:

  1. the following are explicitly identified in the application:1.the maximum risks to human health, animal health and the environment, and the minimum level of efficacy, on which the applicant’s assessment is based, and2.the permitted variations in composition and uses referred to in Article 2 paragraph 2 letter b, together with the respective classification, hazard and precautionary statements and any appropriate risk mitigation measures; and
  2. it is evident from the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 that all the biocidal products within the family comply with the conditions specified in Article 11.

Art. 11g95 Comparative assessment of biocidal products with an active substance which is a candidate for substitution

In the examination of an application for authorisation of a biocidal product containing an active substance which is a candidate for substitution, the assessment authorities shall perform a comparative assessment in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 96 as part of the evaluation specified in Article 17.

The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall prohibit or restrict the placing on the market or the professional or commercial use of a biocidal product containing an active substance which is a candidate for substitution if the comparative assessment demonstrates that:

  1. for the uses specified in the application, another authorised biocidal product or a non-chemical control or prevention method already exists which presents a significantly lower overall risk for human health, animal health and the environment, is sufficiently effective and presents no other significant economic or practical disadvantages; and
  2. the chemical diversity of the active substances is adequate to minimise the occurrence of resistance in the harmful organism.

By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, a biocidal product may, in exceptional cases, be authorised without a comparative assessment if it is necessary to acquire experience first through using the product in practice.

Section 2b Conditions for Simplified Authorisation

Art. 11h

A biocidal product shall be authorised under a simplified procedure if the following conditions are met:

  1. all the active substances contained in the biocidal product are listed in Annex I and satisfy any restriction specified in that Annex;
  2. the biocidal product does not contain any substance of concern;
  3. the biocidal product does not contain any nanomaterials;
  4. the biocidal product is sufficiently effective;
  5. the handling of the biocidal product and its intended use do not require personal protective equipment.

Section 3 Conditions for Recognition, Authorisation AN and Authorisation for Parallel Trade

Art. 12 Recognition

An authorisation from a Member State of the EU or EFTA shall be recognised if there is nothing to suggest that the product could not also be authorised in Switzerland.

The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, may amend the conditions or requirements imposed with the authorisation in an EU or EFTA Member State on the basis of the evaluation in accordance with Article 17 or a comparative assessment in accordance with Article 11g, provided that such a measure can be justified on the following grounds:

  1. the protection of the environment;
  2. the protection of health and life of humans, particularly of vulnerable groups, or of animals or plants;
  3. public policy or public security;
  4. the protection of national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value; or
  5. the target organisms not being present in harmful quantities.

The labelling and safety data sheet must be adapted to the requirements set out in Articles 38 and 40.

Authorisations of biocidal products consisting of or containing genetically modified microorganisms shall not be recognised.

Article 14 a bis applies to the recognition of a Union authorisation.

Art. 13 Authorisation AN

A biocidal product shall be granted authorisation AN provided the applicant demonstrates that, according to the latest scientific and technical knowledge, and when used as intended:97

  1. no unacceptable effects on humans, animals or the environment are to be expected from it or its residues; and
  2. in the case of a wood preservative or a disinfectant: it is sufficiently effective.
  3. 2 It shall only be authorised for placing on the market for use by the general public if it has none of the properties mentioned in Article 11d.98

Art. 13a Authorisation for parallel trade

For a biocidal product which is authorised in an EU or EFTA Member State (state of origin), the Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall, on receiving an application to this effect, grant an authorisation for parallel trade if it determines that the biocidal product is identical to a biocidal product which it has already authorised (reference product).

For a biocidal product that is placed on the market in the state of origin with a notified active substance in accordance with the national provisions there, the Notification Authority shall, on receiving an application to this effect, grant an authorisation for parallel trade provided the applicant can demonstrate that the biocidal product is identical to a reference product. 99

A biocidal product shall be considered identical to the reference product if the following requirements are met:

  1. It has been manufactured by the same company, by an associated undertaking or under licence in accordance with the same manufacturing process.
  2. The products are identical in specification and content in respect of the active substances and the type of formulation.
  3. The products are identical in respect of the non-active substances present.
  4. The products are either the same or equivalent in packaging size, material or form, in terms of the potential adverse impact on human health, animal health or the environment.
  5. 3 The authorisation for parallel trade shall contain the same conditions for placing on the market and use as in the authorisation for the reference product.100

Section 3a Liability Guarantee for Biocidal Products with Microorganisms

Art. 13b

Anyone who wishes to place biocidal products consisting of or containing pathogenic microorganisms on the market must comply with the obligation to guarantee liability in accordance with Article 14 of the RO 101 .

Section 3b Declaration Requirements for Biocidal Products from the EU or EFTA Authorised under the Simplified Procedure and for Biocidal Product Families

Art. 13c Biocidal products from the EU or EFTA authorised under the simplified procedure

Anyone who professionally or commercially imports biocidal products which have been authorised in an EU or EFTA Member State under the simplified procedure specified in Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 102 must declare the trade name and the authorisation number to the Notification Authority at least 30 days before placing them on the market for the first time.

Art. 13d Biocidal products within a biocidal product family

The holder of an authorisation for a biocidal product family must declare to the Notification Authority each product within the biocidal product family at least 30 days before placing it on the market for the first time.

The declaration must indicate the exact composition, the trade name, the authorisation number for the biocidal product family and if applicable a unique formula identifier (UFI) in accordance with Article 14 a . 103

Declaration is not required if:

  1. a particular product is explicitly identified in the authorisation for the biocidal product family; or
  2. the variation in composition concerns only pigments, perfumes and dyes within the variations permitted according to the authorisation, unless the variation is associated with a change in the trade name.

Section 3c Record-keeping and Declaration Requirements for Research and Development

Art. 13e Record-keeping requirements for research and development

Anyone who, for purposes of research and development, handles unauthorised biocidal products or non-approved active substances for use in biocidal products must keep records detailing the following:

  1. identity of the biocidal products or active substances;
  2. labelling data;
  3. quantities supplied;
  4. name and address of the person receiving the biocidal products or active substances;
  5. all available data concerning possible effects on humans, animals or the environment.

The records shall be made available to the Notification Authority on request.

The Notification Authority may, if necessary, request further information.

Art. 13f Declaration requirements for handling in release tests

Anyone who, for purposes of research and development, handles unauthorised biocidal products or non-approved active substances for use in biocidal products in such a way that they may be released into the environment must declare this to the Notification Authority 45 days before they are so handled for the first time.

The declaration must include the records specified in Article 13 e paragraph 1.

If the proposed release tests could have unacceptable effects on humans, particularly on vulnerable groups, on animals or on the environment, the Notification Authority may:

  1. make the conduct of the test subject to conditions, concerning in particular:1.the duration of experiments or tests,2.the maximum quantities to be used,3.restriction of the area of use;
  2. prohibit the test.

If the biocidal products or active substances under investigation are genetically modified or pathogenic microorganisms, or if they contain such microorganisms, the procedure shall be based on the RO 104 .

Section 4 Procedure for Applications for Authorisations

Art. 14 General provisions

An application for authorisation of a biocidal product must be submitted to the Notification Authority.

The content of the application shall be in accordance with the following Annexes:

  1. for applications for authorisation AL or AnL: Annex 5;
  2. for applications for simplified authorisation: Annex 6;
  3. for applications for recognition: Annex 7;
  4. for applications for authorisation AN: Annex 8;
  5. for applications for authorisation for parallel trade: Annex 8a.

An application for authorisation of a biocidal product consisting of or containing genetically modified microorganisms must additionally comply with the requirements of the RO 105 .

The application and documents must be submitted:

  1. in the electronic format specified by the Notification Authority;
  2. in an official language or in English; if the application concerns a biocidal product consisting of or containing genetically modified or pathogenic microorganisms, at least the summary of the application must be written in an official language.

The Notification Authority may, at the request of an assessment authority, require the provision of models or drafts of the packaging, labelling or leaflets.

Art. 14a106 Unique formula identifier

Applications under Article 14 paragraph 2 letters a, c, d and e must, if the biocidal product must be labelled in accordance with Article 38 a with a UFI or already has a UFI, also indicate the UFI in addition to the information specified in Article 14.

The UFI is generated in accordance with Article 15 a paragraph 2 ChemO 107 .

If no UFI is available when the application is submitted, it must be communicated to the Notification Authority no later than 30 days before the product is placed on the market for the first time.

In the case of applications for the recognition of authorisation, the information required in connection with the UFI under Annex VIII of the EU CLP Regulation must be submitted to the Notification Authority in the electronic format that it specifies at least 30 days before the product is placed on the market for the first time.

Art. 14abis108 Recognition of a Union authorisation

For the recognition of a Union authorisation, the same regulations apply as for the recognition of an authorisation from an EU or EFTA Member State, unless the Union authorisations are the subject of an international treaty with the EU.

If the Union authorisations are the subject of an international treaty with the EU, and if the data specified in Article 14b paragraph 3 letter b is accessible to the Notification Authority, the following provisions apply for the recognition of a Union authorisation:

  1. An application submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for the granting, renewal, amendment or withdrawal of a Union authorisation shall be considered to have been submitted to the Notification Authority at the same time.
  2. The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall take a decision on the application within 30 days after the adoption of a decision by the European Commission; it shall be guided by the European Commission’s decision, having regard to the criteria specified in Article 12 paragraph 2.

If a biocidal product has a UFI, the Notification Authority must be notified at least 30 days before the product is placed on the market for the first time of:

  1. the UFI;
  2. the information required in connection with the UFI under Annex VIII of the EU CLP Regulation in the electronic format that the Notification Authority specifies.109

Art. 14b Waiving of data requirements

Data which it is not scientifically necessary to supply or which it is not technically possible to generate need not be provided. The justification for adaptations to data requirements shall be stated in the application.

The FDHA, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, shall define when the waiving of data requirements is justified on the basis of likely exposure; in so doing, it shall take into consideration delegated acts adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Article 21 paragraph 3 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 110 .

The Notification Authority shall indicate the data which does not need to be provided because:

  1. it has been published by the ECHA; or
  2. it is accessible to the Notification Authority under an international treaty.

Art. 15 Identical biocidal products

A biocidal product that is the same as a biocidal product which has already been granted authorisation A N , A C , A L or recognition, or for which an application to this effect is pending, may be authorised as an identical biocidal product under a special procedure.

The FDHA may, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, specify the details of the procedure referred to in paragraph 1; in so doing, it shall take into consideration any implementing act adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Article 17 paragraph 7 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 111 .

If the applicant is not identical with the holder of the authorisation for the same biocidal product already authorised, or with the submitter of a pending application, then the applicant must submit a letter of access under the procedure referred to in paragraph 1.

Art. 16 Advance on costs, validation and forwarding

The Notification Authority shall require the applicant to pay an advance on costs.

Upon receipt of the advance on costs, the Notification Authority shall verify, within the set time limit (Art. 19 para. 1 let. a and b), if necessary in consultation with the assessment authorities, whether the application is complete (validation), without assessing the quality or the adequacy of the data or justifications submitted.

If the application is incomplete, it shall, after consulting the applicant, set a reasonable time limit for the submission of additional information. This time limit shall not normally exceed 90 days.

It shall validate the additional information submitted, if necessary in consultation with the assessment authorities, within the set time limit (Art. 19 para. 1 let. c).

After validation, it shall forward the application with the complete documentation to the assessment authorities .

If the application concerns a biocidal product consisting of or containing genetically modified microorganisms, it shall conduct the authorisation procedure itself, taking account of the RO 112 .

Art. 17 Evaluation

The assessment authorities shall evaluate the documents within their area of responsibility as follows:

  1. documents for ALand AnL authorisations and simplified authorisations, and for recognitions: according to the principles specified in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012113;
  2. documents for the evaluation of Union authorisations that are submitted to the Notification Authority on the basis of international agreement: under the provisions of Articles 43–46 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 354/2013114; this also applies to the evaluation of amendments and extensions to Union authorisations;
  3. 115 documents for the evaluation of an active substance that are submitted to the Notification Authority on the basis of international agreement: under the provisions of Chapters II and III of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and Chapter II of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1062/2014116; the foregoing also applies when evaluating the extension of the approval of an active substance;
  4. 117 documents for ZN authorisations: from the point of view of whether the active substance is suitable for the use and product type applied for; in the event of increased risk or in other justified cases, an assessment shall be carried out in accordance with letter d;
  5. other documents: according to the latest scientific and technical knowledge.118

... 119

For biocidal products containing an active substance which is a candidate for substitution, the assessment authorities shall perform a comparative assessment as specified in Article 11g.

The assessment authorities shall inform the Notification Authority of the results of their evaluation.

In the case of applications for authorisation A L , A nL and simplified authorisation, the Notification Authority, after validation, shall, in consultation with the assessment authorities, within the set time limit (Art. 19 para. 1 let. d–j), prepare an assessment report summarising the conclusions of the evaluation and the reasons for granting or refusing to grant authorisation.

Where it appears that additional information is necessary to carry out the evaluation, the Notification Authority shall ask the applicant to submit such information within a specified time limit. The Notification Authority may ask the applicant to provide samples, if this is necessary for the evaluation.

The Notification Authority shall send the draft assessment report to the applicant and provide him with the opportunity to submit comments within 30 days.

Art. 18

Repealed

Art. 19 Time limits for processing

Subject to receipt of the advance on costs, the Notification Authority shall take a decision, without undue delay and at the latest within the following time limits, on:

  1. validation of an application for authorisation AL or AnL:

30 days
  1. validation of an application for recognition:

30 days
  1. validation of additional information for an application for authorisation AL or AnL:

30 days
  1. evaluation of an application for authorisation AL:

365 days
  1. evaluation of an application for authorisation AnL:

550 days
  1. evaluation of an application for recognition:

90 days
  1. evaluation of an application for recognition in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012120 after receipt of the draft assessment report from the reference Member State:

120 days
  1. evaluation of an application for simplified authorisation:

90 days
  1. evaluation of an application for authorisation for parallel trade:

60 days
  1. evaluation of an application for authorisation AN:

60 days
  1. assessment of whether, for the renewal of an authorisation AL or AnL, a full evaluation as specified in Article 26 paragraph 5 is required:

90 days
  1. full evaluation for the renewal of an authorisation AL or AnL:

365 days
  1. non-full evaluation for the renewal of an authorisation AL or AnL:

180 days

For biocidal products for which authorisation is not required, as specified in Article 3 paragraph 3, the Notification Authority shall, if necessary, issue an opinion within the following time limits:

  1. biocidal products authorised under a simplified procedure in an EU or EFTA Member State:

30 days
  1. biocidal products within an authorised biocidal product family:

30 days
  1. biocidal products released for purposes of research and development:

45 days

If the Notification Authority asks for additional documents, the time limit «clock» shall be stopped until the additional information has been submitted. Altogether, the clock shall be stopped for no more than 180 days, unless a longer period is justified on account of the type of additional information requested or exceptional circumstances.

The FDHA may, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, specify further time limits for processing. Otherwise, the limits specified in the Ordinance of 25 May 2011 121 on Principles and Time Limits for Authorisation Procedures apply.

Art. 20 Ruling

The Notification Authority shall decide on authorisation in the form of a ruling.

The ruling, except in the case of an authorisation AN, shall include:

  1. the conditions for the placing on the market and use of the biocidal product;
  2. a summary of the biocidal product characteristics, comprising:1.the trade name of the biocidal product,2.the name and address of the authorisation holder,3.the date of the authorisation and the date of its expiry,4.the product type and, where relevant, an exact description of the authorised use,5.the categories of users,6.the Swiss authorisation number, together with, in the case of a biocidal product family, the suffixes to apply to individual biocidal products within the biocidal product family,7.the name and address of the manufacturer of the biocidal product and of the active substances it contains, including details of the manufacturing sites,8.the type of formulation of the biocidal product, and the qualitative and quantitative composition in terms of the active substances and non-active substances, knowledge of which is essential for proper use of biocidal products; in the case of a biocidal product family, a minimum and maximum percentage shall be indicated for each active and non-active substance, where the minimum percentage indicated for certain substances may be 0%,9.the hazard and precautionary statements,10.the target harmful organisms,11.the application doses and instructions for use,12.the particulars of likely direct or indirect adverse effects,13.first aid instructions and emergency measures to protect the environment,14.instructions for safe disposal of the product and its packaging,15.conditions of storage and shelf-life of the biocidal product under normal conditions of storage,16.where relevant, other information about the biocidal product;
  3. information on the amount of fees.

The ruling for an authorisation AN shall include:

  1. the conditions for the placing on the market and use of the biocidal product;
  2. the trade name of the biocidal product;
  3. the name and address of the authorisation holder;
  4. the date of the authorisation and the date of its expiry;
  5. the Swiss authorisation number;
  6. the product type and, where relevant, an exact description of the authorised use;
  7. the categories of users;
  8. the name and address of the manufacturer of the biocidal product and of the active substances it contains;
  9. each active substance and its content in the product;
  10. where relevant, other information or details of the safety data sheet;
  11. information on the amount of fees;
  12. where relevant, other information.

Art. 21 Obligation to report unexpected effects

The holder of an authorisation must spontaneously and immediately report to the Notification Authority any new information concerning the biocidal product or the active substances it contains which could affect the authorisation, and in particular:

  1. new findings on the adverse effects of any active substance or of the biocidal product for humans, in particular vulnerable groups, animals or the environment;
  2. development of resistance;
  3. new data or information indicating that the biocidal product is not sufficiently effective.

Art. 22122 Listing of a notified active substance in Annex 1 or 2

Where the European Commission approves a notified active substance or its inclusion in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 123 and if the FOPH in agreement with the FOEN and SECO approves the listing of this notified active substance in Annex 1 or 2, the Notification Authority shall immediately inform the holder of an authorisation A N or A C for a biocidal product with this active substance accordingly, provided this is the last notified active substance in the biocidal product.

The holder of the authorisation for this biocidal product must, by the date of the inclusion of the last active substance, submit to the Notification Authority:

  1. an application for:1.authorisation AL,2.simplified authorisation,3.recognition in parallel in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, or4.authorisation as the same biocidal product, if an application for authorisation AL or for recognition in parallel is pending for an identical product; or
  2. evidence that authorisation under letter a or Union authorisation is being sought.

Art. 23 Review

The Notification Authority may review an authorisation at any time.

It shall carry out a review if:

  1. it receives new information in accordance with Article 21;
  2. there are indications that the conditions for authorisation specified in Article 11 or 11b are no longer met.

Either on its own initiative or at the request of an assessment authority, it shall ask the holder for additional information, documents or investigations which are required for the review.

Art. 24 Amendment

The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall amend an authorisation if:

  1. 124 the conditions for authorisation specified in Article 11 or 11b or in Section 3 are no longer met;
  2. the authorisation was granted on the basis of false or misleading information;
  3. after the authorisation was granted, the holder failed to comply with the obligations arising from this Ordinance.
  4. 125 a review in accordance with Article 9 paragraph 3 of the Waters Protection Act of 24 January 1991126 indicates that an amendment is required in order that the limits specified are no longer repeatedly and widely exceeded.

It shall amend an authorisation at the reasoned request of the authorisation holder. Such amendments shall be handled in accordance with the following procedures:

  1. administrative change: under a simplified notification procedure;
  2. minor change: under a procedure with a reduced evaluation period;
  3. major change: under a procedure with an evaluation period proportionate to the extent of the proposed change.

The FDHA, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, shall specify the details of the procedures referred to in paragraph 2; in so doing, it shall take into consideration the implementing act adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 127 .

Art. 25 Cancellation

For cancellation, the conditions specified in Article 24 paragraph 1 and 2 apply. 128

... 129

The Notification Authority may, in consultation with the assessment authorities, withdraw an authorisation for parallel trade if the authorisation of the biocidal product is cancelled in the state of origin for reasons of efficacy or safety .

Art. 26 Renewal

The holder of an authorisation may apply for renewal. 130

The application for renewal must be submitted to the Notification Authority:

  1. 550 days before the expiry of an authorisation AL or AnL;
  2. 2 months before the expiry of a simplified authorisation;
  3. 131 550 days before the expiry of a recognition;
  4. 1 month before the expiry of an authorisation for exceptional situations.

For the renewal of an authorisation AL or AnL, the application must include the following:

  1. all the data required in accordance with Annex 5 which the applicant has generated since the initial authorisation or, where appropriate, previous renewal;
  2. the applicant’s assessment of whether the conclusions of the initial or, where appropriate, previous assessment remain valid and any supporting information.

The Notification Authority shall review the existing authorisation. In order to assess the risks of the biocidal product, it may ask the applicant to provide samples or additional information.

For authorisations A L or A nL , the Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall decide within the set time limit (Art. 19 para. 1 let. k) whether a full evaluation is required in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 5 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 132 , and it shall issue a ruling within the set time limit (Art. 19 para. 1 let. l and m), taking into account, where applicable, a comparative assessment carried out in accordance with Article 11 g .

It may extend the period of validity of an existing authorisation until the final decision on renewal has been taken.

For renewals, the maximum periods of validity specified in Article 8 paragraph 1 apply.

The Notification Authority may renew an authorisation A N or A C if the evaluation of an application is delayed under Article 22 paragraph 2. 133

Authorisations A nL based on an evaluation and recommendation of an EU or EFTA Member State cannot be renewed.

The FDHA may, in consultation with DETEC and the EAER, regulate the procedure for the renewal of recognitions; in doing so, it shall take account of delegated acts adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Article 40 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. 134

Section 4a Sales Deadlines following the Amendment, Revocation or Expiry of the Authorisation

Art. 26a

If the Notification Authority revokes or does not extend an authorisation or if the time limit for the authorisation under Article 8 has expired, the Notification Authority shall grant the following sales deadlines, provided no unacceptable effects on humans, animals or the environment are anticipated:

  1. The biocidal product may remain on the market following the revocation, non-extension or expiry of its authorisation for no more than 360 days.
  2. The biocidal product may be supplied to end consumers for no more than 360 further days.

The Notification Authority shall prohibit the professional or commercial use of a biocidal product following the revocation, non-extension or expiry of its authorisation if unacceptable effects on humans, animals or the environment are anticipated.

If an authorisation is amended, the biocidal product may remain on the market with the same labelling and be supplied to end consumers following the amendment of the authorisation for the periods set out in paragraph 1.

Section 5 Use of Data from Previous Applicants and Data Protection Period

Art. 27135 Use of other owners’ data

The Notification Authority shall waive the requirement for data from the applicant and rely on the owner’s data if:

  1. the applicant presents a letter of access from the data owner; or
  2. the data protection period has expired.

For all data submitted, the applicant shall indicate to the Notification Authority whether it is the data owner or is authorised to use the data on the basis of a letter of access.

If a letter of access is held, the applicant shall also indicate to the Notification Authority the name and address of the data owner.

The applicant shall inform the Notification Authority without delay about any changes to the ownership of the data.

Anyone who holds a letter of access to active substance data may allow applicants for authorisation of a biocidal product containing this active substance to make reference to this letter of access.

The provisions of this Section are without prejudice to the rules of competition law and intellectual property law.

Art. 27a136 Letter of access

A letter of access must contain at least the following information:

  1. 137 the name and contact details of the data owner and the beneficiary;
  2. the name of the active substance or biocidal product for which access to the data is authorised;
  3. the date on which the letter of access takes effect;
  4. a list of the submitted data to which reference may be made on the basis of the letter of access.

Revocation of a letter of access shall not affect the validity of the authorisation issued on the basis of the letter of access.

Art. 28138 Data protection period

For data submitted to the Notification Authority in accordance with this Ordinance, the following protection periods apply:

  1. for data submitted with a view to the approval of an existing active substance: 10 years from the first day of the month following the date of the approval of the relevant active substance for the particular product type by the European Commission in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012139;
  2. for data submitted with a view to the approval of a new active substance: 15 years from the first day of the month following the date of the approval of the relevant active substance for the particular product type by the European Commission in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  3. for data submitted with a view to the renewal or review of the approval of a new active substance: 5 years from the first day of the month following the date of the renewal or review of the approval by the European Commission in accordance with Article 14 paragraph 4 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  4. for data submitted with a view to the authorisation of a biocidal product containing only existing active substances: 10 years from the first day of the month following the date of the authorisation by the Notification Authority or by the competent authority in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  5. for data submitted with a view to the authorisation of a biocidal product containing a new active substance: 15 years from the first day of the month following the date of the authorisation by the Notification Authority or by the competent authority in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  6. for data submitted with a view to the renewal or amendment of the authorisation of a biocidal product: 5 years from the first day of the month following the date of the authorisation by the Notification Authority or the date of the decision concerning the renewal or amendment of the authorisation by the competent authority in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

The protection period shall start when data is submitted for the first time.

It cannot be renewed.

By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the data protection periods for existing active substances listed in combination with a product type in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1062/2014 140 – including data not involving tests on vertebrates – but for which a decision on inclusion in Annex I to Directive 98/8/EC 141 was not taken before 1 September 2013 shall expire no later than 31 December 2025. 142

Art. 29144 Obligation to make advance enquiries so as to avoid tests on vertebrates143

For the applicant’s obligation to make advance enquiries so as to avoid tests on vertebrates, Article 31 paragraph 1 and Article 32 paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of the ChemO 145 apply mutatis mutandis ; where reference is made in the ChemO to the notification of a substance, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the authorisation of a biocidal product, and where reference is made in the ChemO to the previous notifiers, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the data owners. 146

When making advance enquiries, the applicant must provide evidence that he intends to apply for an authorisation himself.

Art. 29a147 Compensation for data sharing

The applicant and the data owner shall make every effort to reach an agreement on the sharing of the data to be used in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 3 letter a of the ChemO 148 . 149

The parties may seek an arbitrator’s opinion.

The Notification Authority shall be bound by the arbitrator’s opinion unless, within 30 days, the parties raise objections in accordance with Article 189 paragraph 3 of the Civil Procedure Code 150 .

If no agreement can be reached between the parties, the applicant shall inform the Notification Authority accordingly, at the earliest one month after receipt of the information specified in Article 31 paragraph 3 letter b of the ChemO. At the same time, the applicant shall inform the data owner. 151

At the earliest 60 days after being informed by the applicant, the Notification Authority shall inform the parties that it will use the data for the benefit of the applicant, provided that the latter can demonstrate that he:

  1. has made every effort to reach an agreement; and
  2. has paid the owner a share of the costs incurred in producing the data or has undertaken to do so via a signed acknowledgement of indebtedness.

At the request of the owner, the Notification Authority shall determine the appropriate level of compensation, taking into account the acknowledgment of indebtedness issued by or the payment already made by the applicant.

In deciding on the level of compensation for data sharing, the Notification Authority shall ensure that due consideration is given to the principles of fairness, transparency and non-discrimination.

Art. 29b152 Use of data for subsequent applications

If the protection period specified in Article 28 has expired, the applicant may request that the data from an existing authorisation be used by the Notification Authority for his benefit, if he provides evidence:

  1. where the protection period has expired for data on the active substance used: that it is technically equivalent to the active substance in a biocidal product already authorised, including the degree of purity and the nature of any impurities;
  2. where the protection period has expired for data on the biocidal product:1.that it is the same as the biocidal product already authorised, or2.that the differences are not significant in relation to the risk assessment and the active substances are technically equivalent as defined in letter a.

The Notification Authority shall issue a general ruling, published in the Federal Gazette. It shall inform the holder of the existing authorisation and, if known, the owner of the data on the active substance or the biocidal product.

Depending on the particular case, the applicant shall submit the following data to the Notification Authority:

  1. all the data required for the identification of the biocidal product, including its composition;
  2. the data required to identify the active substance and to establish technical equivalence;
  3. the data required to demonstrate that the biocidal product is comparable to the authorised biocidal product with regard to risks and efficacy.

Section 6 Derogations

Art. 30 Authorisation of biocidal products to control an unforeseen danger

In order to control an unforeseen danger which cannot be contained by other means, the Notification Authority may, in consultation with the assessment authorities, authorise certain biocidal products for limited and controlled use in derogation from the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 and Sections 2–4 of this Chapter. The foregoing does not apply to biocidal products that are or contain genetically modified micro-organisms.

Biocidal products authorised under paragraph 1 may, in derogation from the provisions of Article 38 paragraph 2 letter b, be labelled solely in the official language of the place of use or in English.

With regard to biocidal products consisting of or containing pathogenic microorganisms, the requirements of the ContainO 153 and the RO 154 must additionally be met for authorisation under paragraph 1.

Art. 30a Provisional authorisation of biocidal products that contain an as yet unapproved active substance

The Notification Authority may in agreement with the assessment authorities provisionally authorise a biocidal product that contains an active substance that has yet to be approved. The provisional authorisation shall be granted if:

  1. 155 the applicant for the as yet unapproved active substance submits a recommendation from an EU or EFTA member state that the active substance be approved; and
  2. the assessment authorities, having regard to Article 11b, take the view that the biocidal product provisionally meets the requirements of Article 11 paragraph 1 letters a–c.

The Notification Authority shall revoke the provisional authorisation if the European Commission decides not to approve the active substance.

Art. 30b Authorisation of biocidal products to protect cultural heritage

Where it is essential for the protection of cultural heritage and if there is no suitable alterative available, the Notification Authority may in agreement with the assessment authorities authorise a biocidal product that contains an active substance that has not been approved.

Chapter 2a Declaration Requirement for Quantities of Biocidal Products placed on the Market

Art. 30c

Any person who places a biocidal product on the market for the first time must declare the following data to the Notification Authority for each year by 31 May of the following year at the latest:

  1. name, address, email address and telephone number;
  2. trade name and Swiss authorisation number for the biocidal product;
  3. quantity placed on the market;
  4. the active substances that the biocidal product contains and their concentration;
  5. the product type of the biocidal product in accordance with Annex 10.

The declaration must be made in the electronic format stipulated by the Notification Authority.

Chapter 3 Treated Articles

Art. 31 Placing on the market

A treated article shall not be placed on the market unless all active substances contained in the biocidal products that it was treated with or incorporates:

  1. are listed in Annex 2 for the relevant product type and use, or in Annex 1, and any conditions or restrictions specified therein are met; or
  2. are employed in a biocidal product granted authorisation AnL for the relevant use.

Active substances in a biocidal product in accordance with paragraph 1 letter b must be appropriately included in the list specified in Article 9 paragraph 5 156 .

Paragraph 1 does not apply to treated articles where the sole treatment undertaken was the fumigation or disinfection of premises or containers used for storage or transport and where no residues are expected to remain from such treatment.

Art. 31a Labelling

Anyone who is responsible for the placing on the market of treated articles must:

  1. label them in accordance with Article 58 paragraphs 3, 4 and 6 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012157; and
  2. include in the instructions for use the relevant information specified in the ORRChem158.

The labelling must be in at least one official language of the place where the treated article is placed on the market. 159

Art. 31b Additional obligations

Anyone who is responsible for the placing on the market of treated articles must, on request, provide consumers with information on the biocidal treatment of the treated articles within 45 days.

The duty of care specified in Article 41 paragraphs 1 and 2 applies mutatis mutandis .

The above provisions are without prejudice to the restrictions specified in the ORRChem 160 .

Art. 32

Repealed

Chapter 4 Manufacturing and Commercial Secrecy, Privacy and Safety of the Person Concerned

Art. 33 Confidentiality

The applicant must identify any data which, in his view, is subject to manufacturing and commercial secrecy, or whose disclosure would jeopardise the privacy or safety of the person concerned, and is therefore to be treated as confidential. A detailed justification must be provided.

The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall decide which data is to be treated as confidential.

Disclosure of the following data shall normally be deemed to undermine the protection of the commercial interests or the privacy or safety of the person concerned:

  1. details of the full composition of a biocidal product;
  2. the precise tonnage of the active substance or biocidal product manufactured or placed on the market;
  3. links:1.between the manufacturer of an active substance and the applicant for or holder of the authorisation of a biocidal product, or2.between the applicant for or holder of the authorisation of a biocidal product and the persons responsible for distribution of the product;
  4. names and addresses of persons involved in testing on vertebrates.

Data on biocidal products and active substances which is classified as confidential by the Notification Authority shall be treated as confidential by the enforcement authorities in accordance with Articles 73–76 of the ChemO 161 . 162

Data for the recognition of an authorisation which is classified as confidential by an EU or EFTA Member State, or by the ECHA, shall be treated as confidential.

Access to data on biocidal products or active substances consisting of, containing or obtained from genetically modified microorganisms is governed by Article 18 of the GTA.

Art. 34 Exclusion of confidentiality

After authorisation has been granted, the following information shall not be treated as confidential under any circumstances:

  1. the name and address of the applicant;
  2. the name and address of the biocidal product manufacturer;
  3. the name and address of the active substance manufacturer;
  4. the content of the active substances in the biocidal product;
  5. the name of the biocidal product;
  6. physical and chemical data concerning the biocidal product;
  7. a summary of the results of the tests required to establish the efficacy of the active substance or the biocidal product, effects on humans, animals and the environment, and, where applicable, resistance-promoting properties;
  8. analytical methods which can reliably determine active substances as specified in Article 11 paragraph 1 letter b;
  9. any methods for rendering the active substance or biocidal product harmless;
  10. recommended methods and precautions to reduce dangers from handling, transport and use, as well as from fire or other hazards;
  11. procedures to be followed and measures to be taken in the event of spillage or leakage;
  12. first aid and medical advice to be given in the event of injury to persons;
  13. methods for disposal of the biocidal product and its packaging;
  14. information contained in the safety data sheet.

The publication of non-confidential data on biocidal products is governed by Article 73 paragraph 6 of the ChemO 163 . 164

Chapter 5 Classification, Packaging, Denaturation, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet

Art. 35165 Classification

Articles 6 and 7 of the ChemO 166 apply mutatis mutandis to the classification of biocidal products and of active substances for use in biocidal products; where the ChemO refers to the manufacturer, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the applicant.

Where appropriate, the information included in the ruling referred to in Article 20 shall be taken into account.

Art. 36167 Packaging

Biocidal products and active substances for use in biocidal products must be packaged in accordance with Articles 8 and 9 of the ChemO168 mutatis mutandis. Where the ChemO refers:169

  1. to the manufacturer, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the authorisation holder;
  2. to dangerous substances and preparations, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as all biocidal products and active substances for use in biocidal products.

Where appropriate, the information included in the ruling referred to in Article 20 shall be taken into account.

Biocidal products which may be mistaken for foodstuffs within the meaning of the Foodstuffs Act of 20 June 2014 170 or for animal feedstuffs within the meaning of Article 3 paragraph 1 of the Feedstuffs Ordinance of 26 May 1999 171 must be packaged to minimise the likelihood of such a mistake being made. 172

Art. 37 Denaturation

Biocidal products which may be mistaken for foodstuffs or animal feedstuffs and which are available to the general public must contain components to discourage their consumption.

Art. 38173 Labelling

The label must not be misleading in respect of the risks from the biocidal product to human health, animal health or the environment or its efficacy. It must not, in any case, mention the indications «low-risk biocidal product», «non-toxic», «harmless», «natural», «environmentally friendly», «animal friendly» or similar indications.

Biocidal products and active substances for use in biocidal products must be labelled:174

  1. in accordance with the summary of the biocidal product characteristics referred to in Article 20 paragraph 2 letter b; and
  2. in accordance with Articles 10, 11 and 93 paragraph 1 letter b of the ChemO175 mutatis mutandis; where the ChemO refers:1761.to the manufacturer, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the authorisation holder,2.to dangerous substances and preparations, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as all biocidal products and active substances for use in biocidal products.

In addition to the details specified in paragraph 2, the following must be indicated on the label:177

  1. the identity of every active substance and its concentration in metric units;
  2. the Swiss authorisation number;
  3. 178 the type of formulation;
  4. the uses for which the biocidal product is authorised;
  5. directions for use; in particular, for each use provided for under the terms of the ruling, the following are to be specified:1.the frequency of application,2.the dose rate, expressed in metric units, in a manner which is meaningful and comprehensible to the user;
  6. particulars of likely direct or indirect adverse side effects and any directions for first aid;
  7. the nanomaterials contained in the product, if any, and any specific related risks, and, following each reference to nanomaterials, the word «nano» in brackets;
  8. if accompanied by a leaflet: the sentence «Read attached instructions before use» and, where applicable, warnings for vulnerable groups;
  9. directions for the safe disposal of the biocidal product and its packaging, including, where relevant, any prohibition on the reuse of packaging;
  10. the formulation batch number or designation;
  11. the expiry date relevant to normal conditions of storage;
  12. where applicable, the following details:1.the time to onset of the biocidal effect,2.the interval to be observed between applications of the biocidal product,3.the interval to be observed between application and the next use of the product treated, or the next access by humans or animals to the area where the biocidal product has been used, including particulars concerning:–decontamination means and measures and duration of necessary ventilation of treated areas–adequate cleaning of equipment–precautionary measures during use and transport.

Where applicable, the following must also be indicated:

  1. the categories of users;
  2. information on any specific danger to the environment, particularly concerning protection of non-target organisms and avoidance of contamination of water;
  3. for biocidal products consisting of or containing microorganisms: labelling requirements in accordance with Directive 2000/54/EC179.

Where this is necessary because of the size or the function of the biocidal product, the information specified in paragraph 3 letters c, e, f and i–l and paragraph 4 letter b must be indicated as follows:

  1. on the packaging; or
  2. in an accompanying leaflet contained in the packaging.180

... 181

Art. 38a182 Labelling of specific biocidal products classified as dangerous

Where a biocidal product is placed on the market that is classified as dangerous within the meaning of Article 3 ChemO 183 because of the physical or health hazards it presents, the authorisation holder must not only indicate the information in accordance with Article 38 paragraphs 2–4 but also the UFI in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 a paragraphs 3 and 4 ChemO.

Art. 39185 Labelling for genetically modified microorganisms184

In addition to the requirements specified in Article 38, biocidal products consisting of or containing genetically modified microorganisms must be appropriately labelled.

One of the following descriptions must be used for the labelling:

  1. «aus gentechnisch verändertem X/produit à partir de X modifié par génie génétique/da X modificato/a con tecnologia genetica»; or
  2. «aus genetisch verändertem X/produit à partir de X génétiquement modifié/da X geneticamente modificato/a».

The information specified in Article 38 paragraph 4 letter b shall be indicated on the label. The other information shall be indicated in accordance with Article 38 paragraph 5 letter a or b, depending on the conditions met.

No labelling is required for biocidal products containing unintentional traces of approved genetically modified microorganisms accounting for less than 0.1 per cent by mass.

Art. 40186 Safety data sheet

For biocidal products and for active substances for use in biocidal products, safety data sheets must, if applicable, be compiled, provided and updated in accordance with Articles 5 and 18–22 of the ChemO 187 mutatis mutandis ; where the ChemO refers to the manufacturer, this shall be understood for the purposes of this Ordinance as the authorisation holder. 188

For active substances included in the lists specified in Article 9 paragraph 1 letters a–c, the exposure scenarios referred to in Article 20 paragraph 2 of the ChemO need not be attached.

Art. 40a189 Documentation and samples

The manufacturer of a biocidal product shall maintain, in relation to the manufacturing process, appropriate documentation in paper or electronic format relevant for the quality and safety of the biocidal product to be placed on the market.

The documentation shall include as a minimum:

  1. safety data sheets and specifications of active substances and other ingredients used for manufacturing the biocidal product;
  2. records of the various manufacturing operations performed;
  3. results of internal quality controls;
  4. identification of production batches.

The manufacturer shall store production batch samples.

  1. 4 The documentation and the samples must be retained in accordance with Article 45 paragraph 2 of the ChemO190.191
  2. 5 Safety data sheets must be retained in accordance with Article 23 ChemO.192

Chapter 6 Handling of Biocidal Products

Art. 41 Duty of care

Anyone handling a biocidal product and its wastes must use them properly and ensure that they cannot endanger humans, animals or the environment.

Proper use shall involve the rational application of a combination of physical, biological, chemical or other measures as appropriate, whereby the use of biocidal products is limited to the minimum necessary and appropriate precautionary steps are taken. 193

The information given on the packaging and safety data sheet and the instructions for use must be taken into account.

The biocidal product must be used only for the intended purpose. Only equipment which allows the biocidal product to be applied correctly and in a targeted manner may be used.

... 194

Art. 42196 Storage

Articles 57 and 62 of the ChemO 197 apply mutatis mutandis to the storage of biocidal products.

Art. 43198 Supply

For the supply of biocidal products, the following apply:

  1. the terms of the ruling referred to in Article 20;
  2. Articles 58, 59 and 63–66 of the ChemO199 mutatis mutandis.

For biocidal products that meet the criteria specified in Article 11 d letter a, Article 64 paragraph 1, Article 65 paragraph 1 and Article 66 paragraph 1 letter a of the ChemO apply mutatis mutandis . 200

Art. 44 Take-back and return obligations

Anyone who places biocidal products on the market must take back from the user any biocidal products supplied which are no longer being used and must dispose of them appropriately; biocidal products supplied retail must be taken back free of charge.

The obligation to return biocidal products is regulated by Number 5 of Annex 2.4 to the ORRChem 201 .

Art. 45202 Theft, loss or erroneous placing on the market

Article 67 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the ChemO 203 apply mutatis mutandis to the theft or loss of biocidal products whose labelling contains an element specified in number 1.2 letter a or b, or number 2.2 letter a or b, of Annex 5 to the ChemO.

Article 67 paragraphs 3 and 4 of the ChemO apply mutatis mutandis to the erroneous placing on the market of biocidal products.

Art. 47205 Restrictions on use

The restrictions specified in Article 13 of the RO 206 apply to biocidal products consisting of or containing pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition, the restrictions and obligations specified in Annex 2.4 to the ORRChem 207 apply to biocidal products of product types 2,6, 7, 8, 10, 14 and 21. 208

Art. 48 Authorisation for use

An authorisation is required for the use of certain biocidal products; the provisions are set out in Articles 4–6 of the ORRChem 209 .

Art. 49210 Certificate

Anyone who uses biocidal products as specified in Article 7 paragraph 1 letter a numbers 2–4 and paragraph 2 of the ORRChem 211 requires a certificate in accordance with Articles 7–12 of the ORRChem.

Art. 50212 Advertising

Biocidal products must not be promoted unless they:

  1. are authorised; or
  2. are placed on the market or used in accordance with Article 3 paragraph 3 letter a or b.

Article 38 paragraph 1 applies mutatis mutandis to advertising.

Any advertisement for biocidal products must include the following phrases, which shall be clearly distinguishable and legible in relation to the whole advertisement:

  1. «Use biocides safely»; the word «biocides» may be replaced with a reference to the product type according to Annex 10;
  2. «Always read the label and product information before use».

Anyone who advertises dangerous biocidal products which the general public can purchase without seeing the labelling beforehand must indicate their hazardous properties in a comprehensible and clearly legible or audible manner.

Otherwise, Article 60 and, for samples, Article 68 of the ChemO 213 apply mutatis mutandis . 214

Chapter 7 Enforcement

Section 1 Confederation

Art. 50a215 Harmonisation of enforcement

In the enforcement of this Ordinance, the Swiss authorities shall be guided by the legislation currently applicable in the EU, and in particular by delegated acts or implementing acts adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 216 and by Technical Notes for Guidance issued by the European Commission and the ECHA.

The Notification Authority, in consultation with the assessment authorities, shall prepare guidelines for the harmonisation of enforcement. It shall publish the guidelines on its website 217 . 218

Art. 51219 Notification Authority and steering committee

Provisions concerning the Notification Authority and the associated steering committee are set out in Article 77 of the ChemO 220 .

Art. 52 Assessment authorities

The assessment authorities for biocidal products are:

  1. the FOPH: for matters concerning the protection of human life and health;
  2. the FOEN: for matters concerning protection of the environment and indirect protection of human beings;
  3. the SECO: for matters concerning the protection of workers;
  4. 221 the FOAG: for agronomic matters;
  5. 222 the FSVO: for matters concerning food safety and animal health.

Art. 53 Duties of the Notification Authority and cooperation

The Notification Authority has the following duties:

  1. it obtains the evaluations and opinions of the competent assessment authorities;
  2. it makes decisions in consultation with the assessment authorities;
  3. using random sampling, it analyses the composition of biocidal products placed on the market;
  4. 223 it publishes the following lists in an appropriate form:1.the list referred to in Article 95 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012224,2.the list of persons who have submitted the following documents:–documents complying with Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 or with Annex IIA or IVA and, where relevant, IIIA to Directive 98/8/EC225 or–a letter of access to active substance data as referred to in letter d number 2 first indent,3.226the list of persons for whose benefit it has used data in accordance with Article 29a paragraph 5;
  5. 227 it shall make available the electronic formats for the submission of applications for authorisation and for declarations.

It shall request the cantonal enforcement authorities, where appropriate at the request of the assessment authorities:

  1. to carry out checks in accordance with Article 58;
  2. to take random samples for analyses in accordance with paragraph 1 letter c.

Where in this Ordinance provision is made for opinions to be obtained from the assessment authorities, their requests are binding on the Notification Authority. 228

Art. 54229 Toxicological Information Centre

Article 79 of the ChemO 230 applies with regard to the Toxicological Information Centre.

Art. 54a231 Biocidal products helpdesk

The Notification Authority shall operate a biocidal products helpdesk in cooperation with the assessment authorities.

The helpdesk shall provide advice to applicants, in particular to SMEs, and to any other interested parties on their respective responsibilities and obligations under this Ordinance.

In particular, it shall provide advice to applicants about the possibility of adapting the data requirements specified in Annex 5 Number 2.2 paragraph 1.

Art. 56 Monitoring of imports and exports

Customs offices shall check, at the request of the Notification Authority, whether biocidal products or treated articles comply with the provisions of this Ordinance. 233

The assessment authorities may ask the Notification Authority to submit a request as specified in paragraph 1.

If they suspect any infringement, the customs offices are entitled to withhold biocidal products or treated articles at the border and call in the other executive authorities under this Ordinance. These authorities shall carry out further enquiries and take the required measures. 234

Art. 57235 Fees and advance on costs

The obligation to pay fees and the calculation of fees for administrative action by the federal enforcement authorities in accordance with this Ordinance is based on the Chemicals Fees Ordinance of 18 May 2005 236 .

No fees are payable for the recognition of a Union authorisation in accordance with Article 14 a bis paragraph 2.

For an application for authorisation or for the amendment thereof, the applicant must pay an advance on costs. This shall be determined by the Notification Authority on the basis of the likely amount of fees.

Payment of the advance on costs is a prerequisite for the processing of the application by the Notification Authority.

Paragraphs 3 and 4 do not apply to authorisations A C and A N , or to authorisations of identical biocidal products which are identical to an authorisation A C or A N .

Section 2 Cantons

Art. 58 Further checks

The cantonal enforcement authorities shall inspect biocidal products and treated articles which are placed on the market or used by the manufacturers themselves. 237

They shall verify whether:

  1. the biocidal products placed on the market have an authorisation;
  2. for biocidal products used for purposes of research and development, the provisions of Articles 13e and 13f are being complied with;
  3. the rulings issued under Article 20 are being complied with, especially whether the rules concerning packaging and labelling and concerning the compilation of safety data sheets are being followed;
  4. the rules concerning the provision and retention of safety data sheets are being followed;
  5. the special provisions concerning the handling of biocidal products are being complied with;
  6. the requirements for treated articles specified in Articles 31 and 31a are being complied with;
  7. the provisions of Article 13a concerning parallel trade are being complied with.238

They shall carry out random sampling at the request of the Notification Authority.

In addition, they have the powers set out in Article 42 of the ChemA.

If the biocidal products inspected give grounds for complaint, the inspection authority must inform the Notification Authority and the cantonal authority responsible for issuing an order in accordance with Article 59.

Art. 59239 Order of the cantonal enforcement authority

If an inspection reveals infringements of the provisions set out in Article 58 paragraph 2, the competent authority in the canton in which the authorisation holder or the manufacturer, distributor or user is domiciled or has its registered office or branch must order the necessary measures. In the case of infringements of Articles 41–49, the competent authority in the canton in which the infringement took place may also issue the order. The cantons shall coordinate the required measures.

Section 3 Delegation of Duties and Powers to Third Parties

Art. 60

The competent federal bodies may delegate to appropriate public corporations or private persons all or some of the duties and powers assigned to them by this Ordinance.

To the extent that enforcement of health protection is concerned, delegation is limited to the following:

  1. analytical examination of random samples (Art. 53 para. 1 let. c);
  2. 240 checking of applications for completeness in accordance with Article 16 paragraph 2 and evaluation of documents in accordance with Article 17.

Section 4 Passing-on of Data

Art. 61241

Articles 74–76 of the ChemO 242 apply mutatis mutandis to the passing-on of data concerning biocidal products.

Chapter 8 Final Provisions

Section 1 Transitional Provisions to the Amendment of 20 June 2014243

Art. 62244 Pending applications

An application for authorisation A L or A nL , or for recognition of a biocidal product, which is pending at the time the Amendment of 20 June 2014 to this Ordinance comes into force shall be evaluated by the Notification Authority in accordance with existing legislation.

The risk assessment of the active substance in the biocidal product for which an application for authorisation is pending shall, however, be carried out:

  1. in accordance with Articles 11–11f, if the active substance has not been approved by the European Commission or listed in Annex 2;
  2. in accordance with Article 11g, if the active substance is a candidate for substitution on the basis of a decision adopted by the European Commission.

Where the risk assessment of the active substance under the new legislation identifies concerns arising from the provisions newly applicable with the entry into force of the Amendment of 20 June 2014 to this Ordinance, the applicant shall be given the opportunity to submit additional information to the Notification Authority.

Art. 62a and 62b245

Art. 62c246 Treated articles

By way of derogation from Article 31 paragraph 1, a treated article may, after the commencement of the Amendment of 20 June 2014 to this Ordinance, be placed on the market for the first time until the date specified in paragraph 2 if it meets one of the following conditions:247

  1. It was treated with or intentionally incorporates one or more biocidal products containing only active substances that are included in the list of notified active substances.
  2. For the active substances it contains, an application for approval for the relevant product type is submitted to the European Commission by 1 September 2016.
  3. It contains only a combination of active substances included in the list of notified active substances and active substances included in the list drawn up in Annex 2 for the relevant product type and use or included in Annex 1.

The treated articles specified in paragraph 1 may be placed on the market for the first time until one of the following dates:248

  1. the date on which approval is granted by the European Commission for the relevant product type and use of the last active substance which is to be authorised and is contained in the biocidal product;
  2. the date falling 180 days after a decision by the European Commission not to approve one of the active substances for the relevant use.

… 249

Section 2 Final Provisions251

Art. 62e Transitional Provision to the Amendment of 18 November 2020

The following biocidal products, notwithstanding that they do not have a UFI on 1 January 2022, may be placed on the market at the latest until 31 December 2025 without indicating the UFI in accordance with Article 14a:

  1. biocidal products intended for professional users;
  2. biocidal products intended for private users and placed on the market before 1 January 2022.

Art. 62f252 Transitional Provision to the Amendment of 11 March 2022

Biocidal products that are labelled in accordance with the previous law pursuant to Article 10 paragraph 3 letter b ChemO 253 may be supplied to third parties until 31 December 2025.

Art. 63 Commencement

This Ordinance comes into force on 1 August 2005.

Annex 1254

(Art. 7 para. 1, 8 para. 1, 9 para. 1, 10 para. 1, 11 para. 2 and 3, 11 h let. a,
22, 31 para. 1 and 62 c para. 1)

List of active substances suitable for the simplified procedure255

Annex 2256

(Art. 7 para. 1, 8 para. 1, 9 para. 1 and 3, 10 para. 1, 11 para. 2 and 3,
22, 31 para. 1, 62 para. 2 and 62 c para. 1)

Union list of approved active substances257

Annex 3258

(Art. 2 para. 4 and 9 para. 2)

Correspondence of expressions and applicable law

For the correct interpretation of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 259 , to which reference is made in this Ordinance, the following expressions, legislation and individual provisions correspond as set out below:

1 Correspondence between expressions used in Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and those used in this Ordinance

The expressions below used in Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and in this Ordinance correspond as follows:

European Union

Switzerland

Mixture

Preparation

Article

Object

Making available on the market

Placing on the market as defined in Article 4 paragraph 1 letter i of the Chemicals Act of 15 December 2000

Placing on the market

Placing on the market for the first time

Micro-organism

Microorganisms as defined in Article 2 paragraph 2 letter d

Letter of access

Letter of access as defined in Article 2 paragraph 2 letter e

Receiving/evaluating competent authority

Notification Authority/assessment authorities

Simplified authorisation procedure

Simplified authorisation
2 Law applicable to references in Regulation (EU) No 528/2012

Where reference is made in this Ordinance to provisions of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 that themselves refer to other EU law, the following Swiss law applies instead of the EU law:

EU legislation

Swiss legislation

Rules on the transport of dangerous goods

Regulations concerning transport by post, rail, road, air, water and pipelines

Directive 98/24/EC

Legislation on the protection of workers

Directive 2004/37/EC

Legislation on the protection of workers

Directive 2008/98/EC

Waste Ordinance of 4 December 2015260; Ordinance of 22 June 2005261 on the Movement of Wastes

Regulation (EC) No 850/2004

Annexes 1.1, 1.9 and 1.16 ORRChem262

Regulation (EC) No 689/2008

PIC Ordinance of 10 November 2004263

Art. 31 of the REACH Regulation

Art. 20 ChemO264

Art. 59 of the REACH Regulation

Annex 3 ChemO

Art. 24 of the CLP Regulation

Art. 14 ChemO

Annex V to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012

Annex 10
3 Correspondence between expressions used in EU acts referred to in the Union list of approved active substances and those used in this Ordinance

The following expressions used in the EU acts referred to in the list in Annex 2 (Union list of approved active substances) correspond to the expressions used in this Ordinance as follows:

European Union

Switzerland

Authorised for use in member states

Authorised for use in Switzerland

The member states evaluate

The assessment authorities evaluate

Maximum residue limits (MRL)

Maximum concentrations or limits
4 Law applicable to references in EU implementing acts on approvals of active substances

Where reference is made in this Ordinance to provisions of EU implementing acts on approvals of active substances that themselves refer to other EU law, the following Swiss law applies instead of the EU law:

EU legislation

Swiss legislation

Art. 5 and Annex VI of Directive 98/8/EC

Art. 11 and 17 OBP

Art. 19 and Annex VI of Regulation EU No 528/2012

Art. 11 and 17 OBP

Regulations (EC) No 470/2009 and (EC) No 396/2005

FDHA Ordinance of 16 December 2016265 on the Maximum Residue Levels for Pesticides in or on Products of Plant and Animal Origin,

FDHA Ordinance of 16 December 2016266 on Residues of Pharmacologically Active Substances and Feed Additives in Foodstuffs of Animal Origin

FeedO267

Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004

Food Contact Materials Ordinance of
16 December 2016268

Annex 5270

(Art. 14 para. 2 let. a)

Application for authorisation AL or AnL
1 Documents concerning the product and the active substances

The following must be submitted to the Notification Authority together with the application for authorisation:

  1. the documents concerning the biocidal product;
  2. the documents concerning each active substance.
2 Dossier requirements
2.1 General provisions

The documents must be presented to the Notification Authority in the form of technical dossiers.

2 The requirements of the Annexes to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 271 must be met in accordance with the latest scientific and technical developments.

2.2 Quantitative and qualitative requirements

1 The technical dossiers must contain the information specified in the following Annexes to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012:

  1. concerning the product: as specified in Annex III; adaptation of the data requirements, and the statement of reasons for such adaptation, is subject to the rules set out in Annex IV;
  2. concerning the active substances: as specified in Annex II; adaptation of the data requirements is subject to the rules set out in Annex IV.

2 Where Annexes II and III to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 refer to other EC law for classification and labelling, Articles 35 and 38 of the present Ordinance apply.

3 If an active substance meets the exclusion criteria specified in Article 5 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, evidence must be provided that the provisions concerning exceptions specified in Article 5 paragraph 2 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 are applicable.

4 For biocidal products, a summary of the product characteristics must be presented in accordance with Article 20 paragraph 1 letter a point ii of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

5 Apart from the information specified in Article 17 paragraph 6, the Notification Authority may ask the applicant to provide the following documents:

  1. the summary of the biocidal product characteristics, from the EU or EFTA authorities, in accordance with Article 22 paragraph 2 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and the assessment report with the authority’s conclusions in accordance with Article 30 paragraph 3 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, or, for active substances, in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, insofar as they are accessible to the applicant;
  2. samples of packaging, drafts for labelling and for leaflets, as well as a draft label.

6 The dossiers must include a detailed and full description of the studies conducted and of the methods used or a bibliographical reference to those methods.

7 They must be sufficient to permit an evaluation of the effects and properties referred to in Article 11.

2.3 Prescribed methods of detection and identification

Detection and identification must be carried out using the methods described in Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 272 .

2 If a method is inappropriate or is not described, internationally recognised methods should be used as far as possible; these must be justified.

3 Detection and identification must be carried out, if applicable:

  1. in accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU273; and
  2. in compliance with the principles and requirements of Good Laboratory Practice specified in Article 43 paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ChemO274.

4 Paragraph 3 does not apply to detection and identification tests which were started before 1 March 2000.

2.4 Other methods of detection and identification

Where detection and identification data exist that were generated before the commencement of this Ordinance by methods other than those laid down in Annex V to Directive 67/548/EEC 275 , the adequacy of such data for the purposes of this Ordinance, or the need to conduct new detection and identification tests in accordance with to Regulation (EC) 440/2008, must be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

2 Testing on vertebrates must be minimised.

3 Letter of access and reference

If the Notification Authority is already in possession of the complete documentation specified in Numbers 1 and 2, the applicant may:

  1. submit a letter of access; or
  2. if the data protection period specified in Article 28 has expired: make reference to the documentation.
4 Assessment and conclusions of an EU or EFTA Member State

With regard to a biocidal product containing an active substance not listed in Annex 1 or 2 or included in the list of notified active substances, the applicant may enclose the summary of the biocidal product characteristics in accordance with Article 22 paragraph 2 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and the assessment report with the conclusions in accordance with Article 30 paragraph 3 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, or, for active substances, in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, from the competent authority of an EU or EFTA Member State.

Annex 6276

(Art. 14 para. 2 let. b)

Application for simplified authorisation

With the application for simplified authorisation, evidence must be provided to the Notification Authority that the conditions for the simplified procedure specified in Article 11 h are met.

2 In addition to the information specified in paragraph 1, the dossiers for the biocidal product must contain the following details:

  1. name and address of the applicant;
  2. name and address of the manufacturer of the biocidal product and the active substances;
  3. trade name of the biocidal product;
  4. full composition of the biocidal product;
  5. a summary of the biocidal product characteristics in accordance with Article 20 paragraph 1 letter a point ii of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012277;
  6. efficacy data;
  7. justified proposals for classification and labelling, as well as information concerning the packaging as specified in Articles 35, 36 and 38;
  8. if necessary, proposal for the safety data sheet in accordance with Article 40.

3 The Notification Authority may ask the applicant to provide the following additional documents:

  1. assessment reports from EU or EFTA authorities concerning the product and the active substances, if such reports are available and accessible to the applicant;
  2. samples of packaging, drafts for labelling and for leaflets, as well as a draft label.

Annex 7278

(Art. 14 para. 2 let. c and 14 a )

Application for recognition of an authorisation

1 The following documents must be submitted together with the application for recognition of an authorisation:

  1. for recognition of an authorisation granted by an EU or EFTA Member State:1.a copy of the authorisation granted by the EU or EFTA Member State,2.assessment reports from EU or EFTA authorities concerning the authorisation of the biocidal product, if they are accessible to the applicant,3.a letter of access for the active substances contained in the biocidal product;
  2. for recognition of a Union authorisation:1.a summary of the biocidal product characteristics in accordance with Article 20 paragraph 1 letter a point ii of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012279,2.a letter of access for the active substances contained in the biocidal product,3.assessment reports from EU or EFTA authorities or the ECHA opinion concerning the authorisation of the biocidal product, if they are accessible to the applicant.

2 The following documents must be submitted together with the application for recognition in parallel in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012:

  1. the name of the EU or EFTA Member State which carries out the initial assessment (reference Member State);
  2. a summary of the biocidal product characteristics in accordance with Article 20 paragraph 1 letter a point ii of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012;
  3. a letter of access for the active substances contained in the biocidal product.

3 In addition to the documents specified in paragraph 2, the following documents must be submitted directly upon receipt:

  1. the draft assessment report and the draft summary of the biocidal product characteristics;
  2. the final assessment report and summary of the biocidal product characteristics.

4 The Notification Authority may request from the applicant, for the biocidal product and the active substances contained therein, the documents specified in Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

Annex 7bis 280

Annex 8281

(Art. 14 para. 2 let. d)

Application for authorisation AN
1 Documents concerning the applicant, the manufacturer and the product
1.1 General

The application documents must contain the following details:

  1. name and address of the applicant;
  2. name and address of the manufacturer of the biocidal product and the active substances;
  3. trade name of the biocidal product;
  4. full composition of the biocidal product;
  5. list of the active substances contained in the biocidal product;
  6. information on physical and chemical properties, and toxicology and ecotoxicology data;
  7. information about certain active substances (Number 2);
  8. assignment of the biocidal product to product type and field of use;
  9. categories of users;
  10. proposals and justification for classification and labelling, as well as information concerning the packaging, in accordance with Articles 35, 36 and 38;
  11. if required, proposals for the safety data sheet in accordance with Article 40;
  12. information concerning disposal;
  13. for disinfectants and wood preservatives: evidence that the biocidal product is sufficiently effective for the intended uses.
1.2 Additional requirements

1 An authorisation AN shall only be granted if the persons supplying the active substances contained in the biocidal product are included in the list specified in Article 95 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012282 or if the following documents are submitted:

  1. a copy of the decision by the ECHA concerning the inclusion in the above-mentioned list of the persons supplying the active substances contained in the biocidal product;
  2. documents complying with Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 or with Annex IIA or IVA and, where relevant, IIIA to Directive 98/8/EC283;
  3. a letter of access to active substance data as referred to in letter b; or
  4. a reference to data for which the protection period specified in Article 28 has expired.

2 For data on existing active substances listed in combination with a product type in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1062/2014 284 – including data not involving tests on vertebrates –Article 29 a applies.

3 Paragraphs 1 and 2 do not apply to biocidal products containing only active substances listed in Annex 1 in categories 1–5 and 7.

2 Additional documents

1 The Notification Authority may ask the applicant to provide the following additional documents:

  1. test reports, scientific opinions or publications or other papers which support the information specified in Number 1;
  2. information specified in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1896/2000285;
  3. in justified cases, information on exposure levels for the public and the operator or for the environment;
  4. samples of packaging, drafts for labelling and for leaflets, as well as a draft label.

2 The documents must include a detailed and full description of the studies conducted and of the methods used or a bibliographical reference to those methods.

3 Methods of detection and identification
3.1 Prescribed methods of detection and identification

As a general rule, detection and identification must be carried out using the methods described in Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 286 .

2 If a method is inappropriate or is not described, internationally recognised methods should be used as far as possible; these must be justified.

3 Detection and identification must be carried out, if applicable:

  1. in accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU287; and
  2. in compliance with the principles and requirements of Good Laboratory Practice specified in Article 43 paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ChemO288.

4 Paragraph 3 does not apply to detection and identification tests which were started before 1 March 2000.

3.2 Other methods of detection and identification

Where detection and identification data exist that were generated before the commencement of this Ordinance by methods other than those laid down in Annex V to Directive 67/548/EEC 289 , the adequacy of such data for the purposes of this Ordinance, or the need to conduct new detection and identification tests in accordance with Regulation (EC) 440/2008, must be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

2 Testing on vertebrates must be minimised.

Annex 8a290

(Art. 14 para. 2 let. c)

Application for authorisation for parallel trade
1 Documents for applications under Article 7 paragraph 1 letter j number 1
  1. The application for authorisation for parallel trade must contain the following information:a.name and authorisation number of the biocidal product in the country of origin;b.name and address of the competent authority of the country of origin;c.name and address of the authorisation holder in the country of origin;d.original label and instructions for use with which the biocidal product is placed on the market in the country of origin, if this is considered by the Notification Authority to be necessary for the evaluation;e.name and address of the applicant;f.name to be given to the biocidal product which is to be placed on the market;g.a draft label for the biocidal product intended to be placed on the market, in two official languages;h.a sample of the biocidal product which is to be imported, if this is considered necessary by the Notification Authority;i.name and authorisation number of the reference product.
  2. The Notification Authority may require a translation of the relevant parts of the original instructions for use referred to in paragraph 1 letter d.
2 Documents for applications under Article 7 paragraph 1 letter j number 2
  1. The application for authorisation for parallel trade under Article 7 paragraph 1 letter j number 2 must include the following information:a.the name of the biocidal product;b.the information set out in number 1 letters d–i.
  2. The Notification Authority may request the applicant to provide the following:a.a translation of the essential parts of the original instructions for use mentioned in number 1.1 letter d; andb.additional documents to establish that the biocidal product is identical to the reference product.

Annex 10292

(Art. 2 para. 1 let. b, 4 para. 1, 50 para. 3 let. a, and Annexes 6–8)

Product types
Main group 1:Disinfectants

These product types exclude cleaning products that are not intended to have a biocidal effect, including washing liquids, powders and similar products.

Product type 1: Human hygiene biocidal products

Products in this group are biocidal products used for human hygiene purposes, applied on or in contact with human skin or scalps for the primary purpose of disinfecting the skin or scalp.

Product type 2: Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals

  1. Products used for the disinfection of surfaces, materials, equipment and furniture which are not used for direct contact with food or feeding stuffs. Usage areas include, inter alia, swimming pools, aquariums, bathing and other waters; air conditioning systems; and walls and floors in private, public, and industrial areas and in other areas for professional activities.
  2. Products used for disinfection of air, water not used for human or animal consumption, chemical toilets, waste water, hospital waste and soil.
  3. Products used as algaecides for treatment of swimming pools, aquariums and other waters and for remedial treatment of construction materials.
  4. Products used to be incorporated in textiles, tissues, masks, paints and other objects or materials with the purpose of producing treated articles with disinfecting properties.

Product type 3: Veterinary hygiene biocidal products

  1. Products used for veterinary hygiene purposes such as disinfectants, disinfecting soaps, oral or corporal hygiene products or with antimicrobial function.
  2. Products used to disinfect the materials and surfaces associated with the housing or transportation of animals.

Product type 4: Food and feed area biocidal products

  1. Products used for the disinfection of equipment, containers, consumption utensils, surfaces or pipework associated with the production, transport, storage or consumption of food or feed or drinks (including drinking water) for humans and animals.
  2. Products used to be incorporated into materials which may enter into contact with food.

Product type 5: Drinking water disinfectants

Products used for the disinfection of drinking water for both humans and animals.

Main group 2:Preservatives

Unless otherwise stated, these product types include only products to prevent microbial and algal development.

Product type 6: Preservatives for products during storage

  1. Products used for the preservation of manufactured products, other than foodstuffs, feedingstuffs, cosmetics, medicinal products or medical devices, by the control of microbial deterioration to ensure their shelf life.
  2. Products used as preservatives for the storage or use of rodenticide, insecticide or other baits.

Product type 7: Film preservatives

Products used for the preservation of films or coatings by the control of microbial deterioration or algal growth in order to protect the initial properties of the surface of materials or objects such as paints, plastics, sealants, wall adhesives, binders, papers and art works.

Product type 8: Wood preservatives

Products used for the preservation of wood, from and including the sawmill stage, or wood products by the control of wood-destroying or wood-disfiguring organisms, including insects.

This product-type includes both preventive and curative products.

Product type 9: Fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives

  1. Products used for the preservation of fibrous or polymerised materials, such as leather, rubber or paper or textile products by the control of microbiological deterioration.
  2. This product type includes substances which antagonise the settlement of microorganisms on the surface of materials and therefore hamper or prevent the development of odour or offer other kinds of benefits.

Product type 10: Construction material preservatives

Products used for preservation of masonry, composite materials or other construction materials other than wood by the control of microbiological and algal attack.

Product type 11: Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems

Products used for the preservation of water or other liquids used in cooling and processing systems by the control of harmful organisms such as microbes, algae and mussels. Products used for the disinfection of drinking water or of water for swimming pools are not included in this product type.

Product type 12: Slimicides

Products used for the prevention or control of slime growth on materials, equipment and structures, used in industrial processes, e.g. on wood or paper pulp, porous sand strata in oil extraction.

Product type 13: Working or cutting fluid preservatives

Products to control microbial deterioration in fluids used for working or cutting metal, glass or other materials.

Main group 3:Pest control

Product type 14: Rodenticides

Products used for the control of mice, rats or other rodents, by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Product type 15: Avicides

Products used for the control of birds, by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Product type 16: Molluscicides, vermicides and products to control other invertebrates

Products used for the control of molluscs, worms and invertebrates not covered by other product-types, by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Product type 17: Piscicides

Products used for the control of fish, by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Product type 18: Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods

Products used for the control of arthropods (e.g. insects, arachnids and crustaceans), by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Product type 19: Repellents and attractants

Products used to control harmful organisms (invertebrates such as fleas; vertebrates such as birds, fish and rodents), by repelling or attracting, including those that are used for human or veterinary hygiene either directly on the skin or indirectly in the environment of humans or animals.

Product type 20: Control of other vertebrates

Products used for the control of vertebrates other than those already covered by the other product types of this main group, by means other than repulsion or attraction.

Main group 4:Other biocidal products

Product type 21: Antifouling products

Products used to control the growth and settlement of fouling organisms (microbes and higher forms of plant or animal species) on vessels, aquaculture equipment or other structures used in water.

Product type 22: Embalming and taxidermist fluids

Products used for the disinfection and preservation of human or animal corpses, or parts thereof.