The Biocides Hub of the online journal agency Chemical Watch held its 6th symposium focusing on authorization of biocidal products within the Biocidal Product Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 (BPR). From May 11-12, 2015 far more than 100 biocide experts discussed the implementation of the BPR: the topics included first practical experiences in the authorization of biocidal products in the EU, overlaps between the BPR and other regulations, data sharing issues and consortia formation under the BPR, and the impact of the BPR on the economy with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ludovic Chatelin from the European Commission gave an update on the BPR in force and its status quo. Two presentations specifically covered the interface between the European legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) and the BPR. Health effects that may be caused by the use of biocides in FCMs were discussed by Birgit Geueke from the Food Packaging Forum. Possible legal follow-ups, including the exclusion of surface biocides from the Union list under the Plastics Regulation (EU) 10/2011, a review of the provisional list and the coordination of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) with respect to the setting of migration limits, was presented by Anna Gergely from Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
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Chemical Watch (2015). “Biocides symposium 2015.”
Chemical Watch (2015). “Biocides symposium program.” (pdf)
