ECHA Launches Public Consultation on Candidates for Substitution for Ethanol

On 25 February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a public consultation to collect information regarding Candidates for Substitution. The consultation will remain open until 28 April 2025.

Substitution and Approval Process for Active Substances under the BPR

Under the European Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), substances that meet substitution criteria are listed as Candidates for Substitution (CfS) by ECHA, signaling potential replacement by safer alternatives. These substances undergo strict approval processes and are subject to eventual phase-out. ECHA engages in public consultations to assess alternatives before recommending approvals or renewals to the European Commission.

The BPR prohibits the authorization of substances identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxicants, endocrine disruptors, or as persistent and bioaccumulative (PBT/vPvB), unless they are used in controlled environments, significantly reduce risks, or are indispensable for managing critical health or environmental threats with no alternatives.

For such exceptions, the approval conditions are stringent, generally limiting authorization to five years with strict usage restrictions. Member States must ensure all conditions are met before approving these biocidal products for use.

Participation

Stakeholders may submit comments and access detailed information via:

https://comments.echa.europa.eu/comments_cms/SubtitutionCandidatesConsultation.aspx?RobjectId=0b0236e180b49a7b

About CIRS

CIRS Group is a leading provider of comprehensive regulatory compliance services and solutions for chemicals, cosmetics, food and food-related products, agrochemicals, and medical devices. Its chemical team consists of experts with extensive knowledge in chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and related fields. They are well-versed in various international regulations, including but not limited to EU REACH, CLP, GHS, TSCA, and K-REACH. Our chemical compliance services in the EU cover:

• EU REACH Registration (including OR services);
• EU REACH Evaluation Compliance Services;
• SVHC Testing;
• EU CLP Compliance;
• EU Poison Center Notification; and 
• EU BPR Compliance.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

ECHA