On February 24, 2026, the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) of the European Chemicals Agency supported the approval of ethanol as an active substance for use in disinfectants. However, the Committee did not reach a conclusion regarding its potential carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.
Background
Under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), active substances must be approved before related biocidal products can be authorized on the market. The BPC provides scientific opinions on the safety and efficacy of such substances.
Key Findings
The Committee concluded that the safe use of ethanol has been demonstrated for the following product types:
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Product-type 1: Human hygiene products (e.g., hand sanitizers)
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Product-type 2: Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals
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Product-type 4: Disinfectants used in food and feed areas
Points of Uncertainty
The BPC did not finalize conclusions on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity due to several factors:
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Although a complete dataset was submitted, data specific to dermal exposure—the main exposure route for biocidal uses—was lacking.
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Available inhalation studies were not conducted in accordance with standard test guidelines.
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Most evidence on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity relates to the voluntary ingestion of alcoholic beverages, which was considered not directly relevant for assessing risks from biocidal product uses.
Next Steps
ECHA will forward its scientific opinion to the European Commission for decision-making. The Commission will prepare an implementing regulation, which will be submitted to EU Member States for a vote in the Standing Committee on Biocidal Products. If adopted, the regulation will become legally binding.
