Treated articles are substances, mixtures or articles that have been treated with a biocide or into which a biocide has been intentionally incorporated (impregnated wood, paint that is formulated with a preservative, anti-odour socks, antibacterial carpet, etc.). Treated articles whose primary function is biocidal are classified as biocidal products.
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) contains provisions under Article 58 on treated articles and apply to articles and mixtures that have been treated with or incorporate a biocidal product. Articles are defined under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. In particular, articles can only be treated with active substances that have been approved in the EU for that purpose. This is a significant change to the previous scheme, where articles imported from non-EU countries were permitted to have been treated with substances that are not allowed in the EU.
An important aspect is that treated articles must be appropriately labelled. If the manufacturer of the treated article includes a claim related to the biocidal properties of the article or if instructions are included related to hazards for humans or the environment, then appropriate labelling is obligatory. Finally, anyone supplying treated articles on the market must provide, free of charge when requested, information on the biocidal treatment of the treated article.
In the current scenario treated articles have gained major relevance, due to the presence of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) in or on various items, that have become of increased concern to consumers. In response to these concerns, many products are being treated with antimicrobial substances used to destroy or limit the growth of microorganisms, whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi on inanimate objects and surfaces - reason why scientific evidence must be available and chemical data must be submitted in support of the public health labeling claims and patterns of use of the product.
Distinction between treated articles, biocidal products and articles out of scope is important but complex. Only active substances approved for the right PT and use are permitted. This webinar aims to provide useful information on regulatory aspects affecting treated articles as well as specific labelling provisions to protect human health, animal health and the environment. It will also provide sound experience on how the efficacy of treated articles can be assessed using laboratory based protocols by using the latest methods. It includes a structure for possible claims for treated articles and treated materials, as well as information on different types of claims and how to support them by providing data that is relevant to the actual use and guarantee that public health is protected.