TAGS: Toiletries
ECHA and the European Commission have received reports from several EU countries that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased number of non-compliant hand disinfectants on the market. National enforcement authorities are taking action to protect citizens from the risks of illicit and ineffective products.
New Producers to Meet High Demand
The high demand for disinfectants to fight COVID-19 and the granting by Member States of health emergency permits have attracted new producers and suppliers to the market. These companies may not have prior knowledge of the applicable legal framework, and although many act in good faith and use all the available help offered by ECHA and national authorities, some appear to be taking advantage of the situation.
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When disinfectants are manufactured or used inappropriately, they can be a health risk rather than keeping us safe. It is important for national authorities to check and enforce the legal provisions, also in times where we face exceptional circumstances,” said Erwin Annys, head of ECHA’s support and enforcement unit.
States Reported Illegal Hand Disinfectants
20 EU Member States have reported an increase in non-compliant (hand) disinfectants on their markets since March 2020. Many states reported cases of disinfectants that do not have the required authorization or permit or lack hazard labeling.
Many countries also indicated that they found products that were claimed to be disinfectants, but which had a formulation that cannot be sufficiently effective against viruses – for example, due to insufficient concentrations of active substances with virucidal activity.
When the Member States deem these products pose a serious risk to the health of both professionals and consumers, they communicate the measures taken against them in the Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX), ensuring a safe EU single market and raising public awareness of such products.
National enforcement authorities continue to perform market inspections, including controls of online sales, to avoid ineffective products marketed to consumers as disinfectants being used against COVID-19. Enforcement actions include fines and the withdrawal of the products from the market.
Source: ECHA