WRITTEN QUESTION E-3654/98

by Lutz Goepel (PPE) to the Commission

(7 December 1998)

Subject: Effectiveness of disinfection measures as part of the fight against epidemics among animals

Thorough disinfection is an important link in the chain of measures to be taken if epidemics among animals are to be combated. The disinfectants available are expected to meet stringent requirements as to their effectiveness. They must be, for example, compatible with animals, highly wettable, non-corroding, quick to take effect, effective at an outdoor temperature of less than 10°C in certain cases, toxicologically and ecotoxicologically safe and officially authorised.

Large quantities of an effective disinfectant are needed for the disinfection of farm buildings and vehicles and for vehicle troughs and footbaths. Given the high costs to which this gives rise, there is a danger that the instructions for the use of disinfectants will not be observed and adequate protection against epidemics will not be ensured.

1. Is the Commission able to influence the development and provision of cheap disinfectants?

2. How can the conditions governing the authorisation of disinfectants be harmonised and simplified in the European Union?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 1999)

Disinfectants will be covered by Directive 98/8/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market(1). The Directive entered into force on 14 May 1998 and should be implemented in the Member States by 13 May 2000. It will harmonise the Community market for biocidal products and it will guarantee a high level of protection for humans and for the environment.

The authorisation procedures of the Directive will operate on two levels. The first level will be linked to the active substance contained in the biocidal product, which needs to be evaluated and included in a positive list (Annex 1 of the Directive), with decision taken at Community level. The second level is related to the individual products. Once an active substance is included in the positive list, biocidal products containing it could be approved and placed on the market in Member States. The Directive also contains provisions for the mutual recognition of authorisation. The efficacy of a biocidal product is one of the key criteria for its authorisation.

Annex V of the Directive lists the 23 product types that fall within its scope. Product type N 3 will cover veterinary hygiene biocidal products, i.e. products used for veterinary hygiene purposes including products used in areas in which animals are housed, kept or transported.

1. The Commission communication "An industrial competitiveness policy for the European chemical industry: an example"(2) does have a certain influence. On the other hand, in the framework of Directive 98/8/EC, the cost of a product is not a criterion for authorisation of a biocidal product. Moreover, cheaper products are usually old products that normally have a less interesting toxicological and ecotoxicological profile.

2. As described above, the Directive will harmonise the Community market for biocidal products. Furthermore the Directive provides simplified procedures for biocidal products posing only a low risk to humans and to the environment.

(1) OJ L 123, 24.4.1998.

(2) COM(96) 187 final.