COVID-19 response: Claims regarding viruses on hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants

Under the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) it is required to indicate the spectrum of viruses on which the product was proven to be efficient when tested using specific methods in order to make a claim. Claims on specific organisms when they may give a false impression of superiority of a product compared to other products on the market are not allowed. In addition, such claims may shift the definition of a product from being biocide to being defined as medical.

For biocidal products a differentiation in the virucidal activity can be assessed during efficacy testing as follows:

• Full virucidal activity

• Limited Spectrum virucidal activity

• Activity against enveloped viruses

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses and easy to kill with the appropriate biocidal product. Therefore, products passing the minimum requirements against viruses should be suitable to kill coronavirus. Claims must be carefully worded as they give a strong indication of the intended product purpose of the product and its regulatory definition and status. Companies may be allowed to make a claim against a spectrum of viruses if they have efficacy data that can support such a claim.

Yordas is currently supporting clients with advice on efficacy testing requirements and as well as substantiation of claims of biocidal products. Contact us to find out more.