Biocidal products using nanotechnology from a legal perspective

Nanotechnology means the design and the manufacture of structures in which at least one size is less than 100 nanometers and which have new properties resulting from the size. Restrictive criteria for the marketing authorisation of biocidal products containing nanomaterials as defined in Regulation 528/2012/EU (separate risk assessment and approval of the active substance in the form of nanomaterial) contribute to the strengthening of their safety for the health and the environment. The purpose of listing on the label of a biocidal product and an article treated with a biocidal product of components present in the form of nanomaterials and the word „nano” in brackets after the name of such components is to inform buyers of the presence of nanomaterials in such products; buyers’ knowledge of the atypical properties of nanomaterials, including benefits and potential risks associated with their use, should be increased by means of information activities of the EU institutions and competent authorities of the EU Member States.