User categories

Biocidal products are always authorised for a specific use. The authorised use includes information on the user category the product is intended for. The risk assessment of the product takes into account who will use the product, to ensure that its use is safe for that particular user.

When selecting a biocidal product, make sure it is approved for your user category. The different user categories for biocidal products are described below:

Consumers: Individuals whose use of biocidal products is not related to their regular trade, business, or professional activities. For example, the use of such products during leisure time or during the working day when not part of job duties.

Professionals: Individuals who use biocidal products for purposes related to their trade, business, or profession. Compared to consumers, professionals often have knowledge and skills in handling hazardous chemicals and using personal protective equipment. However, not all professionals possess this knowledge. Professionals may also include people in occupations that are not primarily related to the use of biocidal products—for example, a café worker using insecticide in a café.

Trained professionals and industrial users are subcategories of professionals. These subcategories restrict the use of certain products to a specific group of professionals. In other words, industrial users may use products approved for professional use, and certified pest controllers may also use products approved for professional use.

Trained professionals: Professionals who have completed specific training that qualifies them to use certain products. For example, individuals who have completed pest control or plant protection qualifications.

Industrial users: Professionals who use biocidal products in their own processes within an industrial setting—for example, manufacturers of timber cladding using wood preservatives, employees in food production facilities using disinfectants, or workers in paper mills using slime control agents.