Other obligations concerning biocidal products

The Chemicals Act lays down general obligations for companies that apply to all hazardous chemicals and must be observed. In addition to the obligations set forth in the Chemicals Act, companies must also adhere to the obligations laid down in the Biocidal Products Regulation.

The following issues must be remembered when placing biocidal products on the market:

  • Information about hazardous chemicals must be submitted to the chemicals product register.
    • The information must be submitted by the manufacturer or importer of the chemical or by another operator, such as the distributor.
  • A safety data sheet as specified in the REACH Regulation must be compiled for chemicals intended for industrial and professional use.
  • The product must be classified, packaged and labelled in accordance with CLP and Biocidal Products Regulations.
  • Package labelling and user instructions must be provided in Finnish and Swedish.
  • The name and address of the authorisation holder must be included on the packaging.
  • Nanomaterials contained in the product must be stated, and information on specific related risks must be given (’nano’ in parenthesis after each reference).
  • Annually inform Tukes of the quantities of biocidal products that you have placed on the market, made available on the market and made available for use in Finland. Quantities will be reported through the KemiDigi system in kilograms by the end of March.

Active substances contained in biocidal products are regarded as registered in accordance with the REACH Regulation. Any other substances contained in the products must be registered in accordance with the REACH Regulation. 

Biocidal detergents

If you are marketing biocidal detergents, such as disinfecting detergents, remember to ensure that you also comply with the provisions laid down in the EU’s Detergent Regulation.

Marketing of biocidal products

The following phrases must be added to all advertisements for biocidal products:

“Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.”

The word ‘biocide’ may be replaced by the biocidal product type, such as antifouling product, mosquito repellent or disinfectant. Advertisement refers to a means of promoting the sale or use of biocidal products through printed, electronic or other media, such as radio, television, newspapers and magazines, websites and brochures.

Advertisements of biocidal products must not refer to the product in a manner that is misleading with respect to the risks posed by the product to humans or the environment. Do not use descriptions that give the wrong impression of the product’s safety. Such expressions include ‘safe’, ‘low-risk biocidal product’, ‘non-toxic’, ‘harmless’ or similar expressions.

The provisions given above apply also to claims presented on the packaging of chemicals.