Geraniol excluded from the biocidal review programme for PT 18 and PT 19
ECHA publishes the updated list of active substance/product-type combinations: confirmations, changes, and exclusions from the approval process
10 Jul 2025On 2 July 2025, ECHA officially updated the list of active substance/product-type (AS/PT) combinations included in the biocidal review programme. The update introduces significant elements for industry stakeholders, both in terms of regulatory continuity and potential future exclusions.
Among the most relevant cases is that of geraniol (CAS 106-24-1; EC 203-377-1), for which no support was submitted at the European level regarding its uses in PT 18 (insecticides, acaricides, and products intended for the control of other arthropods) and PT 19 (repellents and attractants).
The lack of notification within the established deadlines led ECHA to classify these combinations as unsupported, paving the way for a possible non-approval decision by the European Commission. Such a decision will entail:
- the removal of geraniol from the review programme for PT 18 and PT 19;
- the prohibition of placing biocidal products containing geraniol on the market for the specified uses;
- the inability to continue using such products within the European Union.
The exclusion from the programme will directly impact companies marketing geraniol-based biocides, which will need to revise their product compositions or evaluate alternative solutions to ensure compliance.
This update falls within the broader framework of regulatory oversight under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), where it is essential to monitor active substances still under review and maintain an up-to-date regulatory strategy.