Information about Biocides
Information about the use of FeF Chemicals'
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
(Quats) as biocides.
If you are using FeF Chemicals' Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), or are intending to formulate our quats in a disinfecting or similar product manufactured and/or sold within the EU, we would like to make you aware of the European Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (1).
The EU defines Biocidal products in Article 2.1(a) as follows:
"Active substances and preparations containing one or more active substances, put up in the form in which they are supplied to the user, intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means."
The scope of the Directive is very wide, covering 23 different product types. These include disinfectants used in different areas, chemicals used for preservation of products and materials, non-agricultural pesticides and anti-fouling products used on hulls of vessels. An exhaustive list with an indicative set of descriptions within each product type is given in Annex V of the Directive.
Please note that this Directive does not affect biocidal products being manufactured and sold outside the European Union, nor does it apply to other product types already covered by other Community legislation, such as pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients (medicinal), cosmetics and phase transfer catalysts (PTC).
FeF Chemicals' most commonly used products for biocidal purposes have been identified at the European Commission as biocidal products having been placed on the market before May 14, 2000 and are listed in Annex I of EC Regulation No 1048/2005.
If you believe that, as a FeF Chemicals customer, some of your formulations are subject to the European Biocide Directive, please let us know and we will provide you with the most updated information about the usage of our products as biocides within the EU.
If you have questions or require more information regarding FeF Chemicals Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) in view of the European legislation, do not hesitate to contact us.
