What is The European Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012?
The European Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 (BPR) is set to come into force on 1 September 2013 replacing the European Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD). The BPD and now BPR have been put in place to control the use of biocides in the EU, an area of regulation previously managed on a state–by-state basis. Insect repellents fall within the definition of biocides, specifically under the PT19 Category, Repellents and Attractants. Every biocide being placed on the market must now be authorised through a uniform submission and review process. Citrefine International Ltd has notified the authorities of its intent to support Citriodiol® through this process, and in 2012 submitted its active substance dossier to the Health & Safety Executive, the Competent Authority for the UK. This dossier has been deemed complete and is awaiting full evaluation. There are only four active substances used in personal insect repellent currently notified under the BPD/R and Citriodiol® (known generically in Europe as PMD Rich Botanic Oil) is the only one of these that is naturally derived.
Useful websites on this matter:
http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biocides/revision.htm
The use of other substances such as neem oil, citronella oil and tea tree oil is no longer allowed for use in personal insect repellents as they were not notified under the BPD and are not being supported through the authorisation process.
USA
In the United States, Citriodiol® is more commonly known as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or OLE. It was first registered with the Environmental Protection Agency in 2000 (unconditionally in 2002). Since then, it has been sold nationwide in a 30% and 40% formula and new trials are currently planned for a 20% formula. Citriodiol® is the only natural repellent whose efficacy against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile disease and ticks that carry Lyme disease, is recognised by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
A useful website on this matter:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.html
