Effects on the environment

The basic tool used in the decision-making is the PEC/PNEC ratio or, if this is not available, a qualitative estimation. Due consideration shall be given to the accuracy of this ratio due to variability in the data used both in measurements of concentration and of estimation. In the determination of the PEC, the most appropriate model should be used taking into account the environmental fate and behaviour of the biocidal product. For any given environmental compartment, if the PEC/PNEC ratio is equal to or less than 1, the risk characterisation shall be that no further information and/or testing is necessary. If the PEC/PNEC ratio is greater than 1, the evaluating body shall judge, on the basis of the size of that ratio and on other relevant factors, whether further information and/or testing is required to clarify the concern or appropriate risk reduction measures are necessary, or whether the biocidal product cannot comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1). The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where, under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or any other substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in water (or its sediments) has an unacceptable impact on non-target organisms in the aquatic, marine or estuarine environment, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect. In particular, the evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1), where under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or any other substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in water (or its sediments), would undermine the achievement of compliance with the standards laid down in: Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2006/118/EC, Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19. , Directive 2008/105/EC, or international agreements on the protection of river systems or marine waters from pollution. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where, under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or any other substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in groundwater, exceeds the lower of the following concentrations: the maximum permissible concentration laid down by Directive 98/83/EC, or the maximum concentration as laid down following the procedure for approving the active substance under this Regulation, on the basis of appropriate data, in particular toxicological data, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions the lower concentration is not exceeded. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or a substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites, breakdown or reaction products to be expected in surface water or its sediments after use of the biocidal product under the proposed conditions of use: exceeds, where the surface water in or from the area of envisaged use is intended for the abstraction of drinking water, the values fixed by: Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 98/83/EC, or has an impact deemed unacceptable on non-target organisms, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions this concentration is not exceeded. The proposed instructions for use of the biocidal product, including procedures for cleaning application equipment, must be such that, if followed, they minimise the likelihood of accidental contamination of water or its sediments. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where, under the proposed conditions of use, the foreseeable concentration of the active substance or any other substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products in soil, has an unacceptable impact on non-target species, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) of point (b) of Article 19(1) where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of unacceptable effect on the air compartment, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of non-target organisms being exposed to the biocidal product, if for any active substance or substance of concern: the PEC/PNEC is above 1, or the concentration of the active substance or any other substance of concern, or of relevant metabolites or breakdown or reaction products, has an unacceptable impact on non-target species, unless it is scientifically demonstrated that under relevant field conditions there is no unacceptable effect. The evaluating body shall conclude that the biocidal product does not comply with criterion (iv) under point (b) of Article 19(1) where there is a reasonably foreseeable possibility of micro-organisms in sewage treatment plants being exposed to the biocidal product, if for any active substance, substance of concern, relevant metabolite, breakdown or reaction product the PEC/PNEC ratio is above 1, unless it is clearly established in the risk assessment that under field conditions no unacceptable impact, either directly or indirectly, occurs on the viability of such micro-organisms.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-10-29 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.