HSE, but many departments have an interest including Defra, DH, Scottish Executive and the Welsh Government. BIS have a strong interest in the regulatory simplification agenda.
The European Commission has published a proposal to revise the Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC). This Directive, which came into force on 14 May 1998, aims to harmonise the European market for biocidal products/ active substances and to provide a high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment. HSE is the UK Competent Authority for Biocides under a 2001 Agency Agreement between HSC (now HSE) and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council and European Parliament in June 2009 to revise the Directive and replace it with a direct-acting European Regulation.
The European Commission is proposing to:
Following negotiations running since summer 2009, an informal second reading agreement was reached on the Regulation in November 2011.
Agreement on the Regulation is now in the process of being formally confirmed. The first stage took place when the European Parliament voted on the package of amendments that constitute adoption of its Legislative Resolution at second reading on 19 January 2012. The final stage will take place when Member States adopt the Regulation in Council.
However timings are provisional and subject to confirmation.
