Research and development: biocidal products and active substances

4. After you notify or apply

GB BPR R&D notification

HSE will:

  • assess the information provided - you may be asked to provide further information
  • provide an opinion within 45 days of a compliant notification (a compliant notification includes both the application form and all relevant data/attachments) - if HSE does not provide an opinion within 45 days of a compliant notification you may begin testing
  • impose conditions on the testing where appropriate
  • send the applicant a draft copy of any conditions HSE intends to set for the testing
  • take into account the applicant's comments, where relevant
  • assign a reference number to the testing
  • issue confirmation that the testing can go ahead, either as described or under additional conditions, for a maximum period of 12 months
  • prohibit testing if it could have any unacceptable adverse effects on people, animals, or the environment

You should:

  • respond promptly and fully to any requests for further information - if the information you provide is not satisfactory, or you fail to provide the information within the specified deadline, your testing may be prohibited
  • examine any draft conditions and return them to HSE (with comments if necessary) to indicate your agreement with the conditions
  • before beginning testing, wait until either the:
    • formal confirmation has been issued and ensure you comply with any conditions and restrictions
    • 45-day period since the submission of a compliant notification has passed
  • note the date by which the testing must be completed - if your testing is likely to go on beyond this, contact us as soon as possible

COPR Automatic Experimental Permit (AEP)

HSE will:

  • check that the testing meets the necessary conditions based on the information provided
  • assign a notice number to the permit
  • issue a signed Notice of Approval for a maximum period of 12 months

You should:

  • wait until the signed Notice of Approval has been issued and ensure you comply with the conditions and restrictions before beginning testing
  • note the date by which the testing must be completed - if your testing is likely to go on beyond this, please contact us as soon as possible about renewing your AEP

COPR Experimental Permit (EP)

HSE will:

  • determine how much it will cost to process the application based on the information provided
  • assess the information provided - you may be asked to provide further information
  • impose conditions on the testing where appropriate
  • send the applicant a copy of the draft conditions HSE intends to set for the testing - these are set out in a draft Experimental Permit Schedule
  • take into account the applicant's comments, where relevant
  • assign an approval number to the permit
  • issue a signed Notice of Approval and Experimental Permit Schedule for a maximum period of 12 months
  • prohibit testing if it could have any unacceptable adverse effects on people, animals, or the environment

You should:

  • respond promptly and fully to any requests for further information - if the information you provide is not satisfactory, or you fail to provide the information within the specified deadline, your testing may be prohibited
  • examine the draft Experimental Permit Schedule and return it to HSE (with comments if necessary) to indicate your agreement with the conditions
  • wait until the signed Notice of Approval and Experimental Permit Schedule has been issued and ensure you comply with the conditions and restrictions before beginning testing
  • note the date by which the testing must be completed - if your testing is likely to go on beyond this, please contact us as soon as possible about renewing your permit

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Updated 2025-08-05