What is the EU approval status of permethrin under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012: for which product types is it approved, when do the approvals expire, and what conditions apply to products containing it?
Permethrin (EC 258-067-9, CAS 52645-53-1) is approved under the BPR for two product types: PT08 (wood preservatives) and PT18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods). Both approvals started on 1 May 2016 and now expire on 31 October 2028. ECHA lists permethrin as a candidate for substitution, and its renewal is under evaluation, with Ireland as the evaluating competent authority. [1][2]
Approach: I used the ECHA list of approved biocidal active substances for status and dates. The approval conditions come from EUR-Lex search snippets of the approving regulation, not a full reading of its annex.
Status by product type
| Product type | Status | Approved from | Expires | Candidate for substitution | Authorised products linked (ECHA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT08 Wood preservatives | Approved; renewal in progress | 01/05/2016 | 31/10/2028 | Yes | 345 [1] |
| PT18 Insecticides, acaricides, other arthropods | Approved; renewal in progress | 01/05/2016 | 31/10/2028 | Yes | 74 [2] |
Legal acts
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1090/2014 (16 October 2014) approved permethrin as an existing active substance for PT08 and PT18. The approval does not cover nanomaterials (Article 4(4) BPR).
- Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/336 (13 February 2026) moved the expiry date for both product types from 30 April 2026 to 31 October 2028. Two renewal applications were submitted on 18 October 2024, and the extra time allows the evaluation, ECHA's opinions and the Commission's renewal decision to be completed. ECHA's entry names this Decision as the current act. [2]
Conditions in Regulation 1090/2014 (from EUR-Lex search snippets)
Both product types
- The active substance must be at least 930 g/kg pure.
- For industrial or professional users, product authorisations must set safe operational procedures and appropriate organisational measures.
PT08 (wood preservatives)
- Product authorisations must include measures to protect soil and water. Labels and safety data sheets must state that:
- industrial application takes place in a contained area or on impermeable hard standing with bunding;
- freshly treated timber is stored under shelter and/or on impermeable hard standing, so nothing is lost directly to soil or water;
- any losses from application are collected for reuse or disposal.
- Products may not be authorised for treating outdoor constructions near or above water, or wood intended for them. The exception is where data show the product does not present unacceptable risks, using mitigation measures if needed.
PT18 (insecticides)
- Where products are authorised for treating textile fibres or other materials against insect damage, the labels must state that freshly treated fibres and materials are stored so nothing is lost directly to soil or water, and that any losses from application are collected for reuse or disposal.
Treated articles (e.g., treated timber or textiles)
- If an article is treated with or intentionally contains permethrin, and skin contact and release are possible under normal use, whoever places it on the market must label it with the risk of skin sensitisation and the information in Article 58(3), second subparagraph, of the BPR.
Because permethrin is a candidate for substitution, Member States carry out a comparative assessment when they authorise products that contain it. Its renewal could change these conditions before October 2028.
Sources:
SOURCES · 2
- [1]Permethrin (PT08) · p.2BPR
- [2]Permethrin (PT18) · p.2BPR