Biocides: Introduction and Objectives

Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market of biocidal products was adopted in 1998. According to the Directive, Member States had to transpose the rules before 14 May 2000 into national law.

The Commission adopted the original proposal for the Directive in 1993. Directive 91/414/EEC on plant protection products, adopted in 1991, served as a model for the new Directive.

The Biocidal Product Directive aims to harmonise the European market for biocidal products and their active substances. At the same time it aims to provide a high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment.