protect plants against all harmful organisms or prevent their harmful effects;

influence the life processes of plants, to the extent these are not nutrients;

store plant products;

kill unwanted plants; or

destroy parts of plants, or inhibit or prevent undesired growth of plants.

When is a product defined as a biocidal product?

Biocidal products are all substances or mixtures consisting of, containing or generating one or more active substances with the intention of destroying, deterring, rendering harmless, preventing the action of, or otherwise exerting a controlling effect on harmful or undesired organisms.

There are various types of biocidal products, including wood preservatives, antifouling paints, disinfectants, insecticides and repellents (see product type biocidal products).

The active substance in a biocidal product can be a so-called natural oil or extract, a chemical substance or a microorganism, virus or fungus. If the effect of a product is purely physical, then it is not a biocidal product. Medicines, vaccines and any co-formulants added to these products are covered by the Medicines Act and not by biocidal products legislation. Consequently, the Ctgb does not process applications for such products.

See also the memorandum 'Disinfectant products, the distinction between biocidal products, veterinary pharmaceuticals and medicinal products'.

Source: ctgb