Brussels – 3 April 2025 Today, A.I.S.E. hosted a webinar with over 500 registered participants on the potential reclassification of ethanol under the biocidal process. The event featured in-depth explanations on the vital applications of ethanol in disinfectants, detergents and cleaning products and the potential impact of a reclassification and de facto ban on its uses. The presentations and answers to many questions also highlighted the extensive consequences this classification could have on sectors that are critical to the health of society, such as healthcare and the food chain.

The Commission is considering reclassifying ethanol as a carcinogenic and reproductive toxicant chemical (CMR) in proposals under the BPR and CLP Regulations. If classified as CMR, ethanol would be banned for use in biocidal products such as hand and surface disinfectants.

“We are very concerned about the impact of a potential ban of ethanol on the EU market and we are calling on the European authorities to recognise the essential role of ethanol. It should remain classified based on its real-world, biocidal use, rather than being inaccurately compared to alcohol consumption,” A.I.S.E. Director General Alexis Van Maercke underlines. Recognising ethanol’s essential role in infection control and public health is vital for maintaining effective and safe disinfecting practices. Ethanol is a versatile ingredient widely used in many industries. 

• Ethanol is a vital ingredient in disinfecting products for infection prevention and control – it is the most effective substance to fight a broad spectrum of organisms from bacteria to non-enveloped viruses like polio
• Ethanol is the most effective and available disinfectant against healthcare-associated infections
• There is no viable alternative to ethanol-no other substance can match ethanol’s efficacy
• Ethanol is safe for the environment, comes mainly from renewable sources, is fully biodegradable, leaves no residue on surfaces, evaporates quickly.

A.I.S.E. will continue its efforts to advocate for ethanol to remain classified based on its real-world, biocidal use, rather than being inaccurately compared to alcohol consumption. We are asking the EU authorities to fully assess the consequences of the proposed reclassification and the European Commission to commit to its simplification agenda and support EU competitiveness – we must avoid an unjustified reclassification that does not positively impact citizens and public health, while negatively impacting European industry.