WHAT IS a BIOCIDAL PRODUCT?

Content addition date : 26-08-2025

What Is a Biocidal Product?
According to the regulation, a biocidal product is defined as any substance or mixture containing one or more active ingredients intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or otherwise control harmful organisms—beyond mere physical or mechanical effects.

Biocidal Products in Turkiye
Biocidal products are chemical or biological substances used to combat harmful organisms, aiming to protect human health and environmental safety. In Turkey, the production, import, licensing, and marketing of these products are regulated under the “Biocidal Products Regulation” administered by the Ministry of Health. This regulation ensures that biocidal products are used safely and effectively, minimizing risks to public health.

Product Types and Applications
Biocidal products are classified into 4 main groups and 22 product types, based on their intended use:

1️⃣ Disinfectants and General Biocidal Products

► Type 1: Human hygiene products
Examples: Hand sanitizers, antiseptic soaps

► Type 2: Surface and air disinfectants
Examples: Hospital surface cleaners, HVAC disinfectants

► Type 3: Veterinary hygiene products
Examples: Disinfectants for animal shelters

► Type 4: Food and feed area disinfectants
Examples: Cleaners for food processing equipment

► Type 5: Drinking water disinfectants
Examples: Chlorine-based water purification products

2️⃣ Preservatives

► Type 6: In-can preservatives
Examples: Microbial spoilage inhibitors in packaging

► Type 7: Film preservatives
Examples: Anti-mold paint additives

► Type 8: Wood preservatives
Examples: Termite-resistant varnishes

► Type 9: Fiber, leather, rubber preservatives
Examples: Antibacterial textile coatings

► Type 10: Masonry preservatives
Examples: Moisture-resistant exterior paints

► Type 11: Preservatives for liquid cooling systems
Examples: Biocides for industrial water systems

► Type 12: Slimicides
Examples: Snail repellents for agriculture

► Type 13: Preservatives for metalworking fluids
Examples: Coolant preservatives for CNC machines

3️⃣ Pest Control Products

► Type 14: Rodenticides
Examples: Rat and mouse poisons

► Type 15: Avicides
Examples: Bird repellent sprays

► Type 16: Molluscicides
Examples: Garden slug control products

► Type 17: Piscicides
Examples: Fish farm pest control agents

► Type 18: Insecticides and acaricides
Examples: Mosquito sprays, mite killers

► Type 19: Repellents and attractants
Examples: Flea repellents, insect bait traps

4️⃣ Other Biocidal Products

► Type 20: Preservatives for food and feed stocks
Examples: Storage pest control products

► Type 21: Antifouling products
Examples: Anti-algae coatings for ship hulls

► Type 22: Embalming and ritual products
Examples: Preservatives used in funeral services

Safety and Biocidal Licensing
Before being placed on the market, biocidal products must be licensed by the Ministry of Health. Labeling, packaging, and usage instructions are strictly regulated. Products accessible to the general public are subject to additional safety restrictions due to potential toxic effects.

Conclusion
Biocidal products play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and safety in everyday life. However, their responsible and informed use is essential to protect both human health and the environment. Turkey’s regulatory framework provides a comprehensive system to ensure this balance.

You can get support from CRAD's professional team regarding the management of the licensing process of your biocidal products.