Ethanol’s Surge in Demand & Emergency Regulatory Measures

Ethanol based hand sanitiser.

17 Mar 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethanol-based products, especially hand sanitisers, saw an unprecedented surge in demand. This spike was so significant that it led to supply shortages worldwide, prompting emergency regulatory measures under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) Article 55 derogation procedure. These measures allowed Ethanol-based products to be swiftly placed on the market, adhering to strict World Health Organisation (WHO) formulation guidelines.

The flexibility provided by Article 55, along with national legislative decisions across Member States, created a temporary "fast-tracking" system. This system facilitated the increased availability of vital disinfectants, showcasing Ethanol's critical role in managing public health emergencies.

This history underscores the importance of Ethanol in public health and the regulatory agility needed to respond to global health crises effectively.

Contact us today to learn how our biocide regulatory compliance specialists can assist you in maintaining market access and navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance effectively.