To reduce the submission of redundant data for biocidal products already approved under K-BPR, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) in South Korea has issued industry guidelines outlining a simplified application process for approved biocidal products.
The simplified process is applicable to changes or updates in the following areas:
- Scope of use (types of facilities where the substance/product can be used, such as industrial, residential, or multipurpose facilities)
- User scope (type of users using the substance/product, such as industrial, experts, professionals, and general users)
- Effectiveness/efficacy
1. Changes in scope of use or user range
- Under the simplified process, companies only need to submit approval for changes in the "scope of use" and "user scope" of representative biocidal products.
- Approval related to the biocidal substances in these products is not required.
- The original approvals regarding use/user scope will not change during the amendment, and reapplication is not necessary.
2. Changes in effectiveness/efficacy
- For some products under the simplified process, data on the effectiveness/efficacy of representative products need only be submitted.
- Approval related to the biocidal substances in these products is not required.
- The original approvals regarding effectiveness/efficacy will not change during the amendment, and reapplication is not necessary.
3. Types of biocidal products applicable under the simplified process
| Sterilizing and disinfectant | Daily-use disinfectants |
| algicides | |
| Pest control | Rodenticides |
| products for controlling or inhibiting other vertebrates | |
| insecticides | |
| products for controlling or inhibiting other invertebrates | |
| Insect repellent and attractant | |
| Preservatives | Preservatives for product storage |
| preservatives for product surface treatment | |
| preservatives for fibers, leather, rubber, and polymeric materials | |
| wood preservatives | |
| preservatives for building materials and equipment | |
| preservatives for processing or cutting fluids | |
| preservatives and specimen preparation solutions | |
| Other |
Anti-fouling products |
The simplified K-BPR amendment approval process officially took effect on September 11, 2024, significantly easing the burden on businesses for updating biocidal products already approved under K-BPR. Additionally, when applying for changes in use/user scope or effectiveness/efficacy, companies must also inform other members of the consortium and downstream customers about the changes, and share the updated information with other consortium members.
