Ethanol-based biocidal products keep us safe.
Nurses and doctors use ethanol-based hand sanitisers before, during and after surgery and treatments. Chefs – at home and professionally – use ethanol-based disinfectants to remove bacteria from kitchen surfaces. Families use ethanol-based wipes to remove germs from public transport or after playing at the park.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ethanol-based products played a critical role in protecting us and those we love.
And yet, the European Union may soon adopt a de facto ban on ethanol-based biocidal products for public use and severely restrict their availability in professional settings.
Why?
Because ethanol is alcohol. And data being considered by the European Chemicals Agency shows that drinking alcohol carries health risks.
But biocidal products like sanitisers, disinfectants and antiseptics are not intended to be drunk! Ethanol in biocidal products is safe, effective, and saves lives.
The European Chemicals Agency, made up of representatives from all EU Member States, is due to decide the future of ethanol-based biocidal products in late-November 2025.
If we do not want an avoidable public health crisis, economic decline, and disruption of lives and livelihoods, we must take urgent action to ensure these vital products continue to be available to European citizens. The moment has come to put your #HandsUpForEthanol.
What is ethanol and how is it used?
Ethanol is a natural and versatile ingredient widely used in consumer products and for professional purposes. Ethanol is known particularly for its disinfecting properties, and its applications are key for human health and hygiene.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called ethanol-based hand sanitiser the gold standard for hand hygiene in healthcare.
Why is the EU considering restricting ethanol-based products?
Countless independent scientific studies have shown that ethanol in biocidal products is completely safe, and the products are lauded as the gold standard for hand hygiene in healthcare.
But the EU is considering a de facto ban on ethanol-based biocidal products. Why? Because they think you might drink them.
What’s at stake for Europe?
A de facto ban on ethanol-based biocidal products puts us all at risk because there is no viable alternative to ethanol.
Ethanol is the primary ingredient in most hand sanitisers, anti-bacterial wipes, surface cleaners, and other disinfectants.
What if Europeans didn’t have access to these products? What would our lives look like? What would be the state of our public health?
Ethanol in the spotlight
Over 800 signatories call for decision-makers to act now to prevent a de facto ban on ethanol-based hand sanitisers, disinfectants, and antiseptics, for the sake of Europe’s health, economy, and public trust. Add your signature to the joint statement now.
Act now
Sign the joint statement to express your support for the future of ethanol-based biocidal products in the EU.
#HandsUpForEthanol
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Did you know?
Ethanol in the news
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Over 800 industry leaders, health practitioners and academics unite against a ban on ethanol-based products vital for public health
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Ethanol and the Biocidal Products Regulation: Where Do We Stand?
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HPC Today – Ethanol: the unseen guardian of public health
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A CMR classification of ethanol would have critical consequences for public health
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A.I.S.E. raises concerns about reclassification of ethanol under BPR
Add your voice – put your #HandsUpForEthanol
It’s essential we act now before it’s too late. Contact your local Member of Parliament or click here to contact your Member of the European Parliament and tell them to stop the de facto ban on ethanol-based biocidal products!