Evaluation of factors influencing disinfection efficacy for aquaculture

Summary

Disinfectants falls within the scope of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), however, there are no specific guidance on how to test the efficacy of disinfectants for use in aquaculture. The Norwegian Medicines Agency and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority are the current authorities for approval and follow up on the national regulations of disinfectants for aquaculture in Norway, while the Norwegian Environmental Agency (NEA) will be the authority for the BPR. Thus, this project was funded by NEA for making a guidance document for efficacy testing of disinfectants for use in aquaculture that is in accordance with the BPR and that can be a supplement to the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) guidance on the Biocidal Products Regulation Volume II Efficacy assessment and evaluation (Part B + C). This report summarizes the aquaculture industry in EU and Norway, and the typical conditions for uses and use patterns for disinfectants in aquaculture. This information was used to make a recommended guidance document on how to perform efficacy testing of disinfectants for use in the EU and EEA in accordance with BPR. The guidance document is a standalone document.