Biocidal Products Regulation: What you need to know
Since 01.01.2025, the Biocidal Law Implementation Ordinance (ChemBiozidDV) regulates the sale of certain biocidal products such as antifoulings in order to better protect people and the environment. We have compiled the most important information on the new regulations for you here.
What is the ChemBiozidDV?
The Biocidal Law Implementation Ordinance (short: ChemBiozidDV) is a regulation that came into force in 2021. It regulates the approval and sale of certain biocidal products such as antifoulings. Paragraphs § 9-13 of the regulation have been in effect since 01.01.2025; they contain stricter regulations for the dispensing and sale of certain biocidal products. The aim of the regulation is to minimize the uncontrolled use and release of harmful substances into the environment through these rules and thus to better protect people and the environment.
How are sales of biocide-containing antifouling products changing at TOPLICHT?
- Since January 1, 2025, a self-service ban has applied to the sale of biocidal antifouling paints to private customers. This means that the affected products are no longer freely accessible in our store but are kept locked and are handed out upon request.
- Private customers are additionally informed about safe application and environmentally friendly use by our trained knowledgeable staff in a mandatory consultation before completing the purchase.
- The conversation only takes a few minutes and also offers you the opportunity to receive comprehensive advice from us. Business customers, resellers, and professional users are exempt from the mandatory consultation.
- In our Hamburg store, we conduct the consultation directly with you on site. For mail order purchases, you will receive a note in your order confirmation asking you to call us for the consultation. You can reach our knowledgeable and trained employees at telephone number +49 4088 90 10 - 80 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
In a nutshell: ChemBiozidDV
- The Biocidal Law Implementation Ordinance is a federal regulation. Since 01.01.2025, paragraphs §9 and §13 have come into force, which stipulate a self-service ban and stricter regulations for the sale of certain biocidal products.
- Antifouling products are no longer freely available in the store but are stored locked. The sale is also only carried out by knowledgeable employees.
- The ChemBiozidDV was introduced to reduce the uncontrolled release of biocides into the environment and to safeguard human and animal health.
- So far, the regulation only affects biocidal antifouling paints in the TOPLICHT range.
- Private customers are additionally informed about safe application and environmentally friendly use in a mandatory consultation by our knowledgeable employees. Commercial customers are exempt from this consultation.
- For orders placed by email or in the shop, the consultation is carried out by telephone after the ordering process. The goods are then shipped as usual.
Feel free to call us at +49 40 88 90 10 - 80 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm) or write us an email at: toplicht@toplicht.de.
How to: Purchase and use biocide-containing antifouling paints
Regardless of whether you want to buy a biocidal antifouling, apply it, or switch to a biocide-free product: inform yourself in advance about what you should consider. The most important points that you should know about the purchase and safe use of antifouling paints can be found below or in our Antifouling Guide. The free Online Course from the BSH offers an understandable overview of the topic of biofouling and antifouling.
Alternatives: Do I need an antifouling product containing biocides?
If you predominantly sail in inland areas (freshwater), move your boat regularly, clean your boat frequently, or do not leave it in the water for the entire season, a biocide-free underwater paint could be an alternative for you. The Fouling Atlas of the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) provides a good overview of the fouling conditions in German waters.
Choosing the right antifouling
Should a biocidal antifouling be necessary, check whether you have selected the right system for your boat type and usage conditions. We have compiled further information in our Antifouling Guide.
Do I need to comply with regional regulations?
Is the antifouling marketable?
When purchasing a biocidal antifouling, make sure that it is notified or approved AND commercially available. On the label, you can determine whether the product has a registration number (e.g., N-12345) or the approval number (e.g., DE-00123145-21). Whether the product is commercially available can be checked in the Database of Notified Biocidal Products and in the Database of Approved Biocidal Products.
Where can I find processing instructions?
Should I wear personal protective gear?
Biocides are also toxic to humans, which is why you should always wear personal protective equipment (mask, gloves, safety glasses) when sanding and painting biocidal antifoulings.
How can I protect the environment?
Before processing biocidal antifoulings, take appropriate measures to prevent uncontrolled release into the environment:
- Wastewater from cleaning work should not be disposed of untreated
- Removed fouling and coating residues belong in the waste, never in nature
- Do not clean the hull on unpaved washing areas that do not collect wastewater
How do I store and dispose of products containing biocides?
- Store antifoulings hermetically sealed, away from direct sunlight at temperatures between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius.
- Keep antifouling cans out of reach of children
- Do not dispose of paint residues and empty cans in residual waste, but at the recycling center.