CLP Regulation: Clear Information on Chemical Hazards
The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) governs the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures across the European market. Its purpose is to provide users with clear information about potential hazards, helping to ensure safe handling and use.
Within the professional hygiene sector, cleaning and disinfection products must display mandatory information such as hazard pictograms, hazard statements (H-statements), precautionary statements (P-statements) and recommendations regarding storage and handling. This harmonised system helps users quickly identify hazards and contributes to workplace safety.
In practical terms
- Hazard pictograms allow users to identify potential risks immediately.
- Hazard statements and precautionary statements provide clear guidance on safe use, storage and transport.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) complement label information and serve as essential reference documents for employers and professional users.
- Compliance with the CLP Regulation helps reduce workplace accidents and supports effective chemical management procedures.
EU Biocidal products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012: the foundation of health protection
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) governs the placing on the market of disinfectants and other biocidal products. Its objective is to protect human health, animal health and the environment while ensuring the effectiveness of products made available to professional users.
Before receiving authorisation for sale, a biocidal product must demonstrate its effectiveness through recognised testing protocols. This regulatory framework provides organisations with the assurance that approved solutions have been properly assessed and meet European requirements.
Biocidal products include disinfectants used for surfaces, washrooms, professional kitchens and certain healthcare environments. Product authorisation details and efficacy claims should always be verified before use.
This regulation imposes strict requirements regarding formulation, efficacy and labelling, helping to ensure the quality and reliability of biocidal products used across professional sectors.
The EU hygiene package: a farm-to-fork approach
A unified european food safety policy
HACCP: Risk analysis and control
Since 2006, the Hygiene Package has harmonised food safety requirements across Europe. In food production, catering and food service operations, it relies heavily on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) methodology, which aims to identify, assess and control risks that could compromise food safety.
This approach includes the implementation of rigorous cleaning and disinfection programmes designed to maintain hygienic environments and support compliance with food safety regulations.
Food Contact Cleaning Products
Efficacy standards: the benchmark for disinfectant performance
Standardised Testing Protocols
Claims such as bactericidal, yeasticidal or virucidal activity cannot be made without supporting evidence. To substantiate these claims, products are tested against recognised European standards including EN 1276, EN 1650 and EN 13697, which assess performance under conditions that closely reflect real-life use.
Contact time, temperature, concentration and the presence of organic soiling are among the factors taken into account during these assessments.
These standards determine a disinfectant’s ability to reduce microorganisms according to precise criteria, including:
- Specific test organisms and activity spectra (bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal).
- Defined contact times.
- Specified temperatures.
- Presence of interfering substances.
- Prescribed concentrations.
Modular testing classification
Phase 1 – basic standards
Phase 2 – application standards :
These standards reproduce practical conditions of use.
- Phase 2, Step 1 includes suspension tests such as EN 1276 (bactericidal) and EN 1650 (fungicidal) in the presence of interfering substances.
- Phase 2, Step 2 evaluates performance under simulated practical conditions through standards such as EN 13697 for bactericidal and fungicidal activity on non-porous surfaces.
Compliance and performance in professionnal hygiene
Professional hygiene regulations provide an essential framework for ensuring user safety, business compliance and the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures. Whether through the CLP Regulation, the Biocidal Products Regulation, HACCP principles or recognised European efficacy standards, these requirements enable organisations to rely on proven and trustworthy hygiene solutions.
Choosing compliant products is not only about meeting legal obligations. It is also about protecting employees, customers, residents, patients and consumers while maintaining safe and hygienic working environments.
And what about Hygiène et Nature ?
As a French manufacturer of professional hygiene products, Hygiène & Nature integrates regulatory requirements from the earliest stages of product development. This commitment allows us to provide effective, compliant and safe solutions tailored to the needs of a wide range of professional sectors.
Whether operating in healthcare facilities, local authorities, food production environments, commercial catering or other demanding settings, professionals can rely on solutions designed to support both hygiene performance and regulatory compliance.