In Europe the Biocidal Product Directive BPD) regulates pesticides under the statutory authority of Directive 98/8/EC. The BPD aims to harmonize the European market for biocidal products and their active substances. At the same time it aims to provide a high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment.

No product may be placed on the market unless it has been authorized in accordance with the provisions of Directive 98/8/EC.

Article 16 of the Directive provides however a derogation allowing the placing on the market of products containing existing substances, whilst they are being evaluated under the review program for existing active substances (List of existing active substances under evaluation).

Products containing existing active substances can be placed on the market in accordance with the rules and practices of Member States until the inclusion of their active substance(s) in Annex I or IA of the Directive.

Following such inclusion decisions, products must be authorized in accordance with the terms of the Directive and applications submitted to the Member States, where such authorizations are to be granted.

In case of a non-inclusion decision, products containing existing active substances shall be phased out within 12 months of the decision being published.