Member states’ representatives approved today the Council’s position on the Commission’s proposal to extend certain data protection periods regarding biocides.The proposal forms part of the so-called “Omnibus X” legislative package in the EU’s simplification agenda. The package aims to reduce administrative costs and burdens, while maintaining the EU’s very strict requirements for food and feed safety, health and environmental protection.
“Advancing the simplification agenda on food and feed safety is key for boosting the competitiveness and resilience of our industries. Today’s agreement marks an important step in this direction. By extending certain data protection periods, the measure ensures fair treatment of companies and maintains fair competition in the internal market. We look forward to a swift agreement with the European Parliament in view of the upcoming full evaluation of EU rules on biocides.”
— Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
The regulation on biocidal products aims to improve the functioning of the biocidal products market in the EU, while ensuring a high level of protection for humans and the environment. Biocidal products are used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against harmful organisms like pests or bacteria, by the action of the active substances contained in the biocidal product.
Due to delays in the review of existing active substances in biocidal products the protection period for data generated expired on 31 December 2025. To ensure fair compensation for data owners, the Commission proposed to align the data protection period with the extended review programme until 31 December 2030. This extension aims to balance stakeholder interests and ensure regulatory fairness, pending a full evaluation of the regulation in 2026-2027.
With a view to keeping the period during which data remain unprotected as short as possible, the presidency has treated the proposal with utmost priority.
Member states broadly shared the sense of urgency and, in that perspective, supported the Commission’s proposal.
Next steps
Following today’s approval of the Council’s mandate, the presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament.
Fonte: Conselho Europeu
