EU ban hand sanitizer? – New twist: “This is good news”

In the EU, a ban on ethanol-based disinfectants for consumer use has been considered. The planned ban has been commonly referred to in the public as a “ban on gloves”.

The European Chemicals Agency ECHA has now decided to postpone its opinion on ethanol-based disinfectants until at least next year, says trade industry advocacy organization Kaupan liitto. According to the agency’s press release, ECHA’s final statement is not expected until at least May 2026, the association says.

“This is good news. It means that we have been heard and our message has been correct, rejoices the leading expert in the press release Terhi Kuljukka-Rabb Trade association.

“Uncertainty about the real hazard properties in disinfection use seems to have been the main reason why the biocidal products committee has not yet taken a final position,” says Kuljukka-Rabb.

Trade Union told earlierthat the threat to the disinfectant ethanol has now arisen because the review has not taken into account the actual conditions of use, i.e. how the disinfectant product behaves when it is applied to the skin.

Ethanol is being considered for a severe general hazard classification. The trade association and several other organizations have argued that the dangers of ethanol are related to the harm caused by drinking alcohol.

The ban “would in practice lead to limiting or banning the use of ethanol-based disinfectants in healthcare, industry and consumer use”, the organizations considered.