EPA revises policy prioritizing disinfectant review

EPA will no longer expedite review of hard surface disinfectants with claims against SARS-CoV-2 or Emerging Viral Pathogens.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs has provided an update to its disinfectant policy, aligning with new scientific information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the indoor transmission of COVID-19.

Over the past year, EPA allowed for the expedited review and approval of surface disinfectant products for use against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral pathogens to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. However, CDC recently reported that the primary risk for infection by COVID-19 is through transmission of the virus through the air rather than from touching surfaces. Due to this new information, EPA will no longer expedite review of hard surface disinfectant product applications for inclusion on List N.  EPA will instead prioritize review of novel products, such as those that kill airborne SARS-CoV-2. This change in policy will loosen up resources necessary for EPA to address the backlog of actions, as well as meeting deadlines under the registration review process. 

To read the update in full, click here.

How TSG can help

TSG’s consultants have been guiding companies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to provide updates from regulatory bodies. We can coordinate the submission package for your novel disinfectant product including outlining data requirements, reviewing labels and label claims. Get in touch at [email protected]