BIT, DBNPA, and Formic Acid approved in accordance with the BPR Regulation
BIT, DBNPA and Formic Acid. The European Commission has recently approved three active substances—1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT), 2,2-Dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA), and formic acid—for specific biocidal applications under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). These decisions aim to balance market harmonization with health and environmental safeguards, permitting targeted uses where alternatives are lacking and benefits outweigh risks8. Companies interested in continuing to market biocides containing these active substances for the approved Product Types must prepare a BPR authorization application.
1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT)
Approved for product types 6 (in-can preservatives) and 13 (metalworking fluid preservatives):
- BIT is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against bacteria, fungi, and algae7.
- In product type 6, it prevents microbial growth in water-based industrial products like adhesives, coatings, and latex paints.
- For product type 13, it preserves metalworking fluids, extending their usability and preventing contamination during machining operations.
- Despite its efficacy, BIT can cause skin irritation at concentrations above 0.05%, necessitating careful handling.
Date of approval: October 1st 2026
2,2-Dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide (DBNPA)
Approved for product type 6:
- DBNPA acts rapidly against microorganisms in water-based systems, making it ideal for in-can preservatives in paper coatings, slurries, and industrial cooling systems8.
- Its key advantage lies in biodegradability, breaking down into non-hazardous compounds after use5.
- Although classified as an endocrine disruptor, the EU granted a derogation under Article 5(2)(c) of the BPR due to the lack of viable alternatives for critical applications8.
Date of approval: November 1st 2026
Formic Acid
Approved for product type 6:
- Formic acid controls microbial growth in industrial processes, particularly in livestock feed preservation and silage fermentation6.
- It suppresses harmful bacteria like E. coli and promotes lactic acid fermentation in animal feed, reducing nutritional loss.
- Its use in product type 6 focuses on liquid systems where pH stability allows effective antimicrobial action without residual toxicity.
Date of approval: October 1st 2026
Regulatory Context
These approvals follow rigorous assessments under the BPR, emphasizing controlled use cases and stakeholder consultations. The EU mandates strict application guidelines to mitigate health risks, particularly for substances like DBNPA with inherent hazards. By limiting approvals to essential scenarios, the Commission ensures biocidal efficacy while advancing safer alternatives in the long term. The decisions reflect the EU’s commitment to harmonizing biocidal product standards without compromising safety, ensuring industries retain effective tools for microbial control under monitored conditions.
Do you need assistance to prepare the biocidal products authorization according to BPR? Nordiik can help, contact us!
Download the Commission decision’s here:
- BIT, TP6 y TP13: OJ_L_202500929_EN_TXT
- DBNPA, TP6: OJ_L_202500937_EN_TXT
- Formic Acid, TP6: OJ_L_202501043_EN_TXT
