The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is working with chemicals firms across Europe to increase the speed with which they can deliver much-needed disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is supporting authorities within the EU and EEA to “apply derogations from the normal authorisation requirement for biocidal products”. The aim is to increase the supply of disinfectant products for both healthcare professionals and organisations, as well as members of the public.

This means that companies that are seeking to supply disinfectants that already contain an approved active substance can apply for permission from the relevant national authority by relying on Article 55 of the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Under these rules, a threat to public health enables the national authority to grant a time-limited derogation from the standard product authorisation requirements.

In addition, the ECHA has made recommendations about certain compositional requirements for the two approved active substances, which, if firms follow the advice, will make it easier and quicker for national authorities to check products before granting a derogation.

The ECHA has also collated all of its guidance and advice relating to the COVID-19 pandemic into a single page on its website.

Several firms in the UK have already announced their intention to start producing hand sanitizer. Last month, the BBC reported that a number of micro gin distilleries in the country are among those to come forward and state that they will be switching to the production of hand sanitizer rather than alcoholic beverages.

With more companies entering this space, there could be greater demand for chemical analysis in the UK in the coming weeks and months.