Christeyns Peracetic Acid Biocides: EU Authorization and What Companies Must Do

Key data

If your company uses peracetic acid disinfectants in cleaning or hygiene processes, this regulation directly affects you. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2116, in force since 8 September 2026, grants a Union authorization for the Christeyns Peracetic Acid Biocidal Product Family, allowing its marketing throughout the EU under harmonized conditions. The key for buyers and professional users: ensuring that the product you purchase is covered by this authorization and that safety data sheets are updated in accordance with the new terms.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2116 grants a Union authorization—that is, a single authorization valid in all Member States—for the peracetic acid biocide family marketed by Christeyns. This authorization is granted under the Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, which regulates the marketing and use of biocidal products in the European Union.

Before this authorization, Christeyns had to obtain national permits in each Member State where it wanted to sell these products. Now, with a single Union authorization, it can market them throughout the EU, provided it complies with the terms and conditions established in the regulation.

Peracetic acid products are broad-spectrum disinfectants widely used in environments where hygiene is critical: food industries, professional kitchens, hospitals, and water treatment plants. Union authorization ensures that these products have passed the safety and efficacy evaluation required by European regulations.

Economic and operational impact

For user companies, the most immediate impact is operational, not direct economic. Union authorization simplifies the market: Christeyns can now supply these products uniformly throughout the EU, which can result in greater availability and more stable supply conditions.

However, there are two specific economic risks that companies must manage:

• Use of unauthorized products or outside conditions: If a company uses biocides that do not comply with the authorization conditions, it is exposed to administrative penalties and product market withdrawal, with consequent operational and reputational costs.
• Outdated safety data sheets: Companies that do not update their safety data sheets and usage protocols in accordance with the new authorization terms may incur non-compliance during health or occupational safety inspections.

For distributors, Union authorization removes barriers to entry in new European markets, but also requires verifying that the products they market are covered by the authorization and that technical documentation is in order.

Who does it affect?

• Manufacturers of peracetic acid biocides competing with Christeyns in the European market: must understand the scope of the granted authorization.
• Distributors and wholesalers of disinfectant products in the EU: must verify that the products they market have the corresponding authorization.
• Food industry companies that use peracetic acid disinfectants in production lines, packaging, or facility cleaning.
• Hospitality and restaurant establishments that use these products in professional kitchens or catering facilities.
• Healthcare centers and hospitals that use peracetic acid biocides for surface or medical equipment disinfection.
• Water treatment companies that use peracetic acid as a disinfectant in their processes.
• Procurement and safety managers in any company that purchases these products: must request updated documentation from their suppliers.

Practical example

Imagine a meat processing company with several production plants in Spain, France, and Germany. Until now, its supplier—Christeyns—had to have national authorizations in each of those countries to supply them with peracetic acid disinfectants. With the new Union authorization granted by Regulation (EU) 2026/2116, Christeyns can supply the same product family in all three countries under a single regulatory framework.

For the meat processing company, this means:

• It can continue using Christeyns products without changes, provided the supplier complies with the authorization terms.
• It must request from Christeyns the updated safety data sheets in accordance with the new authorization and update its internal usage protocols.
• If a health inspection detects that usage protocols do not comply with the authorization conditions, the company may face penalties and temporary suspension of product use.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify with your supplier: Confirm that the peracetic acid biocides you purchase are included in the "Christeyns Peracetic Acid Biocidal Product Family" and covered by the Union authorization granted by Regulation (EU) 2026/2116.
2. Request updated safety data sheets: Ask your supplier for safety data sheets revised in accordance with the terms and conditions of the new authorization. Update your internal files.
3. Review usage protocols: Check that internal procedures for use, storage, and disposal of these biocides comply with the conditions established in the authorization.
4. Inform personnel: Ensure that employees handling these products are aware of the updated usage conditions. This is especially relevant in food, hospitality, and healthcare environments.
5. Document compliance: Keep documentation proving that the products used have the current authorization. In case of inspection, this documentation is your support.
6. Stay alert to possible changes: Union authorization may be subject to specific conditions or deadlines. Monitor any regulatory updates that may affect its validity or conditions.

Official source

View complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602116