The discussion surrounding a potential ban on ethanol in disinfectants has been causing concern for months across trade, industry, and the healthcare sector. The background is the ongoing evaluation of ethanol as an active substance under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
A key date is the meeting of the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) from 23–25 February 2026. The assessment will be reconsidered at this meeting after no final opinion was reached in November 2025 [1].
But what does this mean in practical terms? Is a ban on ethanol or bioethanol truly imminent? And how should resellers and end users position themselves now?
Key Takeaways at a Glance
On 23 February 2026, a decisive ECHA meeting on the evaluation of ethanol as a biocidal active substance will begin [1].
A final decision will not be made on that day but only after completion of the scientific assessment process – subsequently, the European Commission will decide [2].
There is currently no immediate “ethanol ban.”
Depending on the classification, however, new requirements or restrictions may arise.
Why Is Ethanol Under Discussion?
Ethanol has been a key active substance for decades in:
Hand disinfectants
Surface disinfectants
Antiseptic solutions
Disinfection in the food sector
Under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), active substances must be reviewed on a regular basis. The evaluation covers:
Toxicology
Environmental impact
Exposure scenarios
Availability of safer alternatives
The current debate focuses in particular on a possible classification with regard to carcinogenic properties – which would have significant regulatory consequences [3].
Important:
Bioethanol is chemically identical to ethanol. The debate does not differentiate between fossil-based or bio-based origin. A “bioethanol ban” would effectively be a decision affecting ethanol as a whole.
What Has Happened So Far? – The Timeline
November 2025
The BPC discusses the assessment but does not reach agreement. The decision is postponed [1].
23–25 February 2026
Renewed deliberations within the BPC – this date is considered a key milestone [4].
Subsequently in 2026
After completion of the scientific evaluation, the BPC will issue an opinion.
Based on this, the European Commission will decide on the regulatory future of ethanol as a biocidal active substance [2].
What Is the Worst-Case Scenario?
In some cases, alarming reports are circulating about a “ban on hand disinfectants” [5]. Realistically, three scenarios are conceivable:
Scenario 1 – Status quo remains in place
Ethanol continues to be approved without changes.
Scenario 2 – Approval with stricter requirements
Restrictions in the consumer sector
Additional labelling obligations
Higher documentation requirements
Scenario 3 – Substitution obligation / de facto ban in certain areas
If ethanol were to be classified as a substance of very high concern, many applications might only remain possible under specific derogations [6].
A complete and immediate market ban is currently considered unlikely.
Why Ethanol Is So Relevant
Ethanol offers several advantages:
Broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and many viruses
Good skin compatibility when properly formulated
Rapid evaporation without residues
Proven use in medical and care settings
Alternatives such as propanol (isopropanol) are available but are not interchangeable 1:1 in all applications. Material compatibility, odour, evaporation behaviour, and supply chains play an important role [6].
Particularly in healthcare, ethanol is a central component of established hygiene concepts.
What Does This Mean for Resellers?
For retailers and wholesalers in the field of medical disposables and hygiene products, strategic preparation is advisable:
Broaden the product portfolio Parallel offering of ethanol-based and alternative active substances.
Review documentation
Are safety data sheets up to date?
Is the approval status correctly documented?
Is product labelling compliant with regulations?
Prepare customer communication An FAQ section addressing “Is ethanol banned?” builds trust.
Take a holistic approach to hygiene Disinfection is only one component. A robust hygiene concept includes:
Disposable gloves
Protective clothing
Dispensing systems
Visitor protection solutions
For example, certified nitrile gloves with the appropriate protection pictograms support the safe implementation of hygiene measures (see AMPri PURE Catalogue) [7].
Suitable dispensing systems also ensure controlled dispensing and reduced cross-contamination [7].
Especially in times of regulatory uncertainty, it becomes clear:
A resilient hygiene concept must not rely on a single active substance alone.
What Does This Mean for End Users?
Current status:
Ethanol-based disinfectants may continue to be used.
It remains important to:
Observe required contact times
Allow hands to dry completely
Follow a proper skin protection concept
Put on and remove gloves correctly
The combination of hand disinfection and appropriate disposable gloves remains a central pillar of modern infection prevention.
Conclusion: No Ban – But a Potential Turning Point
The meeting on 23 February 2026 is an important milestone, but not an automatic effective date for a ban.
Nevertheless, the debate shows:
The disinfectant market remains sensitive from a regulatory perspective. Retailers and users now benefit from:
Information advantage
Portfolio security
Holistic hygiene concepts
We are closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as soon as a final decision is available.
As Marketing Team Lead at AMPri, Philip Krüger combines creative communication design with solid technical expertise. He develops marketing and e-commerce strategies that work across all channels, are digitally measurable, and sustainably strengthen AMPri's success.
