There is still confusion regarding the future availability of antifouling paints says the British Coatings Federation’s Marine Coatings Group.
The group has produced an explanatory note that it says is intended to provide clarity on the Biocidal Products Regulation, making it clear that antifoul paints – including copper-based antifoul – have not been banned.
“Antifouling paints containing co-biocides also known as ‘booster’ biocides have not been banned,” added Trevor Fielding, regulatory affairs manager at the BCF.
“The industry and the regulators are working hard to make the implementation of the Biocidal Products Regulation a success.”
Under the BPR, all antifouling paints need to undergo an authorisation process to a competent authority as they are biocidal products.
If an application has been made for an antifouling paint and it has been accepted by the authorities, then the product can continue to be made, supplied and used as before whilst the dossier is reviewed by the authorities which could take several years.
If a dossier is not submitted the paint can be sold until the end of June 2018 and must be used by December 2018.
If BPR authorisation has been applied for, but the competent authority review fails, the product will have to be withdrawn.