Policy Priorities / Public health & Hygiene
Ethanol classification
How ethanol is used and regulated today
Ethanol is a well-established and widely used active substance in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, surface disinfectants and antiseptics. It plays a critical role in protecting public health by helping to prevent and control the spread of infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ethanol-based products are used across a wide range of settings, including healthcare, food production, public transport and everyday environments, where effective hygiene is essential. It is also used as a preservative in detergents and cleaning products, where it helps maintain product safety and stability.
Ethanol-based hand disinfectants, in particular, provide a reliable and effective first line of defence against infectious diseases. They are recommended by international health authorities and have a long-standing record of safe and effective use. These products are essential for infection prevention in both healthcare and community settings, helping to reduce the risk of transmission of common and emerging pathogens and supporting overall public health resilience.
In the EU, ethanol used in disinfectants is regulated under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and assessed based on real-world exposure routes to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
What is changing: classification discussions
Ethanol is currently the subject of discussions related to hazard classification under EU chemicals legislation. Such discussions consider scientific evidence, hazard data and exposure scenarios.
Classification decisions matter because they can directly affect the continued availability of ethanol-based disinfectants and detergents used for hygiene and infection prevention. As a result, ethanol classification is closely linked to the need to protect public health, preparedness and quality of life.
Industry perspective and Detergents Europe’s work
For the cleaning and hygiene products industry, ethanol is an indispensable ingredient for which no viable alternatives provide the same efficacy and versatility for many critical uses.
Detergents Europe has led extensive technical, policy and communications work on this issue. A central initiative is the **Hands Up for Ethanol** campaign, launched in October 2025, which raises awareness of ethanol’s essential role in infection prevention and highlights real-world use conditions and public health impacts.
The campaign combines policy engagement, scientific publications, media outreach, events, a dedicated website and social media activity, and represents a flagship example of Detergents Europe’s work to support evidence-based policymaking.
Hands Up for Ethanol
Let's protect the products that keep us safe
