When using biocidal products, particularly those intended for disinfection, it is essential to comply with current regulations. This is where "Certibiocide" comes into play, a regulatory system that guarantees the safe and compliant use of biocidal products.
What is Certibiocide?
Certibiocide is a mandatory certification for anyone handling or applying biocidal products intended for professional use. It aims to prevent health and environmental risks associated with the improper use of these products. This certification is part of compliance with European and French standards to protect users, consumers, and the environment.
Am I concerned by Certibiocide?
You are concerned if you carry out an activity as a Distributor, Purchaser and/or Decision-Maker around biocidal products of the following types:
- TP2 : Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals.
- TP3 : Products intended for veterinary hygiene.
- TP4 : Products used on surfaces in contact with food or animal feed.
These products must be intended for strictly professional use, according to the definitions mentioned in the decrees of 09/10/2023 and/or 23/01/2023.
Definitions of the roles concerned
Distributor: Any person engaged in the business of offering for sale, selling, or distributing biocidal products free of charge to users or to natural or legal persons acting on their behalf. This includes wholesalers, retailers, sellers, and suppliers. (Note: the definition of "distributor" in this decree differs from that under REACH.)
Purchaser: Any person who chooses or orders the purchase of biocidal products.
Decision-maker: Any person exercising a supervisory function for the use of biocidal products.
The three certificates available
The decree of 23/01/2023 provides for training adapted to the type of biocide (TP) concerned. Thus, three certificates can be obtained:
- “Certibiocide Disinfectants”: for disinfection products (TP2, TP3, TP4).
- “Certibiocide Nuisibles”: for pest control products.
- “Certibiocide Other products”: for other types of specific biocides.
The Certibiocide is awarded to an individual after completing the training. This certificate, issued by the Ministry of the Environment, is valid for a period of 5 years.
Main obligations of the professionals concerned
Professionals must comply with the following obligations:
1. Obtaining an individual certificate: Everyone concerned must undergo training and obtain a valid certificate.
2. Annual declaration: Professionals must declare certified persons, accompanied by their certificate numbers.
3. Keeping a sales register:
This must be regularly updated, including:
- The products concerned
- The quantities sold
- The purchasers' certificate number
Date of application of "Certibiocide"
Application for professionals already affected by the decree of 09/10/2013: from 01/01/2024.
For new professionals concerned: an additional period of 2 years is granted, with implementation on 01/01/2026.
Training method for "Certibiocide"
The training lasts 7 hours and can be completed in person or remotely, depending on the organization delivering it. At the end of the session, a 30-question test is used to assess your skills, requiring at least 20 correct answers. If you fail, you must complete an additional 2-hour session to obtain your Certibiocide.
