After thorough scientific evaluation of the use of dicopper oxide, copper thiocyanate and coated copper flake as antifouling substances within the EU Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012, the ECHA Biocidal Product Committee has determined that these copper compounds are approved for use as active substances in commercial and yacht (pleasure craft) antifouling products for application by both professional and non-professional users. These compounds are the only copper compounds to have received approval to date and are the forms of copper most commonly used in current antifouling paints, either as sole biocide or in conjunction with a co-biocide.
The Implementing Regulations covering this decision are available on the EU website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html). The regulations next require that manufacturers of antifouling paints submit applications for approval of all their copper-based antifouling products by 1st January 2018. Those products containing zinc pyrithione will have a later deadline. Paints must be approved by each country in which it will be marketed.
The Biocidal Products Regulation requires the evaluation by European authorities of all categories of biocides and biocidal products, existing or new to the market, over a timetabled period of years. Antifouling substances form one category of these biocidal products.
Copper in various forms has been used historically to protect vessels from fouling, and remains a mainstay ingredient for antifouling paints. Fouling of vessels results in loss of performance, increased fuel consumption with consequent CO2 emission, damage to hull surfaces and, most importantly, translocation of invasive species. It is therefore essential that effective, economical and environmentally acceptable antifouling coatings remain available to boat owners.
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Copper Antifouling Environmental Programme
The CAEP is sponsored by companies who manufacture copper and copper compounds for use as active ingredients in antifouling paints. This programme is intended to facilitate the generation and gathering of scientific data on environmental and human exposure associated with the use of copper-based antifouling products.
For further information, please contact:
Copper Antifouling Environmental Programme
comments@copperantifouling.com
www.copperantifouling.com
Press release from Clive Bartlett at Saltwater Stone