Regulation

Several regulations are linked to Peroxygens. You can find them below:

REACH

Hydrogen peroxide is registered under Reach (The European Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals – EC 1907/2006). The regulation aims to ensure a high level of protection for the environment and human health through the registration of all chemical substances produced in, or imported into Europe in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year.  Further information is available on the Echa website.

The Hydrogen peroxide consortium is handled by ReachCentrum.

CLP

Hydrogen peroxide is classified according to the European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances CLP (EC 1272/2008) aims to facilitate worldwide trade by harmonizing criteria for classification and labeling according to the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling” of the United Nations.  Information is available on the Echa website.

Further information on the classification is available for hydrogen peroxide.

Biocides

The basic principle in the Biocidal Products Regulation ((EU) No 528/2012 (BPR)) is that a biocidal product must be authorised before it can be made available on the market.  Further information is available on the Echa website.

Hydrogen peroxide is approved for use as a biocide in the EEA and/or Switzerland. The biocide consortium is handled by Fieldfisher.

Plant protection

Hydrogen peroxide at concentration <5% is approved as a basic substance for disinfection of agricultural mechanical cutting tools and for seed treatment under the Plant Protection Product Regulation (EC 1107/2009).  The conditions are included in Commission implementation regulation 2017/409.

Explosive Precursors

Hydrogen Peroxide is listed as a restricted explosive precursor according to Regulation EU 2019/1148 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors.

Producers have cooperated and supported regulators for many years to prevent hydrogen peroxide from being used for illicit purposes. The producers have developed a Code of Conduct to help companies that are involved in the manufacture, distribution, supply or use of hydrogen peroxide solutions to adopt a risk-based approach in support of the EU-wide measures in order to prevent the illicit use of the product.

We have developed a training tool to explain what your obligations are, to comply with the law and to help safeguard the public.  The information in this e-learning tool is provided in good faith.  Each company remains responsible for conformity to obligations set forth in the regulation, and for applicable national legislation”.

Transport of dangerous goods

For transportation, the respective modal dangerous goods (hazardous materials) regulation apply, which are based on the UN Recommendations TDG. Hydrogen peroxide of a concentration of less than 8 % wt is not subject to any transport regulations. 

For concentrations 8 % wt and above, the following classifications apply:

Hydrogen Peroxide Europe

Concentration of H2O2 Shipping Name and description ADR/RID/ADN, IMDG code, CFR 49
8% to <20% wt. Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution UN 2984, 5.1, PG. III
20% to ≤60% wt. Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution UN 2014, 5.1, (8), PG. II
>60% wt. Hydrogen, peroxide, stabilized UN 2015, 5.1, (8), PG. I

Air transportation

Concentration of H2O2 Shipping Name and description ICAO-TI, IATA-DGR
8% to <20% wt. UN 2984, 5.1, PG. III
20% to 40% wt. UN 2014, 5.1, (8), PG. II
>40% wt. PROHIBITED

National regulations can be different from country by country. For detailed information, check your producers Safety Data Sheet.

Industry initiatives

The European producers of hydrogen peroxide have combined their knowledge and experience in a Bulk Storage Guidelines in order to present consistent recommendations regarding fixed storage of hydrogen peroxide up to 70% concentration. The intention is to provide users, authorities and other stakeholders information for carrying out risk assessments for new or existing storage installations of hydrogen peroxide. To ensure the safety of the installations by describing realistic proposals concerning the design and operation of hydrogen peroxide storage installations. This guideline should be used as a basis for training and increasing the know-how of all hydrogen peroxide users. You can read the complete guidelines here.