Replacing hazardous substances in biocidal products

What is this call about?

The topic funds research projects that develop and test safer bio-based substances to replace hazardous actives in wood preservatives and mosquito insecticides. SME participation and international cooperation are encouraged.

What does this call fund?

Scope

Projects develop innovative bio-based substances, designed under the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework, that can replace hazardous active substances in biocidal products covered by the Biocidal Products Regulation. Proposals should address at least one of two applications: wood preservatives, where solutions should limit resistance in harmful organisms such as Aspergillus fumigatus, or insecticides that control mosquito larvae or adults transmitting disease.

Activities

• Develop substances derived from plants, microbes, other natural sources or bio-based materials.
• Review at international level the hazardous active substances used in wood preservatives and mosquito insecticides.
• Test the new substances for safety to human health and to terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, including pollinators.
• Demonstrate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness with validated indicators, including integration into final products.
• Include social sciences and humanities in safety testing, with attention to groups in vulnerable situations.

Expected outcomes

Safer bio-based alternatives with lower risk to health and biodiversity, and effective solutions for controlling harmful organisms. Activities are expected to reach TRL 4-5 by the end of the project.

When is the deadline?

22 September 2027 (320 days)

22 September 2027 (single-stage call).