SGS, the world’s leading provider of testing and certification services, offers a range of solutions to help manufacturers produce safe, effective, and compliant hand sanitizers.
After handwashing, using hand sanitizers is one of the best ways to ensure SARS-CoV-2, the virus that spreads COVID-19, is rendered harmless. Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, often using ethanol or isopropanol. To be effective they must be a minimum of 60% alcohol by volume, although many commercial brands contain between 60% and 80% alcohol by volume.
A basic hand sanitizer will also often contain glycerol (prevents dry skin), hydrogen peroxide (inactivates contaminating bacterial spores) and distilled water. In addition, commercially available hand sanitizers can also contain antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine or quaternary ammonium derivatives, and non-essential ingredients such as foaming agents, colorants and/or fragrances.
COVID-19 meant hand sanitizer supplies around the world were quickly exhausted. In response, a variety of manufacturers, including distillers and automotive industry suppliers, began manufacturing the product, although regulations in some areas did not actually allow it. To address this, several authorities eased their regulations.
In the US, either the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate antimicrobial products:
- EPA – antimicrobial products used on surfaces because they are identified as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). They require product-specific approval by way of a ‘registration’ of antimicrobial products and sources of active ingredients. Efficacy against public health pathogens must be demonstrated using specified EPA-approved studies
- FDA – antimicrobial products used on humans or animals, regulated as over the counter (OTC) drugs under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA). The FDA typically determines whether the active ingredients used in OTC drugs are Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) through its monograph program. Under this, consumer antiseptic hand rub products can use ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or benzalkonium chloride
The EPA already had a policy that allowed manufacturers to make claims against emerging viral pathogens, provided the product met set efficacy tests. So, although registrants and sellers on the EPA’s list cannot make specific claims in relation to COVID-19, they can state they are on this list. Therefore, in effect, they are demonstrating the EPA considers this product to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
The EPA and FDA have both taken steps to help reduce the shortage in hand sanitizers. For example, the EPA has eased the reporting requirements on 280 inactive disinfectant ingredients and the FDA has relaxed certain restrictions. They have also announced that they will not enforce actions against firms preparing alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumer and public health use until such a time that the emergency is lifted. In addition, they will not take action against compounders, so long as they use ingredients of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) grade and utilize a formulation that is consistent with WHO guidance.
Hand sanitizers are covered by Regulation (EU) 528/2012 – the Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) – the European Union (EU). Under Article 55 for the BPR, Member States are allowed to set aside the standard BPR authorization requirements in the event of a public health emergency. A national derogation can be announced by a competent authority (CA) for a period of up to 180 days, which may be extended. Several EU countries have adopted derogation. Stakeholders should recognize that hand sanitizer products manufactured outside of the EU are still subject to the requirements of the BPR.
During the COVID-19 pandemic regulatory authorities have relaxed certain regulations to ensure a steady supply of hand sanitizers. As the situation develops, it can be imagined these will develop further. It is therefore important for manufacturers to ensure they are compliant with up to date regulatory information.
SGS Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectant Services
Utilizing a global network of experts and laboratories, SGS provides a comprehensive testing and registration service to help hand sanitizer manufacturers ensure their products remain compliant with current market regulations. Learn more about SGS Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants Services.
For more information, please contact:
Hubert Brundu
Global Technical Manager
Cosmetics, Personal Care & Household
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/cpch
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.