Legislation on antifouling paints will change in 2018. It will result in changes in the range of products for manufacturers. The compositions and uses of biocidal products, including antifouling paints, are subject to European regulations since 2013. These regulations are designed to provide better protection for users and the environment by authorizing only formulations with the best benefit/risk ratio. The analogy with medicines is straightforward.
With the new standard in place for 2018, Europe has chosen to protect product applicators even more. Thus the application of certain toxic products can no longer be done by private individuals. And in prohibited products, between Copper Pyrithione, one of the components used by all manufacturers as a biocide in antifouling.
A standard to protect applicators
The standard considers that professionals are trained in the application of hazardous materials and that they protect themselves in their use. Professionals therefore still have the right to continue to use these toxic products (but this may change in the coming years). On the other hand, it is forbidden for private individuals!
Implementation in 2018
The implementation schedule is summarized in 3 key dates throughout 2018:
- 1 er january 2018 Implementation of the standard and publication of regulations.
- 1 er july 2018 Prohibition to sell products that do not meet the standard. The first 6 months of the year will serve as the transitional period for the implementation of the new regulations.
- 1 er january 2019 Prohibition for individuals to apply products that do not meet the standard.
The year 2018 is therefore a pivotal year.
Reactions from manufacturers
The antifouling paint manufacturers therefore had to react. Some have chosen to make 2 ranges: a range for professionals which will not be sold to the general public, and a range for individuals in which this biocide is not found. This is the case of Boero and Nautix.
Other manufacturers, such as International, have decided to renew their entire range, offering the same products adapted to professionals and individuals alike.
A really expensive MA
But making one or two new products is not neutral. Putting a new product on the market is very expensive. Indeed, to obtain Marketing Authorisation (MA), it is necessary to pass tests that represent a real investment for manufacturers. For small manufacturers, this cost may be difficult to bear. This new standard may result in the exclusion of small manufacturers from the market.
One more step for the environment
While this new standard better protects applicators, it is also good for the environment. Removing one more polluting element. As far as pricing is concerned, one might have thought that the price of the antifouling pots could have had an impact on the price of the antifouling pots, but this is not the case (fortunately!) because manufacturers are betting on the long term and integrate this investment over several years of operation.
Accastillage Diffusion "cleans" its catalogue
In this hinge year 2018, Accastillage Diffusion has decided to put in its catalogue only products that already meet the new standard. Even if the old products are still marketable until the end of June, the antifoulings already meet the new constraints. For this we find the Boero "Plus" range reserved for private individuals, the whole new International range (Micron 350, Ultra 300, Cruiser 250, Boatguard 100) and the Nautix Yachting range. Boaters will still be able to access the professional ranges via approved applicators, by enquiring at their Accastillage Diffusion store.
