Retailers who sell barley straw extract to help keep ponds clear of algae need to check as a number of products are now illegal.
An element within these products is considered a biocide and can no longer be used. But four companies have been given a grace period to continue to sell their products until August 2020.
This ruling only applies to barley straw extract products – it does not apply to raw, chopped barley straw, which is considered not to be a biocide.
Hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in barley straw extract, is no longer an approved active substance under the Biocidal Products Regulation.
Earlier this year, the Health and Safety Executive informed manufacturers and suppliers of barley straw extract products that it would revoke approval for such products from November 19.
Grace period
Manufacturers and suppliers of such products who felt they would not be able to meet the date were asked to contact the Chemicals Regulation Division Enforcement Team to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Ecoponds, Interpet, King British and NT Labs responded and have been given a grace period of until August 1, 2020 to sell their products, and to enable them ‘to return to compliance’.
Retailers will therefore be allowed to take advantage of the grace period granted, but only in respect of the four companies mentioned above. Products by any other company can no longer be sold.
