Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill under Committee Stage: Regulating Antimicrobial Use and Marketing in UK

The Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill [HL Bill 32] under committee stage aims to regulate the use of biocides—antimicrobial substances—in consumer products. It seeks to restrict their presence in cosmetics, personal care items, and treated articles unless subject to specific limitations. The Bill mandates the Secretary of State to monitor their impact on antibiotic resistance and grants powers to limit biocides that contribute to resistance. It also prohibits misleading marketing claims comparing biocidal products to soap, water, or alcohol-based sanitizers. Exemptions apply to medical products, environmentally safe items, or those with proven enhanced efficacy. A Board will review scientific evidence, advise ministers, assess advertising claims, and address concerns regarding biocide use and regulation.