In light of increasing concerns over carcinogenic risks, the European Union is considering banning the use of ethanol as an active ingredient in hand sanitizers and other disinfectant products, triggering significant controversy. On October 10, a working group under the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an internal recommendation classifying ethanol as a hazardous substance that may increase the risk of cancer and suggested it should be replaced in cleaning and other disinfectant products.

On July 28, 2025, following the draft proposal to increase REACH registration fees, the European Commission passed Implementing Regulation No. 2025/1490, announcing an immediate increase in all official fees related to the approval of biocidal products. This adjustment reflects the cumulative inflation level of 19.5% between 2021 and 2023. Unlike the REACH draft, whose implementation date is yet to be determined, the new regulations for biocides will officially take effect on August 14, 2025, and will be directly applicable in all member states.

Recently, South Korea's Ministry of Environment announced the approval of 15 biocidal products closely related to daily life, under the Consumer Chemical Products and Biocides Safety Act (K-BPR). These products include disinfectants, algicides, rodenticides, insecticides, and repellents.