Replacing hazardous substances in biocidal products

Overview

Funding for research and innovation projects developing safe, sustainable, and bio-based alternatives to hazardous substances in biocidal products, specifically targeting wood preservatives and insecticides for mosquito control. Targets public authorities, industrial operators, and consortia working within the EU’s "safe and sustainable by design" framework.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, SMEs, universities, public bodies) from eligible countries. Participation of SMEs and international cooperation is encouraged but not mandatory.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €8,000,000 per project.
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.
• Financial support to third parties (e.g., sub-grants) is permitted, with a maximum of €60,000 per third party.

What Is Funded

• Development of innovative, bio-based, and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) substances to replace hazardous active substances in biocidal products.
• Focus areas:

- Wood preservatives, with emphasis on limiting resistance in harmful organisms (e.g., Aspergillus species). - Insecticides for mosquito control, targeting larvae or adults responsible for disease transmission.

• Activities include:

- International review of hazardous substances in scope. - Testing and validation of safety for human health, biodiversity (including pollinators), and effectiveness. - Integration of social sciences and humanities (SSH) to assess safety for vulnerable groups. - Demonstration of cost-effectiveness and contribution to biodiversity enhancement.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Deadline: 2027-09-21T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must align with the EU’s "safe and sustainable by design" framework, demonstrating how safety and sustainability considerations guide the innovation process.
• Proposals must include a review of hazardous substances at an international level and validate the safety and effectiveness of developed alternatives.
• Financial support to third parties is limited to grants and capped at €60,000 per third party.