This guidance note addresses automotive air-ionisers that function by ionizing water molecules in the ambient air to form free radicals, which have an antibacterial function to eliminate unwanted odours. The European Biocidal Products Regulation ("BPR") includes requirements for active substances that are generated in situ from ambient precursors that are not themselves supplied, such as air. The Automotive Task Force - Biocides gained further understanding from correspondence with the UK Competent Authority, which has been used as the basis for this ACEA guidance note. If an air ioniser device does not intentionally create free radicals for a biocidal effect, but instead has a controlling effect on harmful organisms only by physical or mechanical action, then the device would not fall under the scope of the BPR or this guidance note.
