EPA Cuts Approval Mandate for Virus-Fighting Disinfectant Makers

The EPA is allowing manufacturers of some coronavirus-fighting disinfectants to acquire raw materials more quickly by removing a requirement for companies to get agency approval.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday it would temporarily allow manufacturers of already-registered disinfectants to obtain some active ingredients from any supplier without first getting the agency’s approval.

• The agency typically requires those companies to notify the EPA before changing the source of an active ingredient.
• The waiver applies to active ingredients including ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite. Ethanol is used in making hand sanitizer.
• Manufacturers received permission last week to obtain certain inert, or inactive, ingredients from different suppliers without checking with the agency first.