The Importance of Buying an Ozone Generator from an Approved Supplier Under the New GB BPR Regulations for Ozone Disinfection.
However, recent regulatory changes now place greater responsibility on businesses that use ozone for disinfection. Under the Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR), organisations must take additional care when purchasing, using, or upgrading ozone generation equipment. As a result, it has become a mandatory legal requirement to buy ozone generators only from approved, compliant suppliers.
What Are the GB BPR Regulations and Why Do They Matter?
The Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR) governs how biocidal products are approved, supplied, and used throughout Great Britain. Above all, the regulation ensures that substances used for disinfection meet strict standards for safety, proven effectiveness, and environmental protection.
Under GB BPR, the law classifies ozone as an active biocidal substance when it is generated in situ (on site) for purposes such as:
- Surface and equipment disinfection
- Air treatment and odour control
- Water and wastewater disinfection
- Food contact surface sanitation
Importantly, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now confirmed that ozone must undergo formal assessment and ongoing support through the GB BPR framework.
What Do the New GB BPR Regulations Mean for Ozone Generators?
As part of the regulatory transition, the industry will submit an official application for ozone to the HSE in November 2025. During this evaluation period, businesses may continue to use ozone generators only when an approved GB BPR application covers the equipment.
Once approval is granted, the requirements will change further:
- Only ozone generators supplied by GB BPR‑approved suppliers may be legally used for disinfection
- The regulation will apply to both existing installations and new equipment
- Any ozone generator that does not form part of an authorised application may become non‑compliant
Consequently, this change represents a significant shift for UK businesses that previously purchased ozone systems without formal regulatory oversight.
Why Buying an Ozone Generator from an Approved Supplier Is Essential
Purchasing an ozone generator from a supplier outside a GB BPR application introduces serious legal and operational risks. Therefore, supplier approval has become critical.
1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Using non‑compliant ozone equipment may directly result in:
- Regulatory enforcement action
- Fines or prohibition notices
- Mandatory removal or replacement of equipment
In contrast, approved suppliers actively commit to meeting GB BPR requirements and maintaining compliance over time.
2. Business Continuity and Investment Protection
Because ozone generators represent a long‑term investment, supplier choice directly affects operational stability. Buying from an approved supplier helps ensure:
- Continued legal operation once GB BPR approval is granted
- Protection from future regulatory changes
- No unexpected disruption to hygiene or disinfection processes
As a result, compliant purchasing protects both your systems and your budget.
3. Proven Safety and Performance
The GB BPR approval process evaluates:
- Controlled ozone generation
- Defined operational limits
- Verified biocidal efficacy and safe‑use instructions
Approved suppliers must therefore offer ozone generators that meet strict technical standards, which gives users confidence in both regulatory compliance and system performance.
4. Applicability to Existing Systems
Importantly, GB BPR does not apply only to new purchases. Existing ozone generators also fall within scope. If an approved supplier does not support an existing system, the business may no longer legally use that equipment for disinfection purposes in the future.
What Should UK Businesses Using Ozone Do Now?
If your organisation:
- Currently uses ozone for disinfection
- Plans to upgrade or replace ozone equipment
- Considers ozone technology for hygiene control
You should take the following steps now:
- Confirm that your supplier participates in a GB BPR application
- Avoid low‑cost or unverified ozone generators
- Request written confirmation of regulatory compliance
- Plan future investments with GB BPR approval in mind
Fortunately, industry‑led applications supported by recognised organisations and manufacturers continue to safeguard access to compliant ozone systems.
How to Check GB BPR‑Approved Suppliers of Ozone Generators
The HSE provides official guidance on in situ generated active substances here:
🔗 https://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/about/in-situ-generation.htm
Additionally, you can find a list of UK ozone GB BPR applications and participating suppliers at:
🔗 https://www.euota.org/uk-registration-group
Always ensure that your supplier appears within an approved application before purchasing or upgrading equipment.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of GB BPR requirements for ozone represents a major change in how Great Britain regulates ozone disinfection systems. Although ozone remains an effective and sustainable biocidal solution, its continued legal use now depends on approved suppliers and regulatory compliance.
Ultimately, choosing an ozone generator from a GB BPR‑approved supplier protects your business, safeguards your investment, and ensures long‑term operational certainty.
When it comes to ozone under GB BPR, who you buy from matters more than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GB BPR regulation?
The GB BPR is the UK regulatory framework that governs the approval, supply, and use of biocidal products. It ensures that disinfection products remain effective, safe, and environmentally responsible. Ozone falls under GB BPR when generated in situ for biocidal purposes.
Is ozone classed as a biocidal product in the UK?
Yes. When generated on site for disinfection, sanitation, air treatment, or water treatment, ozone qualifies as a biocidal active substance under GB BPR and requires an approved application.
When do the new GB BPR ozone rules come into force?
An application supporting ozone under GB BPR will be submitted in November 2025. During the evaluation period, only ozone generators included in approved applications may continue operating. Following approval, compliance becomes mandatory.
Do the GB BPR rules apply to existing ozone generators?
Yes. Both existing and new ozone generators fall under GB BPR. If an approved supplier does not support an installed system, the business may no longer legally use it for disinfection.
What happens if I use a non‑approved ozone generator?
Using non‑approved equipment may lead to regulatory enforcement, fines, mandatory shutdown or replacement, and insurance or audit failures.
How do I know if an ozone supplier is GB BPR approved?
You should request written confirmation from the supplier, review HSE guidance, and check recognised listings such as the EUOTA UK Registration Group. Never assume compliance without verification.
Does GB BPR approval mean an ozone generator is safer?
GB BPR approval evaluates controlled ozone output, operating parameters, safety instructions, and proven efficacy. Therefore, compliant systems offer greater confidence in safe and effective disinfection.
Which industries are affected by ozone GB BPR regulations?
Industries affected include food and beverage processing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, facilities management, water and wastewater treatment, and cold storage logistics.
Can I still buy a new ozone generator in the UK?
Yes, but you should only purchase from suppliers participating in a GB BPR application. Otherwise, future enforcement may require costly replacement.
What should I do before upgrading or replacing my ozone system?
Confirm supplier compliance, check that the product range is covered, request documentation, and avoid unverified imports. These steps protect your investment and ensure long‑term compliance.
Contact SOS to discuss any biocidal application using ozone generators.
Specialised Ozone Solutions and SOS Hygiene Technologies are proud members of the European Ozone Trading Association
