The European Union’s highest court has ruled that products such as disinfectants cannot be advertised as “skin friendly.” This decision was made following a request for clarification from a German federal court. The case involved a drugstore chain that sold a hand, skin, and surface disinfectant labeled as “skin friendly,” among other claims.
The German Association for Protection against Unfair Competition argued that the drugstore chain dm failed to comply with an EU regulation concerning biocidal products. The court agreed, stating that the regulation prohibits promoting such products using terms like “low-risk biocidal product,” “nontoxic,” “harmless,” “natural,” “environmentally friendly,” or “animal friendly,” and any similar indications.
The EU court explained that the phrase “skin friendly” carries positive connotations that avoid highlighting potential risks. It can also lead consumers to believe that the product is beneficial for the skin. The court concluded that such advertising is misleading and justifies prohibiting its use for biocidal products.
