EPA Triggers EVP Policy for Hantavirus: What Disinfectant Manufacturers Need to Know

The EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) policy has been triggered for hantavirus.  

What does this mean? 

This allows qualifying EPA-registered disinfectant products to communicate effectiveness in non-label communications, against hantavirus before pathogen-specific efficacy data is available. 

However, it is important to note that participation in the EVP program is essentially a two-step process, requiring registrants to prepare in advance of an EVP outbreak.

1. A product must establish EVP eligibility through EPA review of efficacy data consistent with established EVP viral hierarchy. Registrants submit data demonstrating effectiveness to EPA, and EPA determines whether the product qualifies for future EVP communications. This approval is then documented on the EPA approved master label.
2. EVP criteria must be “triggered” as outlined in the guidance for a specific emerging pathogen. EPA keeps a list of active Emerging Viral Pathogens on their website. Once triggered, registrants with previously evaluated products may begin making EVP communications consistent with EPA’s framework and the terms of registration.

The hantavirus case is a good reminder that there are steps companies can take to prepare in advance of an outbreak; positioning themselves to provide immediate support in potential public health emergencies.  

Which Disinfectant Products Can Make Hantavirus Claims? 

As an enveloped virus, hantavirus is considered a tier one virus. As such, products that are registered as either hospital / healthcare or broad spectrum disinfectants and are approved by EPA to inactivate at least one large or small non-enveloped virus, may be eligible to make claims for tier one EVPs like hantavirus. Currently approved products can be searched for under EPA’s List Q.

Do my products qualify? 

If you have questions about the EVP process or whether your products qualify, please reach out to Compass directly (email me at nicole@compassregulatory.com or fill out the form below!) - where our experts can help you navigate this process. Compass looks forward to supporting clients as they navigate the regulatory and strategic implications of EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen policy.