Armenia Incorrectly Registered 'Alcogels': EEU's Response

Hetq conducted a study of the disinfectant market and found that these products are not only unregulated but also registered as cosmetic products, undergoing examination based on only 4 parameters of an incorrect technical regulation.

The article also noted that these products obtained registration declarations through 'fake procedures,' primarily examined in two laboratories under the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Health.

One of these laboratories, the 'National Institute of Standards,' after our publication, released a statement claiming that some information published in the article does not reflect reality, assuring that the registration was performed without violations.

We sent an inquiry to the Eurasian Economic Commission, asking for clarification on whether disinfectants are considered cosmetic products. We attached certificates and labels of registered products in Armenia to the inquiry.

Alcogels and disinfectants are not examined and are registered in violation of the law as cosmetic products.

Before diving into the clarification, we would like to present some brief information about antibacterial and disinfectant products. Antibacterial products fight against 'bacteria,' while disinfectants combat infections caused by 'viruses.'

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a type of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the purpose of 'alcogel' is to protect against the coronavirus, it should be a disinfectant.

Bacteria are unicellular living organisms that can manage all phases of their life independently. In contrast, viruses are parasites; they cannot survive on their own and thus 'feed' on foreign cells (humans, animals, and even plants).

A care product cannot function as a disinfectant. An antibacterial product can serve as a care product. For example, soaps, ointments, liquids, and gels can be antibacterial.

Disinfectant products are subject to state registration, while antibacterial cosmetic products require 'certification.'

Disinfectants are controlled by the Ministry of Health in Armenia, while antibacterial products are regulated by the Market Safety Inspection body.

All doctors are aware of the difference between bacteria and infections. However, the 'National Institute of Standards,' under the Ministry of Economy, did not catch this distinction in the publication; on May 6, the NI issued a statement 'in response to an article published on Hetq.am,' where they noted that 'some information published in the article does not reflect reality.'

Specifically, the statement mentioned that 'skin care products classified under the 330499 classification code are subject to the Technical Regulation TR CU 009/2011 'On the safety of perfume and cosmetic products,'' regardless of whether they have antibacterial properties. The same was stated by Hetq: no contrary claim.

It is also noted that samples of skin care products undergo laboratory testing in advance, and based on positive results, confirmation declarations are registered,” states the media.