Companies that pivot to hand sanitiser production should heed varying rules

Hand Sanitiser Production Cleans Up—Are Companies Ready? Global product liability leader Shook, Hardy & Bacon creates easy-to-read infographics of regulations and requirements for companies entering into complex industry.

Business Wire reports that global sales of hand sanitiser will soar to $3.65 billion by 2025. Economists attribute the spike to the global Covid-19 pandemic that has people all over the world bettering their hygiene practices in an effort to ward off the virus. Even businesses that focus on other industries are pivoting to meet the demand including distilleries, breweries, and chemical and household product manufacturers according to media reports.

“It is all about understanding how exceptions to the usual regulatory requirements can help producers get their products to market more quickly and easily,” said Shook Solicitor Alison Newstead from London. “Not understanding how these Covid-related exceptions work could lead to expensive (and currently unnecessary) steps being taken and delay in bringing a product to market. A well-informed competitor could move into the space more quickly.”

Regulations and requirements vary from country to country. In the UK and EU, hand sanitisers can be regulated in various ways: as a cosmetic, a biocide or a pharmaceutical product. Each has its own regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with regulations may result in enforcement action; competitor complaints ; and consumer claims. Shook has created a series of infographics to easily explain some of the necessary requirements for manufacturing hand sanitiser in various jurisdictions.

“It’s important to understand the basics of manufacturing hand sanitiser through the life cycle of the product,” said Newstead, who focuses on product regulation and liability in a variety of industries including cosmetics, chemicals, food, health care, pharmaceuticals and medical device equipment.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon is known globally for its representation of some of the world’s leading brands. The Legal 500 UK ranks Shook International among the top 10 law firms in London in Product Liability – Defendant in 2020. Chambers & Partners lauded Shook’s globally known product liability strength with a Band 3 ranking in the 2020 edition of Chambers UK. With a growing London office, Shook represents clients around the world in product regulatory and liability matters.