Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Cancer
    • Chemicals, Toxics, and Pesticide
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Radon
    • Research
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • Our Mission and What We Do
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Labs and Research Centers
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Organization Chart
    • EPA History

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Pesticide Registration

Updated Draft Protocol for the Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity of Hard, Non-porous Copper Containing Surface Products

This document describes the updated draft testing protocol recommended by the EPA to support the registration of copper-containing surface products (such as door knobs, or other items that are not intended for food contact) that bear sanitizer claims. Based on public comments, numerous changes have been made to the draft, including changes to the test microbes, culture preparation, quality control process, and product characterization. The updated draft protocol highlights the following:

  • Abrasion and Chemical Exposure Process Overview
  • Test Methodology
  • Product Characterization
  • Product Labeling

EPA has initiated an external peer review of the updated draft protocol. Following completion of the external peer review, the Agency will evaluate the findings and revise the draft as appropriate prior to posting the final protocol.

  • Copper Protocol Cover Page (pdf) (15.66 KB, January 27, 2016)
  • Updated Draft Protocol for the Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity of Hard, Non-porous Copper Containing Surface Products (pdf) (455.25 KB, January 29, 2016)
  • Questions on Copper Surface Efficacy Protocol (pdf) (200.83 KB)

Pesticide Registration

  • About Pesticide Registration
  • Electronic Submission of Applications
  • Pesticide Registration Manual
  • Fees and Waivers
  • Registration Information by Type of Pesticide
  • — Antimicrobial Registration
  • — Biopesticide Registration
  • — Conventional Registration
  • — Inert Ingredient Regulation
  • Requirements and Guidance
  • — Data
  • — Forms
  • — Labeling
Contact Us about Pesticide Registration
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 24, 2025
  • Assistance
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (simplified)
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • French
  • Haitian Creole
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Tagalog
  • Vietnamese
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions
  • Site Feedback

Follow.