This document specifies a test method and the minimum requirements for virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants that form a homogeneous physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water or, in the case of ready-to-use products, with water.
This document applies to products that are used in the food, industrial, domestic and institutional area for disinfecting non-porous surfaces without mechanical action, excluding areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated and excluding products used on living tissues.
This document applies at least to the following:
processing, distribution and retailing of:
food of animal origin:
milk and milk products;
meat and meat products;
fish, seafood, and related products;
eggs and egg products;
animal feeds;
etc.;
food of vegetable origin:
beverages;
fruits, vegetables and derivatives (including sugar, distillery, etc.);
flour, milling and baking;
animal feeds;
etc.;
institutional and domestic areas:
catering establishments;
public areas;
public transports;
schools;
nurseries;
shops;
sports rooms;
waste containers (bins, etc.);
hotels;
dwellings;
clinically non sensitive areas of hospitals;
offices;
etc.;
industries other than food:
packaging material;
biotechnology (yeast, proteins, enzymes, etc.);
pharmaceutical;
cosmetics and toiletries;
textiles;
space industry, computer industry;
etc.
EN 14885 specifies in detail the relationship of the various tests to one another and to “use recommendations”.
EN 17915:2025