The terms "biocides" and "pesticides" are regularly interchanged, and often confused with 

"plant protection products". To clarify this, pesticides include both biocides and 

plant protection products, where the former regards substances for non-food and feed 

purposes and the latter regards substances for food and feed purposes.

When discussing biocides a distinction should be made between the biocidal active substance 

and the biocidal product. The biocidal active substances are mostly chemical compounds, 

but can also be microorganisms (e.g. bacteria). Biocidal products contain one or more biocidal 

active substances and may contain other non-active co-formulants that ensure the effectiveness 

as well as the desired pH, viscosity, colour, odour, etc. of the final product. 

Biocidal products are available on the market for use by professional and/or non-professional consumers.