List N is a list of products that EPA expects will kill SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, when used according to the label directions.
All products on this list meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Products qualify for List N if they:
- Demonstrate efficacy against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19);
- Demonstrate efficacy against a pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
- Demonstrate efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Below, you’ll find definitions of each column of List N. These will explain what type of information this column gives you and how it can help you fight SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
EPA Registration Number
The easiest way to find a product on this list is to enter the first two sets of its EPA registration number into the search bar above the list of products.
For example, if EPA Reg. No. 12345-12 is on List N, you can buy EPA Reg. No. 12345-12-2567 and know you’re getting an equivalent product. You can find this number by looking for the EPA Reg. No. on the product label.
Product Name
List N only includes the primary product registered by EPA. These products may be marketed and sold under different brand names that you are more familiar with seeing on shelves so we recommend that you rely on comparing the first two sections of the EPA registration number to find a product on this list. More information is available here.
To kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), follow disinfection directions for the following pathogen(s)
EPA expects all products on this list to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions, regardless of what is shown in this column.
A product’s effectiveness can change depending on how you use it, and some pathogens are more difficult to kill than others. Because of this, disinfectants may have different directions for different pathogens. To kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), you should follow the directions on the package for the pathogen listed there.
If this column includes “SARS-CoV-2,” the product has been tested against and demonstrated efficacy against SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19).
If this column includes “human coronavirus,” this product has demonstrated efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19).
If this column shows something other than human coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, that means the product works against a harder-to-kill pathogen like norovirus. If you follow the directions on the package for this harder-to-kill pathogen, EPA expects the product to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Always check that the product's label includes directions for use for the pathogen on List N. For example, if List N indicates that a product will kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) if you follow the directions for rotavirus, make sure the label contains directions for use against rotavirus.
Contact Time (in minutes)
The contact time is the amount of time the treated surface should remain wet to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The surface should be visibly wet for the full duration of the contact time.
Formulation Type
This column provides information about how you can apply the product. When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, always follow the label directions on the product package.
Dilutable: Liquid that can be diluted with water
Ready-To-Use: Ready to use off the shelf
Impregnated materials: Product with the disinfectant built into it (e.g. toilet wand)
Fog; Mist: Can be applied as a fog or mist
Electrostatic spray: Can be applied with an electrostatic sprayer
Solid: Dissolvable tablet
Vapor: Use in conjunction with Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)generator
Wipe: Towelette pre-saturated with disinfectant
Surface Types
This column tells you the types of surfaces on which the disinfectant can be used (e.g., non-porous surfaces like doorknobs or stainless steel counters, or porous surfaces such as fabric).
Hard Nonporous (HN): Use on hard nonporous surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, light switches, and sealed wood.
Porous (P): Use on porous surfaces like fabric, cushions, untreated wood.
Food Contact Surfaces, Post-Rinse Required (FCR): Use on surfaces that touch food like countertops, dishes, and cooking utensils. Do not use on food. Rinse the surface after using this product.
Food Contact Surfaces, No Rinse (FCNR): Use on surfaces that touch food like countertops, dishes, and cooking utensils. Do not use on food. You do not need to rinse the surface after using this product.
Use Sites
This column tells you where the disinfectant can be used:
- Healthcare: Hospital, dental or other health care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Institutional: Schools, office buildings and restaurants
- Residential: Homes
Emerging Viral Pathogen Claim?
This column of List N shows whether or not a product qualified for EPA’s emerging viral pathogen claim.
EPA expects all products on List N to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to label directions, regardless of whether they have yes or no in this column.
If you see “yes,” that means the product qualified for an emerging viral pathogen claim. To do so, a product must be effective against a harder-to-kill virus than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
If you see “no,” that means the product does not have an emerging viral pathogen claim. These fall into three categories:
- Products that demonstrate efficacy against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19);
- Products that demonstrate efficacy against a pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
- Products that demonstrate efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Why is this product on List N?
EPA expects all products on List N to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to label directions.
Products qualify for List N if they:
- Demonstrate efficacy against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19);
- Demonstrate efficacy against a pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
- Demonstrate efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Some products that are on List N because they are effective against harder-to-kill pathogens have emerging viral pathogen (EVP) claims. This column of List N also tells you if a product has an EVP claim. EVP claims affect the types of statements companies can make about their products’ expected efficacy in their marketing, websites, and social media.
Return to Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).