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. More information is available here.

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 compare the first two sections of the EPA registration number to find a product on this list. More information is available here.

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.

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.

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.

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
• Residual: Kills viral particles that come into contact with the surface after product is applied

This column tells you the types of surfaces on which the disinfectant can be used:

• 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, and 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.

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

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 Why is this product on List N?. 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.