Providing clarity on dispersant approvals when it matters most
In an incident, decisions often need to be made quickly, and with confidence, grounded in reliable, and up-to-date information.
Understanding whether a dispersant can be used in a specific location is not always straightforward. Approval status can vary significantly between countries, and information is often spread across multiple sources, regulatory frameworks, and documents. In some cases, it may be unclear whether a product is formally approved, conditionally accepted, or simply referenced within national planning documentation.
Through supporting response preparedness and real-world incidents globally, OSRL has seen first-hand the challenges this creates. Time spent searching for reliable information, validating sources, or interpreting regulatory position can delay decision-making when clarity is needed most.
The Dispersant Approvals Database was developed to address this challenge.
By bringing together dispersed information into a single, accessible view, the tool provides greater visibility of dispersant approval status across regions. It is designed to support planners, responders, and stakeholders in building a clearer picture of what may be possible, before an incident occurs, and when it matters most.
The database below provides an interactive view of dispersant approvals across regions.
How to use this tool
What you can do
- View country-specific information on OSRL-held dispersants that are listed as approved for use by the relevant national authorities. These dispersants form the core of OSRL’s Global Dispersant Stockpile (GDS) and are those most relevant in a major incident response.
- Access key data, including approval status, expiry dates, and relevant regulatory authorities.
- Submit updates or request corrections which OSRL will review to help keep the dataset current and accurate.
How it works
Select a country via the list or interactive map to view the dispersants approved for use in that region. Each entry includes supporting notes and links to external resources where available.
Users can also filter by specific dispersants to identify where they are approved globally.
Where official sources are unavailable or unclear, this is indicated within the notes to help users understand the level of confidence associated with each entry.
A downloadable version of the dataset is available for users who wish to explore or analyse the information in more detail.
Additional Information
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OSRL maintains this database using information gathered from publicly available sources, regulatory documentation, and industry references.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the information should be considered indicative rather than definitive.
Approval status reflects OSRL’s current understanding and may not always confirm that a formal application has been submitted or approved by the relevant authority. For example, a dispersant may be referenced within a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) without evidence of a formal approval process.
Where possible, sources are provided within the tool to support transparency and further investigation.
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This tool is intended to support awareness and planning. It should not be relied upon as the sole basis for operational or regulatory decision-making.
Users are responsible for verifying requirements with the relevant regulatory authorities and applying their own judgement in the context of specific incidents or operations.
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If you identify any discrepancies or have updated information to share, you can submit a request through the tool.
User feedback plays an important role in maintaining the quality and relevance of this resource for the global oil spill response community