EU: REACH restriction on microplastics

 

The REACH regulation update addressing the intentional addition of microplastics in products will become effective on October 17, 2023. This restriction was initially proposed by ECHA in January 2019 and received support from our scientific committees in 2020. You can visit our website to learn more about the prevalence of microplastics in everyday products and their impact on the environment.

The enforcement of this restriction is outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, dated September 25, 2023. This regulation amends Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). It specifically addresses synthetic polymer microparticles.

The widespread presence of minuscule fragments of synthetic or chemically-altered natural polymers, which do not dissolve in water, degrade slowly, and can be easily ingested by living organisms, has raised concerns about their overall impact on the environment and potentially on human health. These polymers are found extensively in the environment and have even been detected in drinking water and food. They accumulate in the environment and contribute to the problem of microplastic pollution.

A significant portion of microplastic pollution arises unintentionally, such as the breakdown of larger plastic waste, wear and tear of tires and road paint, or the washing of synthetic clothing. However, there are also deliberate manufacturing and addition of tiny fragments of synthetic or chemically-modified natural polymers to various products. Therefore, the Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 was amended and the following entry was added:

„78.

Synthetic polymer microparticles: polymers that are solid and which fulfil both of the following conditions: (a) are contained in particles and constitute at least 1 % by weight of those particles; or build a continuous surface coating on particles;   (b) at least 1 % by weight of the particles referred to in point (a) fulfil either of the following conditions: (i) all dimensions of the particles are equal to or less than 5 mm;   (ii) the length of the particles is equal to or less than 15 mm and their length to diameter ratio is greater than 3. The following polymers are excluded from this designation: (a) polymers that are the result of a polymerisation process that has taken place in nature, independently of the process through which they have been extracted, which are not chemically modified substances;   (b) polymers that are degradable as proved in accordance with Appendix 15;   (c) polymers that have a solubility greater than 2 g/L as proved in accordance with Appendix 16;   (d) polymers that do not contain carbon atoms in their chemical structure.”

 

The new regulation can be found HERE.

To find out more about chemical compliance in the EU and the REACH regulation, please contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.