Background Information
The European Union has introduced a restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM), commonly known as microplastics, under REACH Annex XVII, Entry 78. This regulation, in force since October 2023, aims to reduce intentionally added microplastics released into the environment, while still allowing certain essential uses under specific derogations.
Key Elements of the Restriction
Main components include:
Restriction
Placing microplastics on the market is banned unless the use falls under a derogation. Examples include industrial feedstock, medicines, food additives, in vitro diagnostic devices, or embedded/contained uses.
Derogations with reporting
Certain intentional uses are permitted, but companies must report annually to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Reporting
Companies must report:
- Type of use and applicable derogation
- Generic polymer identity (via Harmonised System codes)
- Estimated annual emissions (including transport and end use)
Timelines
- By 31 May 2026: First reports from manufacturers and industrial users of pellets, flakes, and powders (covering 2025 emissions)
- By 31 May 2027: First reports from all other manufacturers, downstream users, and suppliers (covering 2026 emissions)
Format
Reporting is submitted in IUCLID and coordinated via REACH-IT, ensuring harmonised data collection and accessibility to EU Member States.
Who needs to report to ECHA?
- EU Manufacturers of SPM and industrial downstream users (DUs) using SPM at an industrial site.
- Suppliers* of products containing SPM
*For reporting purposes under entry 78, a supplier may be a manufacturer, an importer, or an industrial downstream user (DU) who places products on the EU market for the first time, either for professional use or for use by the general public. Distributors do not have obligations under entry 78.
Suppliers that wish to submit reporting SPM emissions under an OR role are invited to contacted REACHLaw for more information!
Our Services
We provide practical support for compliance with the Microplastics Restriction. Our work covers auditing and submission of estimated released quantities.
✔️ Auditing – Review of your portfolio against regulatory expectations.
✔️ Obligation Mapping – Identification of duties under the restriction, tailored to your operations.
✔️ Data Support – Assistance in structuring emission information to the required format and categories.
✔️ IUCLID Dossier Preparation – Compilation of data in the required IUCLID format.
✔️ REACH-IT Submission – Technical handling and submission of the dossier through REACH-IT.
✔️ Follow-up – Ongoing monitoring of changes and updates to obligations.