Commission helps users to implement the restriction on microplastics under the EU chemical legislation

The Commission published an Explanatory Guide to help stakeholders and Member States implement the microplastics restriction under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation. The restriction on intentionally added microplastics, which applies since October 2023, is the largest restriction under REACH to date, both in terms of scope and expected impacts. It is estimated that, over 20 years, the new rules would prevent the release in the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics, at an estimated total cost up to 19 billion euros. 

 The guide includes a section describing the provisions and objectives of the restriction, questions and answers addressing common questions from stakeholders and Member States, and annexes with ‘decision trees’ and examples of borderline cases. The document was prepared by the Commission in consultation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Member States. It will be regularly updated based on feedback from users. Future updates will be developed and published by ECHA.

Questions concerning this Explanatory Guide or the microplastics restriction are handled by ECHA and national helpdesks which have been specifically set up to answer questions on the implementation of REACH.