REACH committee votes to restrict intentional microplastics

The Commission welcomes the positive vote of the EU countries on the REACH committee for its proposal to restrict microplastics that are intentionally added to products.

Issued under the European chemical legislation REACH, the Commission's proposal follows the European Chemicals Agency’s findings that microplastics pose a risk to the environment that is not adequately controlled.

It is estimated that over 20 years, the proposed restriction would prevent the release in the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics, at an estimated total cost up to €19 billion. The proposal will now be subject to a 3-month scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council before it can be adopted by the Commission.