Why the EU Cares About Microplastics and Why You Should Too

Tags:

Open hands holding a scoop of loose plastic resin pellets
02 Apr 2025

Navigating the EU Microplastics Regulation with Intertek

If you manufacture products sold in the EU, you may have received inquiries about microplastics from your customers. They may be asking:

  • Do your products contain microplastics?
  • What are the specific chemical identities of these microplastics?
  • What is the quantity of microplastics in your finished product?

If these questions sound familiar, you may be wondering: Why now? And do I need to take action?

What Are Microplastics?

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) defines synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM), also known as microplastics, as solid polymers that meet the following criteria:

  • They are contained in particles and make up at least 1% (by weight) of those particles OR form a continuous surface coating on those particles.
  • At least 1% (by weight) of the particles meet one of the following conditions:
    • All dimensions of the particles are ≤5 mm; and/or
    • The particles are ≤15 mm in length, and their length-to-diameter ratio is >3.

Understanding the EU Microplastics Regulation

On December 11, 2024, ECHA introduced a Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (Microplastics) reporting system proposal. This reporting system aligns with Entry 78 of Annex XVII of the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which outlines reporting obligations for certain uses of microplastics.

Who Needs to Report?

According to the draft proposal, entities will be required to submit data to ECHA by May 31 each year, starting in 2026 or 2027, depending on the specific uses of the product containing microplastics.

Under Entry 78, EU-based manufacturers, industrial downstream users, and suppliers placing microplastics on the market for consumer and professional use for the first time must report their estimated annual emissions of synthetic polymer microparticles into the environment.

Do Non-EU Manufacturers Need to Comply?

If you are a non-EU manufacturer, you are not directly responsible for submitting information to ECHA. However, your EU customers do have compliance obligations—and they will need your cooperation to meet them.

To fulfill their own reporting requirements, your EU customers may request proof that your products do not contain microplastics subject to the regulation, and request data demonstrating the chemical identity and quantity of microplastics within your finished product (if applicable).

How This Regulation Affects Your Business

Compliance with new regulations can feel overwhelming. However, they present a unique opportunity for businesses. Understanding your regulatory obligations and working proactively with your EU customers can strengthen your market position, demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and compliance, and streamline business relationships by making it easier for your EU customers to meet their obligations.

How Intertek Can Help You Stay Compliant

Intertek offers a comprehensive regulatory compliance service to support you and your EU customers with navigating Entry 78 of Annex XVII of the EU REACH regulation. We can help you:

  • Determine your specific compliance obligations related to microplastics.
  • Conduct testing and analysis to assess microplastic content in your products.
  • Help your EU customers complete their initial and annual reporting submissions to ECHA.

Our services allow you to stay ahead of regulatory changes while freeing up your time to focus on other priorities.

Questions? Intertek Can Help!

Do you have questions about this topic, the regulation, or something related? Contact our experts (chemicals.assuris@intertek.com). We are here to help!

Sources & Further Reading

A professional headshot of Claire Groves
Claire Groves

Associate III, Chemicals Group, Intertek Assuris

As part of the Global REACH Team, Claire's primary focus and role is assisting her North American clients in maintaining compliance with the REACH regulatory requirements in the EU, UK, Turkey, and India. Claire is involved in managing numerous clients' REACH programs, which includes disseminating and analyzing annual Only Representative (OR) reporting, creation of inquiry and joint registration dossiers using the IUCLID software, and other regulatory support to comply with REACH regulations across the globe. Claire attended McMaster University, where she received an H.B.Sc. in Biology.

Blogs by Category
Blogs by Year

You may be interested in...