EU Microplastics (SPMs) Restrictions Explained: Key Compliance Duties and Business Solutions

Microplastics have become a growing global concern due to their persistence and ability to spread across air, water, and even reach remote regions like the Arctic. In response to this escalating pollution issue, the European Commission adopted a new restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) in September 2023 under Annex XVII, Entry 78 of the REACH Regulation.

This article provides a practical overview of the EU microplastics restriction, the definition of SPMs, compliance timelines, and how businesses can ensure conformity with the new requirements.

What Are Microplastics (SPMs)?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter that often originate from intentionally added ingredients or degradation of larger plastics. These particles pose significant environmental threats due to their persistence and mobility.

Under the EU REACH Regulation, microplastics are formally defined as:

“Solid, carbon-based synthetic polymer particles with a diameter of ≤5mm or fibers ≤15mm in length with a length-to-diameter ratio >3.”

Notably, water-soluble (≥2g/L) or biodegradable polymers are excluded from this definition—but only if validated through specific testing standards required by the regulation.

Overview of the EU Microplastics Restriction (REACH Annex XVII, Entry 78)

The microplastics restriction targets the intentional use of synthetic polymer microparticles in products placed on the EU market. While the use of these particles is largely prohibited, the regulation includes transition periods (from 4 to 10 years) for certain low-risk sectors—such as cosmetics, fragrances, and medical devices—to find alternative materials.

Exemptions and Delayed Requirements

The regulation provides exemptions or delayed implementation for SPMs used in:

• Industrial applications
• In vitro diagnostic devices
• Medicinal and veterinary products
• Food additives
• Products with low environmental release risk
• Cosmetics (labeling mandatory from 2031), etc.

Compliance Obligations of EU microplastics regulation for Companies

Information Requirements and Labeling

Different product categories have different start dates for communicating SPM-related information to downstream users or the public.

Starting October 17, 2025:

• Industrial SPMs (Art. 4a): Suppliers must provide instructions for safe use and disposal, declare conformity with the regulation, disclose SPM quantity or concentration (if applicable), and provide general polymer characteristics for regulatory purposes.
• Food additives and low-release-risk products (Art. 4d & 5): Instructions for use and disposal must be provided to professional users and the general public.

Starting October 17, 2026:

• In vitro diagnostic devices (Art. 4e): Same information and labeling requirements apply.

Starting January 1, 2031:

• Cosmetics (Art. 6c): Products must be labeled with:

“This product contains microplastics.”
This applies only to new market entries; existing products have until December 17, 2031, to comply.

Labeling rules: All information must be clear, readable, indelible, and included on the product label, packaging, SDS, or via digital formats (e.g., QR code, website).

Annual Reporting to ECHA

Companies must report annual estimates of SPM emissions to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), based on the previous calendar year.

• From 2026: Industrial manufacturers and users of granular SPMs must begin reporting.
• From 2027: All other SPM product suppliers under Articles 4(b), 4(d), 4(e), and 5 must submit reports.

Submission deadline: May 31 every year

Our Full-Scale EU Microplastics Compliance Services

At REACH24H, we support global businesses in meeting every aspect of the SPMs regulation. Our services include:

Regulatory Assessment

We analyze your product portfolio to determine whether your materials fall under the restriction or qualify for exemptions.

SPMs Testing & Evaluation

With extensive lab capabilities, we conduct solubility and biodegradability testing in accordance with EU standards to verify exclusion.

Labeling & SDS Preparation

We assist with preparing compliant product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) aligned with both the CLP Regulation and SPMs rules.

Annual Report Filing

We handle ECHA submissions on your behalf, ensuring your emission reporting obligations are met smoothly and on time.

Stay Ahead of EU Green Compliance

The new microplastics regulation is a milestone in the EU’s green and circular economy agenda. While the compliance path may be complex, early preparation ensures uninterrupted market access and brand trust. Need help with SPMs compliance? Contact our regulatory specialists to get started with a tailored solution.