Microplastics (SPM – Synthetic Polymer Microparticles) represent one of the main regulatory and environmental challenges of recent years. With Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, the European Union introduced a restriction on the intentional use of microplastics added to numerous products, starting October 17, 2023, with gradual bans until 2035. Different deadlines are envisaged depending on the type of product and sector, and the ban also extends to intermediate raw materials, not just finished products.
WHAT DOES EU REGULATION 2023/2055 PROVIDE
The restriction covers any intentionally added microplastic, even in minimal quantities, and defines precise criteria on:
- Dimensions (≤ 5 mm) and physical-chemical characteristics;
- Solubility, biodegradability, and environmental persistence;
- Methods of use and release into the environment throughout the entire life cycle;
- Labelling requirements, instructions for use, and communication to B2B customers.
By 31 May 2026, plastics producers and, from 2027, suppliers of SPMs exempted from paragraph 4a, industrial downstream users using synthetic polymer microparticles at industrial sites and falling under derogation 5 who place the product on the market for the first time, will have to manage the annual reporting obligations, i.e. submit to ECHA a declaration containing:
- An estimate of the quantities of microplastics placed on the market in the previous calendar year
- A description of the use(s) of the SPM in the previous calendar year
- Generic information on the identity of the polymers used
- For each use, the applicable exemption(s) in paragraphs 4 or 5
The reporting dossier will be created using IUCLID and subsequently submitted to ECHA via the REACH-IT portal.
The regulation does NOT apply to:
- Microplastics not intentionally added (e.g., secondary microplastics from wear or degradation);
- Water-soluble polymers;
- Polymers biodegradable according to recognized standards (e.g., OECD 306);
- Applications contained in solid matrices from which release is technically avoidable (requires documentation).
Contact your Cepra representative for more information.
Dr. Giuliana Bonvicini g.bonvicini@ceprasrl.it
