EU REACH Restriction on Intentionally Added Microplastics
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Phased application beginning October 17, 2023 (progressive bans by product category through 2035)
Overview
Based on a proposal from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Commission amended REACH Annex XVII to adopt a restriction (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) that, in principle, bans placing on the market any organic, synthetic, solid polymer particles under 5mm (microplastics) intentionally added to products. The regulation is designed to prevent pollution from microplastics that escape into marine and terrestrial ecosystems and do not degrade.
Covered products span a very broad range, including cosmetics, detergents, waxes, adhesives, paints, agrochemicals, and infill material for artificial turf, and the regulation restricts intentionally formulating covered substances into products at 0.01% by weight or more. Depending on the product's use and the state of alternative development, phased transition and derogation periods of up to 12 years from entry into force apply.
Enforcement Timeline
September 25, 2023: The European Commission formally adopts the amending Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 on microplastics restriction.
October 17, 2023: The Regulation enters into force; placing on the EU market of scrub products (microbeads) and certain products with readily available alternatives is banned immediately.
October 17, 2027: The transition period ends for rinse-off cosmetics and similar products, and the ban applies.
October 17, 2029: Placing on the market of polymeric infill used in artificial turf and sports surfaces (one of the largest sources of release) is banned, and the restriction begins to apply to leave-on cosmetics.
October 17, 2035: All transition periods for cosmetics such as makeup, lip, and nail products end, completing the full ban (from 2029, transitional measures such as warning labels apply to covered formulated products).
Business Impact
Manufacturers exporting cosmetics, household goods, paints, adhesives, and plastic molding materials to Europe must urgently identify intentionally added polymer particles in their products (such as PE, PP, PMMA, and nylon) and switch to unregulated alternatives, such as naturally derived biodegradable polymers or inorganic materials (silica, cellulose, and others). Increased development costs from reformulation and higher sourcing costs for alternative materials are unavoidable.
EU importers and European customers will require objective evidence — such as content data confirming compliance with the 0.01% threshold, biodegradability test results, and solubility test results. Companies need to build a rigorous data management framework in coordination with primary and secondary material suppliers, using information-exchange tools such as chemSHERPA. Placing on the EU market or distributing products containing restricted microplastics after the transition period ends carries substantial risk, including product recall orders from enforcement authorities, product seizure, significant fines, and serious damage to brand value as an "environmental polluter."