The EU tightens restrictions on microplastics: key points to understand REACH Restriction No. 78 and the new Pellets Regulation

The deadline for manufacturers and industrial users to notify ECHA of their microplastics uses and emissions corresponding to the 2025 reporting year is 31 May 2026.

One of the functions of the European REACH Regulation is to restrict or prohibit the manufacture, placing on the market or use of specific chemical substances in order to protect human health and the environment.

One of the affected substances is synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs), also known as microplastics, through Restriction No. 78 of Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation.

This measure forms part of the European strategy to reduce plastic pollution and its environmental impact, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, and establishes new progressive obligations for manufacturers, importers and industrial users.

What is considered a microplastic under REACH?

According to Restriction No. 78 of Annex XVII, synthetic polymer microparticles are solid polymers that simultaneously meet the following conditions:

• Presence in particles: They constitute ≥1% by weight of the particles or form a continuous surface coating on them.
• Critical dimensions: At least 1% by weight of the particles meet one of the following criteria:
  • Dimensions ≤5 mm; or
  • Length ≤15 mm with a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 3.

In addition, the polymers must be intentionally present in the product and must not be biodegradable according to the criteria established in the restriction.

Main obligations under REACH Restriction No. 78

The restriction establishes a progressive ban on placing products on the market, accompanied by transitional periods for specific sectors. Key obligations include:

• Use restrictions: Affecting products such as cosmetics, detergents and fertilisers according to phased implementation dates.
• Instructions for use: Obligation to provide information on how to reduce environmental releases during industrial uses.
• Transparency: Strict information requirements regarding the presence of these substances in product technical documentation.
• ECHA notification: Obligation to submit annual reports on uses and estimated emissions.

New obligations: pellets and implementation phase

In addition to REACH, Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 has introduced specific requirements for plastic pellets. This Regulation establishes measures to prevent pellet losses into the environment during handling, transport and use.

Among the new obligations is the implementation of pellet loss prevention plans, reinforcing supply chain controls without changing the overall EU objective of reducing microplastic pollution.

Impact on companies and key deadlines

These changes will have a significant impact on sectors such as cosmetics, detergents, fertilisers and industrial products, which will need to:

• Review product formulations
• Assess the presence of synthetic polymers in mixtures
• Adapt labelling and user information
• Submit ECHA notifications (microplastics reporting). Key deadlines:
  • 31 May 2026. Deadline for manufacturers and industrial users to report the use of microplastics in the form of granules, flakes and powders, including polymer types and emissions generated during 2025.
  • 31 May 2027. Extension of the reporting obligation to other industrial microplastic suppliers and suppliers of products intended for professional and consumer use.

The REACH microplastics restriction represents one of the most significant regulatory developments in environmental sustainability within the European Union.

Its progressive implementation requires companies to anticipate changes and adapt their processes to ensure compliance and reduce environmental impact.