New EU draft Regulation regarding Microplastic published

This draft Regulation will introduce a new entry to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. 

The European Commission has published a draft regulation to restrict placing microplastics and certain products containing microplastics, on the market. The restriction will be adopted under the REACH regulation, which sets the EU framework for chemicals. 

According to the proposed restriction, synthetic polymer microparticles would be prohibited to be placed on the market, specifically if microplastics are intentionally added to products in concentration above 0.01% by weight 

Several product categories will be affected by the proposed restriction, alltough there are few exceptions. Companies affected by the proposal will probably include those that manufacture and place fragrances, cosmetics, medical devices and biocidal products that contain microplastics, on the market. However, bio degradable, watersoluble, inorganic and natural polymers are excluded from the definition of microplastics. 

There are transition periods in the proposed regulation for specific uses that are affected by the restriction. This will give affected stakeholders sufficient time to comply with the restriction and switch to suitable alternatives, such as degradable polymers. 

The texts of the Regulation can be consulted HERE.