Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards synthetic polymer microparticles

Summary:

Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 - adopted by the European Commission on 25 September 2023 - introducing amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards synthetic polymer microparticles. This is a text with EEA relevance.

Further information:

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 - also known as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation - provides a comprehensive legislative framework for chemicals that are manufactured and used across the European Union (EU). It also established the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

In November 2017, the European Commission asked the Agency to prepare a dossier with a view to a possible restriction of synthetic, water-insoluble polymers (five mm or less) that are present in products to confer a sought-after characteristic. This aimed at addressing the risk that those microparticles may pose to the aquatic environment. In its Article XV dossier published in January 2019, ECHA concluded that microplastics intentionally added to certain products are released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner, and recommended to restrict them.

Based on the scientific evidence provided by ECHA, the Commission drafted a restriction proposal under REACH that was later endorsed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before adoption. These rules prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added on purpose and that release those microplastics when used. When duly justified, derogations and transition periods for the affected parties to adjust to the new rules apply. The Commission Regulation was published in the Official Journal on 27 September 2023.

• Primary Source

Official

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Microplastics https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/microplastics

European Commission: Press Release, 27/09/2023: Protecting environment and health: Commission adopts measures to restrict intentionally added microplastics https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4581

European Commission: Questions and Answers on restriction to intentionally added microplastics (27 September 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_4602

---